Although Bitcoin is the original, cryptocurrencies at large have become integral to finance. Today, they represent an increasingly larger share of global financial transactions. According to the IMF, this novel asset class’s market cap exceeds $3 trillion today. Here are a few ways cryptocurrency has impacted the world’s financial markets.
There Is a Growing Interconnectedness Between Crypto and Equity Markets
Despite recently retreating market capitalization, crypto represented more than $2 trillion in value. As such, the world has witnessed a four-fold increase from its 2017 value. Crypto’s rapidly increasing market share signals long-term potential, and investors have taken notice.
In addition to quickening adoption, investor sentiment is stabilizing regarding this asset class. Prior to the pandemic, major coins shared little in common with traditional indices. However, a correlation is found between Bitcoin, Ether, and the S&P 500 today.
The IMF’s analysis has been developed, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.36. From 2017 to 2019, this same coefficient was measured closer to 0.01 regarding daily moves. Today, these disparate asset classes are beginning to move in lockstep together.
Additionally, emerging market economies have led the way in crypto-asset adoption. As evidenced there, a strengthening association between crypto and equities is universal. Nevertheless, suddenly shifting investor sentiment threatens to spill over between markets. The IMF states Bitcoin’s volatility explains a portion of the S&P 500’s fluctuations now. Likewise, spillover in the opposite direction is similar in the reverse circumstance.
National Governments Are Moving to Legislate Comprehensive Crypto Regulations
Since the International Monetary Fund released its analysis, governments have been responding. Consequently, new regulatory frameworks will accrue, establishing legal regulations for all major markets. The IMF will advise regulatory bodies as these are established, informing advisory boards. Hopefully, this will ameliorate potential risks to worldwide financial systems.
The United States Federal Reserve will monitor developments in the crypto sphere.
On the contrary, the People’s Bank of China is embracing crypto’s rapid ascent, saying the world is ripe for it. Simultaneously, the Bank of Japan does not believe they have a place in the world economy.
The European Central Bank expressed skepticism, comparing it to the 17th-century tulip mania. Nonetheless, the Bank of England’s Mark Carney has said they are part of a new revolution in finance.
Immutable Ledger Systems Possess Widespread Ramifications
Overall, cryptocurrencies may alleviate issues with bordered transactions. Because they are frictionless, many users are adopting them to reduce strains. Anyone can transmit a payment across a border without paying substantial fees. Similarly, more are beginning to participate as inflation is worsening globally.
Moreover, the underlying technology powering crypto may preclude the currency itself. Blockchains facilitate transactions in myriad circumstances and may be implemented in numerous sectors. For example, artists can label their pieces with tokens, called NFTs. Then, the piece can not be sold unless the artist gives permission.
Exchange-Traded Crypto Products Have Gained Popularity
Thanks to reduced risk, cryptocurrency products are seeing use in exchange-traded products. Therefore, investors seeking risk reduction may benefit from these ETFs and ETNs. Many investors speculate they may be an additional hedge against risk, like gold.
When unstable economies plunge, wealth can be stored in crypto, preserving it. Crypto’s risk hedging potential may modify wealth preservation strategies, creating new investment avenues.
Currently, most analysts believe crypto is not a systemic risk to market economies. Compared to mortgage-backed securities, they are a much smaller segment of overall transactions.
The Recent Rise of Non-Fungible Tokens
It is feasible for an artist to sell unique digital items today, thanks to the rise of NFTs. These are non-interchangeable units of data containing identifying information. As a consequence, they can be distinguished from other pieces, proving their authenticity.
Further, two pieces can not be made to be equivalent or broken into constituent pieces. At its core, an NFT can authorize and authenticate ownership of a digital asset. From music to art and games, these digital tokens can demonstrate who owns what around the world. As a result, many creators want to know how to make an NFT and sell it.
Cryptocurrency-Related Technologies Are Changing Finance Globally
NFTs are quickly becoming the fastest-rising class of assets in all of finance. Thus, many are rushing to formulate strategies incorporating them into their portfolio. Yet, crypto as a whole has had a tremendous impact on global finance as of this year.
