Technical Analysis: Types

In the previous blog we went through all the markers that you need to remember while you are technically analysing the market. In this blog we will be going look at two types of Technical Analysis. Read on to find out more.

Elliott Wave Analysis

The Elliott Wave principle is a form of technical analysis that cryptocurrency traders use to analyse market cycles and forecast market trends by identifying extremes in investor psychology, highs and low in prices and other collective factors.

Elliott Wave traders believe that markets are affected by collective investor psychology, or crowd psychology, and that it moves between optimism and pessimism in natural sequences.

It seems to be a discipline suited for cryptocurrency traders because, at this time, they are being solely driven by investor psychology since there are no true underlying fundamentals backing its price rise other than aggressive buying due to limited supply.

The key to success when using Elliott Wave analysis is to get the wave count right. Traders who use this technique believe the market moves in waves and that price action is primarily driven by groups of five waves. It takes years to master Elliott Wave analysis, but some cryptocurrency traders feel they have a good enough grasp of the basics to apply it to markets such as Bitcoin.

Stochastics and Relative Strength Index (RSI)

Stochastics and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are known in the technical analysis field as oscillators because they move between a low of 0 and a high of 100. Some cryptocurrency traders use them to determine the strength of a trend or to predict tops and bottoms because of overbought and oversold conditions. As Bitcoin prices often trade in an overbought or oversold condition due to its high volatility, RSI indicator signals traders to enter or exit a certain position.

They both work under the premise that prices should be closing near the highs of trading range during upswings and toward the lower end of a trading range during downswings.

During a prolonged move down, the oscillators will near 0, indicating that a bottom may be near. During a prolonged move up, the oscillators will near 100, indicating that a top may be near. In the attached graph, Bitcoin is currently at 81.92 (RSI), meaning that Bitcoin is overbought and a correction is expected.

Aspects of Technical Analysis

Since we are already acquainted with what Technical analysis is, (please read the Introduction blog to get started if you already haven’t) let’s jump right into the aspects of technical analysis that you should definitely pay attention to:

Trend Lines

Trend lines, or the typical direction that a coin is moving towards, can be most beneficial for traders of crypto. That said, isolating these trends can be easier said than done. Crypto assets might be substantially volatile, and watching a Bitcoin or crypto price movement chart will probably reveal a selection of highs and lows that form a linear pattern. With that in mind, Technicians understand that they can overlook the volatility and find an upward trend upon seeing a series of higher highs, and vice versa – they can identify a downtrend when they see a series of lower lows.

Additionally, there are trends that move sideways, and in these cases, a coin doesn’t move significantly in either direction. Traders should be mindful that trends come in many forms, including intermediate, long and short term trend lines.

Resistance and support levels

As there are trend lines, there are also horizontal lines that express levels of support and resistance. By identifying the values of these levels, we can draw conclusions about the current supply and demand of the coin. At a support level, there seems to be a considerable amount of traders who are willing to buy the coin (a large demand), i.e., those traders believe that the currency is priced low at this level and therefore will seek to buy it at that price. Once the coin reaches close to that level, a “floor” of buyers is created. The large demand usually stops the decline and sometimes even changes the momentum to an upward trend. A level of resistance is exactly the opposite – an area where many sellers wait patiently with their orders, forming a large supply zone. Every time the coin approaches that “ceiling”, it encounters the supply stacks and goes back.

There is often a situation in which trade-offs can be between support and resistance levels: gathering close to support lines and selling around the resistance level. This opportunity usually takes place when lateral movement is identified.

So what happens during breakout of resistance or support level? There is high probability that this is an indicator which is strengthening the existing trend. Further reinforcement of the trend is obtained when the resistance level becomes support level, and being tested from above shortly after the breakout.

Note: False breakouts occur when a breakout happens, but the trend doesn’t change. Hence, we must use some more indicators, such as trading volume, to identify the trend.

Moving averages

Another technical analysis tool for crypto currencies and technical analysis in general, in order to simplify trend recognition, is called moving averages. A moving average is based on the average price of the coin over a certain period of time. For example, a moving average of a given day will be calculated according to the price of the coin for each of the 20 trading days prior to that day. Connecting all moving averages forms a line.

It is also important to recognize the exponential moving average (EMA), a moving average that gives more weight in its calculation to the price values of the last few days than the previous days. An example is the calculation coefficient of the last five trading days of EMA 15 days will be twice that of the previous ten days. In the following graph we can see a practical example: If a 10-day moving average crosses above a 30-day moving average it might tell us a positive trend is coming.

