15 Cryptocurrencies With Billion-Dollar Market Caps

INVITE FRIENDS AND GET FREE BITCOIN

Invite a friend who buys or sells $100 USD ($134) of digital currency or more, and you'll both earn $10 USD ($13) of free bitcoin!

Help grow the digital currency community and earn free bitcoin.

Using digital currency is more fun with friends! You can invite your friends by sharing the provided link. Once your friend buys or sells $100 USD ($134) of digital currency or more, you will both get $10 USD ($13) of free bitcoin.

You can get a Bitcoin bonus here >>>

Though they may have begun the year as a taboo investment, cryptocurrencies as a whole have taken center stage and captured the attention of investors worldwide. With more than 1,300 virtual currencies combining for a market cap of $336 billion, the aggregate increase since the beginning of the year, through Dec. 3, is about 1,800%. Mind you, it would take decades for the stock market to generate historically similar returns for investors.

It's all about blockchain

What's really come into focus is the potential for blockchain technology, which underlies most cryptocurrencies. Blockchain is the digital and decentralized ledger than records all transactions without the need for a financial middleman, like a bank. Because these networks are open source, altering data would prove exceptionally difficult. Also, since they're decentralized, the ability of cybercriminals to disrupt a network is pretty low.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

And that's still not all. Blockchain technology, potentially in cooperation with virtual currencies, can aid in the facilitation of quicker settlement times. In some cases, we could be talking about instantaneous overseas transactions from person-to-person or businesses-to-business.

Because of these attributes, businesses are chomping at the bit for the opportunity to test or incorporate blockchain technology in their payment platforms. And as a result of this excitement, cryptocurrency valuations have gone through the roof.

15 virtual currencies with billion-dollar market caps

As of Dec. 3, 15 unique cryptocurrencies were now sporting a market cap in excess of $1 billion. Mind you, excluding bitcoin, the total market cap of every other cryptocurrency in the world as of Jan. 1 was just $2.48 billion.  That's quite the performance in just 11 months' time. Here are the biggest cryptocurrencies in the world today:

1. Bitcoin ($185.8 billion)
2. Ethereum ($44.3 billion)
3. Bitcoin cash ($26.1 billion)
4. Ripple ($9.7 billion)
5. Dash ($5.9 billion)
6. Litecoin ($5.4 billion)
7. Bitcoin gold ($5.3 billion)
8. IOTA ($5.2 billion)
9. Cardano ($3.3 billion)
10. Monero ($3 billion)
11. Ethereum Classic ($3 billion)
12. NEM ($2.4 billion)
13. NEO ($2.4 billion)
14. EOS ($1.9 billion)
15. Stellar Lumens ($1.6 billion)

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

It probably comes as no shock here that bitcoin dominates, with more than half of the aggregate cryptocurrency market cap, and Ethereum firmly hanging on to second place. Bitcoin is the world's first major cryptocurrency to be traded, so it's had a clear first-to-market advantage. It also has the largest merchant base of any digital currency, and has easily attracted the highest average daily trading volume.

But Ethereum shouldn't be counted out for the top spot in terms of market cap. Whereas bitcoin has primarily focused its attention of being a peer-to-peer payment facilitator, Ethereum has focused its efforts on attracting businesses to its blockchain. In particular, Ethereum has special protocols written into its blockchain known as "smart contracts" that help facilitate, verify, or enforce the negotiation of a contract. It's this distinguishing factor that could set Ethereum apart from bitcoin and perhaps allow it to surpass bitcoin's market cap one day. 

Bitcoin and Ethereum had better be wary of their competition

Despite bitcoin and Ethereum comprising about two-thirds of the aggregate digital currency market cap, these two juggernauts should be fully aware that other virtual currencies are making waves.

For example, American Express (NYSE:AXP) and Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) recently announced a partnership that'll see both banking giants testing international real-time payments to U.K. Santander ban accounts across American Express's FX International Payment network using Ripple's blockchain technology. They key word here is "real-time" payment potential, and the future possibility of Ripple's virtual currency, the XRP, to play a role in further speeding up payments for the financial services industry. 

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

Litecoin, which has been referred to as "bitcoin lite" by some folks in the crypto-investing community, has been focusing its attention squarely on its payment potential. Recent upgrades to its blockchain that should boost capacity and reduce settlement times could be just what it needs to attract merchants. And like bitcoin, Litecoin has a fixed number of coins that can be mined (84 million). 

