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Cryptocurrency

What is Cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses cryptography and a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain, to record ownership and transfers without a central bank.

Why it matters

Crypto trades around the clock and can be extremely volatile. It is not backed by company earnings or interest payments, so it is treated as a speculative asset by many investors.

Related terms

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General education, not investment, tax or legal advice. Read our disclosures.