Trading Volume

Trading volume plays an important role in identifying trends. Significant trends are accompanied by a high trading volume, while weak trends are accompanied by a low trading volume. When a coin goes down it is advisable to check the volume which accompanied the decline. A long-term trend of healthy growth is accompanied by a high volume of increases and a low volume of declines. It is also important to see that volume is rising over time. If the volume is decreasing during increases, the upward trend is likely to come to an end, and vice versa during a down trend.

Introduction to Technical Analysis

Crypto traders have several tools to evaluate the cryptocurrency market. One of them is a method known as Technical Analysis. Using this process, traders can get a improved understanding of the market sentiment and isolate significant trends in the market. This data can be used to make more educated predictions and wiser trades.

Tech Analysis considers the history of a coin with price charts and trading volumes, no matter what the coin or project does. As opposed to technical analysis, fundamental analysis is more focused on establishing if a coin is over or under valued.

To get a better idea of technical analysis, it is crucial to understand the fundamental ideas of Dow Theory that tech analysis is based on:

  1. The market considers everything in its pricing. All existing, prior, and upcoming details have already been integrated into current asset prices. With regards to Bitcoin and crypto, this would be comprised of multiple variables like current, past, and future demand, and any regulations that impact the crypto market. The existing price is a response to all the current details, which includes the expectations and knowledge of each coin traded in the market. Technicians interpret what the price is suggesting about market sentiment to make calculated wise predictions about future pricing.
  2. Prices movement aren’t random. Rather, they often follow trends, which may either be long or short-term. After a trend is formed by a coin, it’s probably going to follow that trend to oppose it. Technicians try to isolate and profit from trends using technical analysis.
  3. ‘What’ is more important than ‘Why’. Technicians are more focused on the price of a coin than each variable that produces a movement in its price. Although multiple aspects could have influenced the price of a coin to move in a specific direction, Technicians assertively review supply and demand.
  4. History tends to get repeated. It is possible to predict market psychology. Traders sometimes react the same way when presented with similar stimuli.

Stay tuned for an in-depth explanation of the various nitty-gritties of this type of analysis.   

Explained: Margin Trading For Cryptocurrency

Margin trading with cryptocurrency allows users to borrow money against their current funds to trade cryptocurrency “on margin” on an exchange. In other words, users can leverage their existing cryptocurrency or dollars by borrowing funds to increase their buying power (generally paying interest on the amount borrowed, but not always).

For example, you put down $25 and leverage 4:1 to borrow $75 to buy $100 worth of Bitcoin. The only stipulation is that no matter what happens, you’ll have to pay back to $75 plus fees. In order to ensure they get the loaned amount back, an exchange will generally “call in” your margin trade once you hit a price where you would start losing the borrowed money (as they will let you borrow money to trade, but they don’t want you losing that money). A margin call can be avoided by putting more money into the position.

A given exchange will have a range of different leveraging options (2:1, 3.33:1, 4:1, 100:1, etc.). Margin trading can be done short (where you bet on the price going down) or long (where you bet on the price going up). Further, it can be used to speculate, to hedge, or to avoid having to keep your full balance on an exchange.

How Margin Trading Cryptocurrency Works – Call Prices and Liquidation

This brings us to the next point. As noted above, you have to have enough funds to cover the bet you are taking. If you don’t have the funds, your position will automatically be closed, “liquidated” or “called in.” As, although the lender will let you use their money for a fee to margin trade, any money lost and any fees paid will come out of your funds. This is like the friend who let you borrow $50 in the Investopedia quote above; the lender is letting you borrow money, not have it to lose.

Specifically, if your balance falls below the “Maintenance Margin Requirement (MMR)” due to the price going the opposite way that you bet on, the exchange will either start liquidating your assets to get its money back or will simply request the funds from you. This is called a “margin call.” TIP: A margin call can be offset by contributing more funds to the order book you have the margin in (ex. BTC/USD). When you deposit more funds, you increase your margin ratio and improve your call price.

In other words, technical jargon aside, the concept here is: margin trading allows you to make bigger bets than you otherwise would at the cost of extra fees and extra risks. When you take a bet, you can use the lender’s money, but if the bet goes the wrong way, the funds come out of your pocket. You take all the risk.

That is the gist of margin trading; with that information, you know just enough to be dangerous.

Should You Use This Strategy?