Even the newest member of the billion-dollar list, Cardano, could make a run at bitcoin's throne. The previously thinly traded Cardano has more than tripled in value over just a seven-day stretch (through Dec. 3) as a result of having its virtual currency, Ada, listed on cryptocurrency exchange Binance. More importantly, Cardano brings something unique to the table with its blockchain. According to BanklessTimes.com, Cardano's blockchain is the very first to use a "provably secure, proof of stake algorithm." 

Cryptocurrency investors need to keep this in mind

The emergence of Cardano, and the big gains we've seen in so many other cryptocurrencies, serves as a reminder that the barrier to entry in developing blockchain technology and bringing new virtual currencies to market is incredibly low. That's a significant worry for bitcoin, which may not be safe on its perch.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

In addition, there are no guarantees that bitcoin can remain the go-to payment facilitator, or that it's blockchain will emerge as the preference for businesses. We're seeing a lot of unique approaches to blockchain, and businesses seem more than willing to test the blockchain of one of bitcoin's competitors, or even develop their own.

We also have no clue just how quickly businesses will adopt blockchain. Sure, we're seeing plenty of pilot programs and small-scale tests, but that doesn't signal whether businesses will quickly adopt blockchain technology. Investors are notorious for overestimating when new technology will be adopted, and it wouldn't surprise me if we see the same thing here.

Long story short, expect volatility among cryptocurrencies to remain exceptionally high, and don't be shocked if this list of the 15 largest virtual currencies looks a lot different in just a few months' time.

via Fool

Read More

Glitch Freezes Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Of Ethereum

Ethereum, the competing digital currency to bitcoin, was dealt a blow on Tuesday (Nov. 7) when a vulnerability in a cryptocurrency wallet froze as much as hundreds of millions of dollars.

According to a news report in TechCrunch, Parity Technologies – which makes the hugely popular wallet Parity – said an issue could cause the contents of the wallets to be erased. The issue is impacting a multi-signature wallet that was issued after July 20; any ICOs that were held in the digital wallet after that date could be impacted.

This is the second time in months that a bug has been discovered at Parity that could hurt Ethereum, which is the second highest valued cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of $27 billion. Back in July, the first Parity issue led to the theft of around $30 million of Ethereum. That first scare caused people to move away from the multi-sig wallet technology, which could lessen the blow from Tuesday’s disclosure.

While there haven’t been any reports of Ethereum coins being stolen or lost, a large amount of the digital currency is at risk, to the potential tune of around $150 million. In a comment on Twitter, Parity said the company is looking into the problem and that it thinks the wallets are locked.

The issue with an Ethereum wallet provider comes at a time when digital currency is gaining legitimacy, which has been driving the value of the coins higher. As an example, Ethereum’s rival, bitcoin, started the year trading at around $1,000 and is now higher than $7,000. The market got a boost last week when CME, the world’s largest futures exchange, said it would launch futures for digital currency. Meanwhile, Cboe Global Markets is pushing ahead with its cryptocurrency, ETF.

via pymnts

Read More

5 Must-Read Tips As Ethereum Gets Volatile

l cryptocurrencies went through a rollercoaster on Friday and Saturday. Most well-known cryptocurrencies lost up to 40 percent in just 48 hours, only to recover on Sunday. Most cryptocurrency holders had a hard time digesting this.

How to handle this extreme volatility? Is this the end of the bullish cycle in cryptocurrencies, and, in particular, Ethereum? Is a bullish Ethereum price forecast of $550 still intact after this week’s price drop?

The challenge for most cryptocurrency owners is that they do not have a background in traditional investing, and, hence, do not have all wisdom on how to handle volatility. The point is that cryptocurrencies behave similar to other markets, but the speed of change is simply ten times higher.

Therefore, we can rely on traditional investment principles to handle situations like the ones we experienced this week.

1. Volatility is normal InvestingHaven identified the 5 most important lessons which apply to cryptocurrency investing, and help cryptocurrency owners handle volatility. As we discuss these 5 tips, we derive the answers to the questions outlined above. We focus on Ethereum as we consider it the most promising cryptocurrency based on our current outlook.

