Crypto
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that uses a blockchain.
Many are based on public blockchain technology, a distributed ledger of all transactions that are decentralized and can’t be changed under most circumstances.
Unlike traditional currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, they are not controlled by any central government or authority.
How does Cryptocurrency work?
Cryptocurrencies run on a distributed public ledger called blockchain, a record of all transactions updated and held by currency holders.
Units of cryptocurrency are created through a process called mining, which involves using computer power to solve complicated mathematical problems that generate coins. Users can also buy the currencies from brokers, then store and spend them using cryptographic wallets.
If you own cryptocurrency, you don’t own anything tangible. What you own is a key that allows you to move a record or a unit of measure from one person to another without a trusted third party.
Although Bitcoin has been around since 2009, cryptocurrencies and applications of blockchain technology are still emerging in financial terms, and more uses are expected in the future. Transactions including bonds, stocks, and other financial assets could eventually be traded using the technology.
Cryptocurrency
examples
There are thousands of cryptocurrencies. Some of the best known include:
Bitcoin:
Founded in 2009, Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and is still the most commonly traded.
Ethereum:
Developed in 2015, Ethereum is a blockchain platform with its own cryptocurrency, called Ether (ETH) or Ethereum. It is the most popular cryptocurrency after Bitcoin.
Long & Short
By trading CFD’s you have the option to trade the financial markets whether they are falling or rising by placing Long or Short orders.
A Long, or a long position, refers to the purchase of an asset with the expectation it will increase in value, giving it a bullish attitude.
A Short, or a short position, refers to the purchase of an asset with the expectation it will decrease in value, giving it a bearish attitude.
Leverage allows traders to access more than their current balance by putting down a percentage of this which is represented as Used Margin. This allows traders to trade and access markets they simply would not have otherwise been able to.
What’s leverage?
Leverage
Bitcoin CFD Risk Management
As CFDs are leveraged products you can gain or lose much larger amounts compared to your initial investment and your losses can exceed your deposits.
Understanding risk management is a core part of becoming a successful trader which is why we have created our extensive knowledge base to help you gain a better understanding of how to manage risk and take your trading to the next level.
Trading Bitcoin CFD’s with Leverage
Opening Price
$7,450 AUD
Closing Price
$11,350 AUD
Leverage
3x
Gross Profit for this Trade
$11,700
Opening the Position
The price of Bitcoin against the AUD Dollar is $7,450 and you buy 1 Bitcoin using 3x leverage wich increases the risk / reward of the position by 3x
Closing the Position
As the price of Bitcoin increases to $11,350 AUD you close the trade and take a profit of $11,700 which is 3x greater due to the use of leverage.
