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The beginnings of Bitcoin are the stuff of folklore. The world’s first cryptocurrency was invented in 2009 by someone working under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. At the time, it was worth approximately $.0008 per coin. The value has fluctuated dramatically and often since. In November 2021, it reached a high of $69,000.
Before you get tempted, get to know Bitcoin better, and how investing bit by bit may be your best approach.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the first and now largest cryptocurrency: a form of currency that only exists digitally. It’s decentralized, meaning it’s not owned or operated by any nation or government. It can be used to buy some goods or services, transfer values (donations), or to diversify your investment portfolio.
How can Bitcoin help me diversify my portfolio?
Diversification is spreading your investments across assets or asset classes (types of investments), so you’re not tied to the performance of one stock or asset class.
Bitcoin is in a different asset class than stocks or bonds, and they tend to have low correlation over the long-term. That means when the price of stocks go up or down, it doesn't necessarily influence the value of Bitcoin. This diversity in your portfolio can help you weather market bumps long-term.
What is the difference between investing in Bitcoin and a Bitcoin ETF?
Investing in Bitcoin
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Investing in Bitcoin means that you own individual Bitcoin, which is traded on a cryptocurrency exchange.
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Trading individual Bitcoin comes with transaction fees that are typically between 2-6%.
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Practically, investing in Bitcoin also means that you need a digital wallet to store it, for which you’ll need a password that you cannot lose. Bitcoin does not have a support line or password reset function.
Investing in a Bitcoin ETF
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Investing in a Bitcoin exchange traded fund, or ETF, means that you are not investing in individual Bitcoin. Instead, you’re investing in a fund that tracks the value of Bitcoin, and trades on a traditional market exchange, like the Nasdaq. In other words, the ETF attempts to closely mimic the price and performance of Bitcoin.
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There are no transaction fees with an ETF, instead they typically charge a management fee of <1%. This cost is included in your Acorns subscription. We don’t charge surprise fees.
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You do not need a digital wallet to invest in a Bitcoin ETF.
The Bitcoin ETF offered through Acorns is called Proshares Bitcoin Strategy and trades under the ticker symbol BITO. This ETF trades Bitcoin Futures contracts in an attempt to provide exposure to Bitcoin pricing.
What are Bitcoin futures?
Similar to stock market futures, Bitcoin futures allow investors to invest in the potential value of Bitcoin. They’re technically called futures contracts, because in essence, that’s how it works. By investing in Bitcoin futures, investors are signing on for what they and the market believe it will be worth.
Here are a few ways Investing in Bitcoin futures is different from investing in Bitcoin itself.
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They’re traded on an exchange regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), whereas most cryptocurrency trading is unregulated, which can add risk.
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A Bitcoin wallet is not required to invest in Bitcoin futures, because no physical exchange of Bitcoin takes place.
What is investing “bit by bit”?
Investing small amounts of anything over time can expose you to less risk than going all-in on any investment, at any one time. This strategy can be particularly useful with Bitcoin, a historically volatile investment, so we like the idea of investing in Bitcoin bit by bit.
Think of it like ice cream. If the top pops off the sprinkles as you’re pouring, you’ve ruined your cone. Instead, sprinkle a little Bitcoin onto your scoops of diversified investments, to help you diversify a little more for the long-term.
To explore the Bitcoin ETF in your Acorns app, make sure you’re on the latest version of the app, and look for the prompt from your Invest and Invest portfolio screens.
From acorns mighty oaks do grow. We hope this helps you grow your oak!
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This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Article contributors are not affiliated with Acorns Advisers, LLC. and do not provide investment advice to Acorns’ clients. Acorns is not engaged in rendering tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult a qualified professional for this type of service.