Every market suffers from volatility. It’s just that some markets are much more sensitive to it than others, for a diversity of reasons. Commodities and currencies are known to be very volatile. The cryptocurrency space is simply much more volatile than any other market we known. That is because the transaction speed and cost is as low as it can be.

Moreover, so far, cryptocurrencies are not really held by large investment companies. Those type of investors tend to be less aggressive in trading, most of them hold for the longer term. So that stability is missing at this point in the cryptocurrency market, but it will change sooner rather than later.

Handling volatility is a mental game. The simplest tip is to control emotions when prices move to the upside (most of the time), as that is a skill you can apply when prices are falling sharply (happens exceptionally).

2. A flash crash is normal

This week’s price drop proved to be a flash crash. That is also a normal type of event. Stock markets have seen many flash crashes. Think of the flash crash of 2010, the one in 1987, and so on.

A flash crash is a good thing essentially. It removes speculation in markets.

You do not have to focus on the drop itself, but rather on price levels. For instance, Ethereum remains in a long term uptrend as long as it trades above $80. That is our deduction via our Ethereum price crash analysis.

That is another simple trick to control your emotions, along with the acceptance that flash crashes are normal practice in markets.

3. Hold Ethereum for the long term

At the end of the day, what does a 40 percent crash mean? In the bigger scheme of things, it can be important or it cannot. It is relative, and it depends on the price from where it fell.

A 40 percent decrease after Ethereum rose to $210 is meaningless.

Holders of Ethereum should focus on their holdings on the long term. Imagine how much untapped potential there is with cryptocurrencies. Let’s not forget that the finance sector, particularly payment services, are among the few exceptions that were not impacted by the digital revolution.

The upside potential is huge, so you better focus on the long term instead of one flash crash.

4. Buy the dip

Smart owners of Ethereum have bought when Ethereum was falling. A discount on your favorite cryptocurrency is a good thing at the end of the day, similar to a discount of your favorite car or restaurant.

As Ethereum will rise, and it definitely will sooner rather than later, you can start identifying interesting entry and exit price levels. Once, for instance, Ethereum has reached our 2017 target of $550, you better make sure to get some money off the table in order to step in at a lower price that you believe makes sense, for instance $350.

5. Manage your cryptocurrency portfolio

The last point implies that you actively manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. That is the most fundamental way to manage your holdings in traditional investing. A well-balanced portfolio of cryptocurrencies with a long term horizon will deliver unimaginable results in 7 years from now.

All trading carries risk. Only risk capital you’re prepared to lose.

Read More

New Trend Trading Technology Trades Bitcoin?

Hi guys!

Trend range trading isn't a new headline... won`t be a regular forex currency game changer..  but the F.T.R.T. (Forex Trend Range Trader) can trade with the cryptocurrency bitcoin!?

>> Download this now and do not miss out
 https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003


That`s right from 100% to 500% + profits in that "segment" alone we're looking at huge profits!

And thats not even the top of the mountain.. at the time of writing these news bitcoin stands at 950 usd... To check current prices goto MtGox

I Bet It`s even Higher now! And the fapturbo 2.0 leverages the profits from bitcoin..

>> Download this now and do not miss out

I just bought my first digital currency on Coinbase - try it! https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003

Trade Profitably,

Gary

Read More

Help grow the digital currency community and earn free bitcoin.

Coinbase is one of the leading digital asset exchanges based in San Francisco, California. The exchange was founded by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in 2012. Their focus is on the US market, but the company currently operates in 31 countries and offers Bitcoin storage in 190 countries across the world.

In 2014, the company created a Global Digital Asset Exchange (GDAX) – a platform for trading a wide variety of digital assets and a direct exchange of Bitcoin and Ether for fiat currency. GDAX is primarily meant for professionals with high volumes.

I just bought my first digital currency on Coinbase - try it! https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003

Verification

There are four verification levels on Coinbase, and first three levels take only a couple of minutes. The fourth level can take a bit longer, usually a few days. Completion of each level increases user’s weekly buy/sell limits. Here’s a short overview of the Coinbase verification levels:

Level 1 – verification of email address and phone number.

Level 2 – completion of personal details such as full name, date of birth and address of residence.

Level 3 – input of bank account details as well as credit and debit card details.

Level 4 – identity verification which involves:

• Government-issued identification document
• Taxpayer identification number
• Identity verification by answering a few questions

The limits offered by Coinbase are higher than average. Depending on the verification level of account, the limit increases. Level 1 accounts can buy up to $5,000 worth of BTC and sell up to $25,000 per day. Fully verified US account has a trading daily limit of $50,000, while European account has a 30,000 EUR daily limit.