We strongly suggest staying away from margin trading unless you have done research, are experienced, and are margin trading with a very specific purpose such as hedging. Losing money trading cryptocurrency is stressful enough without borrowing funds plus interest to create leveraged positions. That magnifies your stress level.

Of course, if you are less conservative than we are and want to trade on margin anyway, your next step should be reading all the documentation on margin trading for a given exchange before getting started. Understanding how to open and close margin positions, and making sure you understand margin ratios and calls, as well as brushing up on some margin trading strategy, is part of the next step. We’ll assume you are already well versed in technical indicators.

WARNING ON RISKS, RATIOS, AND BET SIZE: Margin trading cryptocurrency is one of the riskiest bets you can take. Cryptocurrency is risky, and margin trading is risky. Put them together on a highly leveraged moonshot, and you could find yourself owing a great deal of money rather quickly (especially with low volume high volatility altcoins). Unlike with regular trading, you can lose your entire initial investment margin trading. Further, the more you leverage, the quicker you can lose it.

For example, if you go long on a 4:1 margin and the position goes down about 25% from where you opened the position (or a little less since you’ll likely owe fees), the margin will be called in, and you’ll be left with nothing. Think of it this way; you put down $25, you borrowed $75, and thus with fees you only have a little under $25 to lose of the total $100 you are betting. If it goes up, then you can keep the position open as long as you like (as you aren’t risking the lender’s $75), but if it goes down your position will be liquidated based on the rate at which you are leveraged unless you put more funds in. Do an 8:1 leveraged position and it will be called in twice as fast at around 12.5%, do a 2:1 position and it will be called in at around 50%. Yes, you can always add to your position to prevent it from closing, but this is the exact sort of rabbit hole that loses people money. For an obligatory horror story and fair warning of the perks and perils of margin trading, see the Reddit post “How I Lost Nearly 200 BTC trading this past month.”

Benefits of Implementing Blockchain Technology in Charity

Charitable giving is on the rise, mostly due to resilient economic conditions in North America and Europe over current years. According to Giving USA, 2017 was the first year that contributions from the US crossed the $400 billion mark, a rise of five percent over the preceding year. 

While contributing to charity may deliver us with a warm glow, few people stop to consider exactly where their donations end up. Charity fraud is a global issue, creating a risk that donated funds end up being siphoned off through scams or corruption. 

What can Blockchain do for Charity?

Blockchain technology is creating waves in many sectors such as supply chain due to its functionality in providing a secure, unalterable record of value transfers. This makes blockchain the ideal technology to bring transparency to the distribution of charitable donations.

Using an open public ledger, a charity or NGO could collect donations in a digital currency. Each unit collected is traceable from the moment it’s contributed to the point that it’s spent on goods or services. Cryptocurrency transfers are peer-to-peer, meaning that charities could also decrease fees incurred by intermediaries like banks or foreign currency exchange services. 2017 and 2018 saw a proliferation of tech start-ups generating blockchain-based digital tokens to crowdfund their new business venture. While the regulators have now started to clamp down, in 2019 blockchain innovators are now turning to regulated token generation events, known as security token offerings (STO.) Charities and NGOs could similarly use such a mechanism to crowdsource donations for their endeavours.

Furthermore, blockchain-based smart contracts could even automate the distribution of funds for particular projects. For example, if a charity collects funds to build a school, the funding could be released by smart contracts in stages once specific milestones of the construction project are completed. Some projects are already working on these kinds of solutions for charities. Alice is one example. The tech firm is collaborating with the Charities Aid Foundation and Imperial College London to develop a blockchain-based platform aimed at transparency in charitable fundraising. 

How the Blockchain Community is Giving Back

The Bitcoin boom of late 2017 and early 2018 saw massive growth in the market size for cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Now, some blockchain firms are demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility by setting up charitable initiatives. In many cases, these are also leveraging the benefits of blockchain in managing charity funding. 

#VoiceYourLove

For example, Tron is a decentralized application protocol, launched in 2018. The project is managed by the Tron Foundation, a non-profit based in Singapore with tech wunderkind Justin Sun at the helm. 

Tron recently announced its collaboration with the ALS Association on an awareness campaign timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, called #VoiceYourLove. The ALS Association had enormous success back in 2014 with the Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral on social media. The new campaign invites people to create videos where they talk about their loved ones.  Contributions to the #VoiceYourLove campaign will be tracked through to distribution using blockchain, with the results published at the end of the campaign. Sun himself has personally donated $250,000 and is “urging others in the blockchain industry to voice their love by donating to help find a cure.”

