Don't Miss This Crucial Ethereum Update!

When I first got into cryptocurrency and blockchain, I was fascinated by the idea of a decentralized, peer-to-peer network where I could transact business. But almost immediately, I thought that simply paying for stuff with Bitcoin (BTC) was only the beginning. Blockchain technology could do so much more.

That’s why I was taken immediately with Ethereum (ETH). The platform could do just about anything you could put into code. And that had enormous implications for finance, especially for consumers without traditional financial resources, like banks or brokers.

And today, the case for Ethereum couldn’t be stronger. I’ll give my reasons below. In the meantime, feel free to check out my article I wrote on Ethereum back in May. And also take a gander at my article on why blockchain is changing just about everything we do.

The Nuts and Bolts Behind Ethereum

Before we take a look at what Ethereum (ETH) has been up to – and what awaits it down the road – let’s do a quick review.

Like Bitcoin, Ethereum is an open-source, decentralized, ledger-based blockchain technology. While that may sound complicated, think of it as a fancy spreadsheet with a list of transactions that is copied across a vast array of computers. To transact business on the blockchain, you and the person you’re doing business with have to follow the rules set out in the transaction. If you do – and if everyone else on the blockchain verifies that you did – then the transaction is finalized and added to the blockchain. This all happens using sophisticated cryptography solving complicated puzzles duplicated across all those computers. So, doing business on the blockchain is super-secure.

But beyond these common characteristics, Ethereum is different from Bitcoin in many ways. Here’s what I mean: Continue reading "Don't Miss This Crucial Ethereum Update!"

Gold Builds Buy Setup, Is Bitcoin Next?

Gold follows the map posted in an earlier update.

Daily Gold Chart

Gold dropped within two visible legs close to the area of 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level located at $1,738. The second leg down has overshot the size of the first leg reaching almost 1.272 of its distance. The RSI has shown two legs down either. Initially, the 50 level in the indicator’s sub-chart acted as a support, and then it turned resistance for the joint between two legs. Continue reading "Gold Builds Buy Setup, Is Bitcoin Next?"

Quadruple Witching Puts Pressure On Markets

You might be wondering what "Quadruple Witching" is and why it would have a negative effect on the market. Quadruple witching refers to a date on which stock index futures, stock index options, stock options, and single stock futures expire simultaneously. For example, while stock options contracts and index options expire on the third Friday of every month, all four asset classes expire simultaneously on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.

Quadruple witching days witness heavy trading volume, thus putting strain on the markets, which often leads to down trading days like we see today. In fact, the week following quadruple witching, the market indices such as the S&P 500, DOW, and NASDAQ tend to decline, perhaps due to exhausting the near-term demand for stocks. Something to keep in mind as we head into next week. Continue reading "Quadruple Witching Puts Pressure On Markets"

Important Bitcoin Update!

Back in May, I talked about my reasons why everyone should own a little Bitcoin (BTC).

Since then, BTC has been on a wild ride, to say the least!

But the factors I talked about in May are still at play. That’s why today we’ll do a much-needed update on why Bitcoin and why it should still be a part of just about everyone’s portfolio.

A Bitcoin Refresher

Before we get into what’s happened with Bitcoin recently, let’s take a step back.

Like other digital currencies, Bitcoin doesn’t exist in physical form. Rather, it exists in digital form on computers. And because most bank accounts exist in digital form, Bitcoin is like something you’re already used to Your bank account. And like your bank account, Bitcoin has utility: You can use it as a method of exchange or hold it as a store of value.

But beyond these similarities, Bitcoin and your bank account are pretty different. In order for your bank to function on your behalf as either a method of exchange or a store of value, it needs to sign off on your account’s value and existence. You also have to rely on the bank’s computers to make sure your money is safely guarded. Continue reading "Important Bitcoin Update!"

DOW Finishes With 5 Straight Days Of Losses

The DOW posted a daily loss for a fifth straight day Friday as economic uncertainty looms large. The DOW dropped 271.7 points or -0.78%, to close at 34,607.72. The S&P 500 dipped -0.77% to close at 4,458.58, and the NASDAQ -0.87% to close at 15,115.49.

For the week, the DOW finished down -2.15% for its second negative week in a row. Likewise, the S&P 500 lost -1.69% for the week, its first weekly loss in two weeks, while the NASDAQ finished the week -1.61% lower. Continue reading "DOW Finishes With 5 Straight Days Of Losses"