The exchange supports the following fiat currencies:

• EUR
• GBP
• USD
• CAD
• SGD
• AUD

Coinbase supports only two major cryptocurrencies at the moment – Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Coinbase Fees

Coinbase doesn’t have separate deposit and withdrawal fees, and the exchange charges percentage fees instead of fixed amounts. Bank transfers in the US carry a fee of 1.49 percent, and the funds are available in 5 to 7 days. US customers can add a credit card as a backup payment method, which will enable Coinbase instant BTC buy for up to $1,000 per week.

Credit or Debit Card payments in US, Europe, Canada and the UK cost 3.99 percent of the sum transferred, and the money is available right away.

European SEPA transfer fee is 1.49 percent, and the money is available within three days of the transfer. Xfers transfers in Singapore carry a fee of 1.49 percent as well, but the money is available immediately.

Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals are free of charge.

When it comes to trading, Coinbase charges 1 percent flat fee per every purchase made.

I just bought my first digital currency on Coinbase - try it! https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003

Trading at Coinbase

Coinbase is a convenient and secure place to trade Bitcoins and Ethereum. The exchange has a good liquidity in both cryptocurrencies, and the trades are very fast.

They have order slip, candle charts, and variable time frames.

Coinbase doesn’t support margin trading, short selling or futures and derivates trading.

Ease of Use

The Coinbase interface is very intuitive and easy to use. The trading is always at a click or two away, with excellent website speed.

The company offers fantastic mobile products for iOS and Android, with probably the best Bitcoin exchange apps on the market today. The apps provide full functionality of the website-based exchange and require two-factor authentication combined with email verification. It allows pin locking and a unique feature which lets users disable the app at a distance in case the device is lost or stolen.

I just bought my first digital currency on Coinbase - try it! https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003

Coinbase API is also top of the line, allowing access to the exchange functionalities through a third-party app, product or service. Many merchants and traders use this API on their websites to enable Bitcoin payments.

Support Findings about Coinbase

Coinbase support is very professional, with guaranteed 24 hour email response time, which is much quicker during the work week. They also offer instant chat support which operates according to US business hours.

One of the problems we encountered with the Coinbase support is the “canned response” issue, where the support team doesn’t try hard to resolve the problem but has a series of replies sent by default, neglecting to explain the issue or to help solve it efficiently.

They also have a community, where users can post questions and get answers from other users. Their FAQ section offers little information, so it’s best to avoid it.

User Experience

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding Coinbase in the Bitcoin community. Numerous complaints online include the following issues:

Tracking how users spend their cryptocurrencies

Coinbase tracks how their users spend Bitcoins. They are also inclined to close or freeze accounts of the customers that used BTC to pay for gambling, adult services, darknet stuff or any other shady business.

Affiliate reward abuse

Coinbase officially offers an excellent referral program which attracted many affiliate merchants, but there are numerous cases where the partners haven’t been paid accordingly.

Participating in cryptocurrency debates

Coinbase has a history of taking sides in many internal Bitcoin discussions. This is okay for individuals, but the exchange of this type and size should remain neutral and simply follow the market movements instead of trying to dictate them.

Security

Coinbase offers the most robust security in the entire Bitcoin exchange market. Over 97 percent of coins are kept in cold storage. The private keys used for authorization of cold storage transactions are held in fragments between offline hard drives and paper, in different locations with backups in case of losing any pieces.

They offer two-factor authentication for logins and withdrawals and allow customization for maximum daily transaction limit. Passwords are hashed and encrypted.

They offer email notifications and use PGP email encryption.

The exchange hasn’t been hacked in the past.

Conclusion

Coinbase is one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges and the largest Bitcoin storing company in the world. It holds over 600,000 customer wallets, and it’s integrated into the US banking system.

Pros

• High liquidity
• Integrated debit and credit cards
• Newbie friendly

Cons

• Major violations of users privacy
• Puts investors before customers

Coinbase may be the largest Bitcoin broker service in the world, but advanced traders may want to look for a more reliable option.

I just bought my first digital currency on Coinbase - try it! https://www.coinbase.com/join/52ab87a9f0c22b6e2e000003

Read More