We strongly advise you to make your contributions to charities that accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that work towards causes that resonate on a personal level.

5 Reasons To Invest In Cryptocurrencies

With prices rocketing back from the lows. In fact, many cryptocurrencies have doubled from their recent low prices over the last several weeks. Here are a few reasons why you should get your hands on cryptos, and make them one of your investment options:

  • The Market Is Still In Its Infancy 

Cryptocurrency is less than a decade old. Bitcoin was launched in 2009, and other major crypto names are far younger. By way of comparison, the New York Stock Exchange began in 1792 and commodities have traded for many centuries. 

Volatility is the hallmark of a new market. As exchanges and investors adjust to the new products, massive price swings are inevitable. This is why, despite my bullish bias, I say to only risk what you can afford to lose when investing in the novel cryptocurrency markets. 

As the market matures, volatility will decline to create smoother equity curves for investors in both directions. Make no mistake, the inevitable decline in volatility will take much of the enormous profit potential out of the nascent market. This is why now remains an ideal time to buy despite the high risk for extreme return-seeking investors. 

  • Regulations Are Not A Bad Thing 

There is a broad fear among cryptocurrency adherents that regulations will ruin the market. Many of the early adopters and creators of cryptocurrency have a strong anti-authoritarian, anarchist bias. In other words, these folks hate the government, regulations, and anything that interferes with the free market. 

The early adopter’s utopian worldview — the dream to live in a world where everyone interacts fairly and peacefully — remains nothing but fantasy in the real world. As unfortunate as it may be, regulations are a must for a smooth and fair operating exchange. 

The anarcho-capitalist movement that spawned cryptocurrency, and the underground commerce sites like Silk Road, is quickly becoming less of a factor in the growth of cryptocurrencies. A strong argument can be made that regulations are a must for the continued success of the crypto market. The fear-based selloffs triggered by regulation announcements and rumours make ideal buying prospects for savvy investors. An example of this was the steep sell-off that occurred when South Korea announced a slate of regulatory measures. The move was way overblown, and crypto quickly recovered from the selling. This happens again and again, creating an exploitable pattern. 

  • Real World Applications

Crypto has moved away from the anarchist’s preferred means of exchange into the mainstream. However, it is not entirely mainstream enough to squash the upside potential. This means now is the time to buy before it’s too late! 

Everyone knows bitcoin is being accepted at more and more locations around the globe. Since it was the first mover in the space, it is the leading cryptocurrency and has gained relatively widespread acceptance in the real world of commerce. 

Other crypto projects like Ripple serve to transfer fiat currencies around the world. Crushing legacy systems like SWIFT regarding time and cost, Ripple and XcelToken Plus are the leading players in the conversion of money transfer systems into the digital age. Rumours abound that even Starbucks has plans to accept Ripple and Litecoin as payment within the next five years. Should Starbucks come on board, expect a massive move by retailers in this direction.  Ripple is just the tip of the iceberg coming to real-world applications of the blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Platforms like XcelTrip allow those holding cryptocurrencies, to travel anywhere with cryptocurrencies.

  • Bigger ICOs 

Initial Coin Offering (ICO) has become a favorite way to raise capital over the past year. Often built on the Ethereum network, ICOs use vast numbers of tokens which, in turn, increase the demand for Ether, the cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. 

These types of offerings have reached the billion-dollar stage with Telegram, a messaging app, and the old school company Kodak both recently announcing plans to launch ICOs. We will only see ICOs grow more extensive and more legitimate over time, increasing demand for Ether and other backbone blockchain network cryptos.  

  • The Banks And Institutions Are Coming 

Primarily a retail investor phenomenon, cryptocurrency has attracted the interest of major institutions, banks and hedge funds. Multiple cryptocurrency hedge funds are springing up around the world, increasing the demand for the cryptocurrency. At the same time, considerable institutional money is starting to flow into the space. Attracted by the high return potential, institutions are in the early stages of accepting the asset class. 

The amount of institutional money available for the new market is staggering. Should institutions, banks, and hedge funds embrace digital currency, the upside is truly unlimited.

Keep all these points in mind and invest in a token that has real world transaction usage and that also provides long term profits.

Busting Crypto Myths

Cryptocurrency is “a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank.” Cryptocurrencies in India are uncharted territory and seem to be one that is understood very little that people are vary of investing in them. Here is a list of myths revolving around cryptocurrencies that are busted:

Myth 1

Cryptocurrency Is Not Taxed

Yes, there is no central expert involved and there are no banks involved. But this does not rule out that the digital currency avoids being taxed. It is just any other transaction and you are taxed whenever you sell it or whenever someone pays you in cryptocurrency.

