Should one invest in stocks or crypto? This is a subject of ongoing debate among many investors. Both assets offer great value to portfolios, in different ways. Learning how the crypto market is different from the stock market will help you plan your investments wisely.
What are stocks?
Stocks, also called “equities,” are a type of financial security that gives the stockholder proportionate ownership in a company. If an individual purchases stocks, their investment represents their share in the respective organization.
For example, you are entitled to Apple’s assets and profits after purchasing its stocks. Your ownership or share is limited to the amount of stock you own or buy.
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency, also known as crypto, is a digital currency based on blockchain technology. The “crypto” part of the term is derived from the fact that this digital currency relies on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions. Since crypto is secured with cryptographic algorithms verifying and updating transactions, it can exist without central authorities such as governments or banks.
Some popular cryptos include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. They have found several applications today that allow higher security for money transfers.
Similarities between crypto investing and stock investing
As the demand for crypto kept rising, it caught the attention of investors who traditionally invested in stocks. While the assets are different, most investors realized that some stock investment techniques can also apply to crypto dealings.
Some of the common spaces for crypto and stock investing are listed below.
Continuous auction markets
The stock and crypto markets operate as continuous auction markets since they allow participants to buy or sell through bids. Auction markets connect buyers with sellers, by matching bids with corresponding offers. The auction format ensures that various stocks and crypto coins constantly move in the market.
Central Limit Order Books (CLOBs)
The Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) is a trading method that matches customer orders (bids and offers) on a price/time priority basis. CLOB ensures that exchanges remain transparent as everyone can access price, market depth, and availability information. The system also makes it possible to provide visibility on who is making the transactions.
Stock and crypto exchanges are used to order books to give customers (traders or dealers) the information they need to buy or sell. With CLOB, all customers can trade with each other directly.
Market behavior and knowledge
In both crypto and stock investing, understanding the market is critical. Both crypto and stock investors need to understand the terminology, market trends, and risks involved with their chosen assets. For instance, individual stocks can be volatile, and crypto even more so. To survive in either market one needs knowledge that can help investors take advantage of changing market behavior.
What’s the difference between stocks and crypto?
Stocks and crypto are different in various ways, some of which are discussed below.
| Stocks | Crypto | |
| Nature of the asset | The asset exchanged are stocks or shares of various companies. | The assets are multiple cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. |
| Level of volatility | Stocks are affected by sudden market shifts. But, the trend is usually contained, as investors lose portions of their stock values. | Crypto is highly volatile. It can plummet or rise in value over a short time—which often means staggering losses for investors. |
| Trading regulations | Exchanges are heavily regulated and are subject to federal and international rules. These rules keep the playing field fair for all participants, investors, and traders. | Exchanges are free from regulation since they can operate without the intervention of third parties, such as governments and banks. The lack of regulation is considered an advantage by crypto enthusiasts who value freedom from control. |
| Fees paid by investors | Brokers charge commissions, banks have transaction fees, and the government taxes investor gains. | On crypto exchanges, fees are minimal, if any. |
| Durability and longevity | Since the stock market has been around for a long time, investments in stocks are more durable and long-lasting. Buyers of stocks choose assets of companies that are performing well, and the investments are viable in the long term. | Cryptos are relatively new assets, and with their high volatility, they are not considered durable or safe for long-term investments. |
| Market reach | The market is highly regulated and structured. Since the stock market is more contained, new investors need to seek the services of brokers and be registered before they can buy or sell. | The market is relatively free and open, as anyone can participate, regardless of expertise or background. |
| Market time | Stock market trading opens and closes at particular times every day. In India, the stock market opens at 9:00 hours and closes at 15:30 hours. Those trading in stocks can buy and sell during this time only. | One perk of investing in the crypto market is that participants can trade 24/7. There are no market times, and traders can buy or sell whenever they are on exchanges. |
Stocks vs. crypto: Which is the right choice for you?
Stock investing
Stocks have been around for a long time and are reliable investment footholds. For traditional investors, buying stocks brings many advantages, such as safety from loss, limited volatility, and long-term viability. You should consider investing in stocks if you have a low-risk tolerance since you can bet on companies you can trust. Stocks usually perform in line with company performance, and depending on your choices, the slight downturns are short-lived. With stocks, your losses can be minimal when the market fails.
However, gains can be slow in the short term since values are more stable.
Crypto Investing
Crypto adoption is gaining steam, and investors focused on significant cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have enjoyed lucrative returns. With time, cryptocurrency investing might even outpace stocks in performance.
Some advantages of crypto investing include freedom from government control, low transaction fees, and huge gains when markets perform great. However, investing in crypto should be done with an awareness of volatility.
FAQs
What is the difference between crypto and stock market?
While both markets involve financial assets and trading, they have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes. Investors need to understand these differences and the associated risks before participating in either market. Additionally, some investors choose to diversify their portfolios by investing in both cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks.
How is crypto different from normal investing?
Cryptocurrency investing involves unique risks and opportunities, and it’s important for investors to thoroughly understand these differences and the associated risks before participating in the cryptocurrency market. Diversification across various asset classes, including cryptocurrencies and traditional assets, is one strategy some investors use to manage risk in their investment portfolios.
How has cryptocurrency changed the stock market?
It’s important to note that while cryptocurrencies have influenced the traditional financial landscape, there are still significant differences between the two markets, including regulatory frameworks, asset characteristics, and risk profiles. Cryptocurrency markets are known for their price volatility, which can differ significantly from the relatively stable nature of traditional stock markets. As a result, investors should exercise caution and perform due diligence when participating in both markets.
What is the correlation between crypto and the stock market?
It’s important to note that while correlations between cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks can change, there is no fixed or consistent relationship between the two markets. Additionally, the correlation between different cryptocurrencies can also vary.
Investors should be cautious about making assumptions based on historical correlations and should conduct thorough research and analysis when making investment decisions. Diversification and risk management strategies should also be tailored to an individual’s investment goals and risk tolerance.