In India, when you trade in cryptocurrencies and make a profit, and if that profit exceeds 10 lakh rupees, you have to pay 30% on the profit. This is for short-term gains where there is no minimum time period for holding the investment. For a long-term gain, where your asset needs to hold for at least two years, you will be taxed 20 percent on the profit. 

Myth 2

Cryptocurrency Doesn’t Have Any Real Money Value to Them

This is perhaps the biggest myth about cryptocurrencies since there is no material asset that is backing them. However, the people who trade in cryptocurrencies believe in the inherent value of it, which has been supporting the system since 2008.

As long as there are people who believe in and understand the value of cryptocurrencies, they are here to stay.

Myth 3

They Are Illegal Forms of Digital Money

Although the currency has been banned in countries like Bolivia, Russia, Algeria, Ecuador and Trinidad; EU nations, G7 nations, and the USA have made cryptocurrency a legal tender.

India’s previous Finance Minister, Mr. Arun Jaitley pointed out in the Budget 2018-19 that the Blockchain technology will be explored to promote digital and safe transactions. The transactions in cryptocurrency are not banned in India and are thriving.

Myth 4

Cryptocurrencies Are Used for Criminal and Illicit Purposes

While one event of the Silk Road Raid in 2013 exposed the use of millions of dollars in Bitcoin for human and drug trafficking, cryptocurrency is yet to be regulated. Yes, some criminal cases record the use of cryptocurrency to get money, however, India has obligatory KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures in place for trading in cryptocurrencies to reduce the chance of any unlawful use of the digital money.

Myth 5 

Cryptocurrencies Are Easy to Hack

Using a platform to trade in cryptocurrencies is just like any other platform for trading. Upping the security on wallets where trading in cryptocurrency is facilitated is the only way to secure your wallet and enable safe transactions.

Myth 6

There Is Only One Huge Blockchain In Place

There absolutely is not. There are many blockchains. Blockchain is just a technology that caters to different problems- they may be public or private versions of blockchain, the source may be open or closed, etc. While one type of blockchain might back Bitcoin, others might support other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Ripple, XcelToken Plus etc.

Myth 7  

Blockchain Is A Cloud-like Database

What is important to remember is that blockchain is just like a ledger- it only keeps a record of the transactions. In its entirety, this is the ledger that is backing cryptocurrencies and ensures that transactions are safe, not repetitive and are transparent. Blockchain cannot store any ‘files’. It only comprises a code for the transaction that took place.

Myth 8  

Cryptocurrencies Are Not Accepted as a Form of Payment

Cryptocurrencies came in 2008. Slowly and steadily, their virtue has been realized by people who are investing in it. Big companies like Microsoft, Fiverr, Dell and Expedia have started to accept Bitcoin. However, while buying cryptocurrencies is not illegal, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in India. Meaning, it is not allowed as a payment option in India.

Myth 9

Cryptocurrencies and Its Transactions Are Untraceable & Anonymous

The blockchain, a public ledger maintains a record of everything. There exists anonymity, but in extreme cases, identifying users and their details is not a difficult task.

Just like any other platform, there is user anonymity, but it’s not absolute.

Myth 10

Blockchains Have No Business Use

The fact that ex-Finance Minister, Mr. Arun Jaitley quoted the need to explore blockchain to promote digital transactions says a lot about its sanctity.

 In fact, they might be the next big thing in the investment sector. Japan has already legitimized them and has set a self-regulatory body as well.

Blockchains are the perfect database- they store information, keep it secure, permanently store records and transactions are traceable and cannot be easily hacked. 

Conclusion

To sum up, since cryptocurrencies is still an unmapped avenue in the Indian market, a little more information around the topic can go a long way in helping investors take a call whether they would want to venture into the virtual currency space.

If you are someone gearing up to purchase a Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, I suggest you weigh the pros and cons of investing very carefully and be very clear about their use and tax treatment in India before you make a decision. 

How to Buy Cryptocurrency?

The method of purchasing and selling cryptocurrency has been made a lot easier over the last few months. There are five significant aspects that you must think about before purchasing any cryptocurrencies or to buy some XcelToken Plus (XLAB):

Location

To find out how and where you can buy cryptocurrency, it is important for you check your country’s regulations.

Payment Method

The most common and accepted payment methods to buy cryptocurrency include: credit card, bank transfer or even cash. Different websites accept different payment methods, so you’ll need to choose a website that accepts the payment method you want to use.

Type of Cryptocurrency

Not all cryptocurrencies are available for purchase on every website. You will have to find a website that sells the cryptocurrency that you want to buy.

Cost of Fees

Each website has different fees. Some are cheap, some are not so cheap. Make sure you know how much the fees cost before setting up an account on any website. You don’t want to waste your time verifying yourself and then find out the fees are too high!

How much you can afford

As with any investment, you should never invest more than you can afford. I recommend speaking to a financial adviser first. With those 5 factors in mind, we can move on. When you buy your cryptocurrency, you will can’t obviously store them in your bank as you would regular fiat currency.

Cryptocurrency Wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet is where you store your cryptocurrencies after you have bought them. You can compare a cryptocurrency wallet with your bank account. In the same way that you store traditional currencies (USD, JPY, EUR etc.) in your bank account, you will store your cryptocurrencies in your crypto wallet. There are a lot of easy-to-use and safe options to choose from. It is important that you choose a highly-secure wallet, because if your cryptocurrency gets stolen from your wallet, you cannever get it back.

There are three types of wallets:

Online wallets: The quickest to set up (but also the least safe)

Software wallets: An app you download (safer than an online wallet)

Hardware wallets: A portable device you plug into your computer via USB (the safest option).

The wallet you need will depend on which cryptocurrency you want to buy. If you buy Bitcoin, for example, you’ll need a wallet that can store Bitcoin. If you buy Litecoin, you’ll need a wallet that can store Litecoin. There are multiple wallets that allow you to easily transact and safely store your cryptocurrencies, coupled with features that allow you to use them for your utility payment purposes.

With the information above you will now be able to buy XcelToken Plus and trade with them on one of the 14 trading platforms that it is listed on.

Components Every Strategy Is Required To Have

Whether you’re after automatic day trading strategies, or novice or into advanced tactics, you’ll need to take into reason three vital components; volatility, liquidity and volume. If you’re to make profits on tiny price movements, selecting the right stock is vital. These three essentials will help you make decisions very easily:

Liquidity – This allows you to speedily come in to and exit trades at a valuable and stable price. Liquid asset strategies, for example, will focus on gold, crude oil and natural gas.

Volatility – This tells you your latent profit range. The more the volatility, the better the profit or loss you may make. The cryptocurrency marketplace is one such example well recognized for high instability.

Volume – This measurement will tell you how many times the asset has been traded within a set period of time. For day traders, this is better known as ‘average daily trading volume.’ High volume tells you there’s substantial interest in the asset or security. An increase in volume is regularly a pointer a price jump either up or down, is fast impending.

While you are investing in XcelToken Plus and about to trade on one of the 15 crypto-exchanges that it is listed and tradable on, it is suggested that you keep the above points in mind.

How to Keep Your Cryptocurrency Safe?

If you’re new to the crypto world you might have overheard people transferring their assets into cold storage or cold wallets but were unsure exactly what this involves. Simply put, it means securely transferring and storing your cryptocurrencies/ assets offline to decrease access to hackers. There are two ways in which you can store your cryptos offline, here’s how you can do it:

Hardware: Wallets vary from software wallets in that they store a user’s private keys on a hardware device like a USB. Although hardware wallets make transactions online, they are stored offline which delivers improved security. Hardware wallets can be compatible with several web interfaces and can support different currencies; it just depends on which one you decide to use. What’s more, making a transaction is easy. Users simply plug in their device to any internet-enabled computer or device, enter a pin, send currency and confirm. Hardware wallets make it conceivable to easily transact while also keeping your money offline and away from danger.

Paper: Wallets are easy to use and provide a very high level of security. While the term paper wallet can simply refer to a physical copy or printout of your public and private keys, it can also refer to a piece of software that is used to securely generate a pair of keys which are then printed. Using a paper wallet is relatively straightforward. Moving Bitcoin or any other currency to your paper wallet is proficient by the transfer of assets from your software wallet to the public address shown on your paper wallet. Alternatively, if you want to withdraw or spend currency, all you need to do is transfer funds from your paper wallet to your software wallet. This process, often referred to as ‘sweeping,’ can either be done by hand by entering your private keys or by scanning the QR code on the paper wallet.

If you are about to invest in XcelToken Plus (XLAB) it is suggested that you store them in the above ways to make sure that your assets stay safe.