Cryptocurrencies have emerged as a new asset class that has attracted investors from around the world. Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, has gained widespread acceptance and has paved the way for other digital currencies such as Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.
However, despite their growing popularity, cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile. The price of Bitcoin, for example, has experienced significant fluctuations over the years, ranging from under $1,000 in 2017 to nearly $20,000 in late 2017, before crashing back down to around $3,000 in early 2019.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Price Volatility
Before you start trading cryptocurrency in Kenya, it’s important to understand cryptocurrency price volatility. The high volatility of cryptocurrencies can be attributed to several factors. First, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any physical asset or government, which makes them more susceptible to market sentiment and speculation. In addition, the lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market can also contribute to price volatility, as investors may be uncertain about the legitimacy of certain cryptocurrencies and may be more likely to sell their holdings.
Another factor that can contribute to cryptocurrency price volatility is the limited supply of certain cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, for example, has a finite number of 21 million coins, meaning that the price can be impacted by supply and demand. And as more and more people become interested in Bitcoin, the price can increase. Similarly, as more coins are mined and the supply increases, the price may decrease.
Strategies for Managing Risk
Despite the high volatility of cryptocurrencies, there are strategies that investors can use to manage their risk and reduce the potential for losses. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Diversify Your Portfolio
Investing in multiple cryptocurrencies can help spread your risk and reduce the impact of volatility. However, it’s essential to choose cryptocurrencies that have different market capitalizations and use cases to avoid overexposure to a single market.
Invest For the Long-Term
Cryptocurrency prices can be highly unpredictable in the short term, but over the long term, they tend to follow more predictable patterns. Developing strategies to invest for the long term allows you to more effectively ride out short term fluctuations and potentially earn higher returns.
Use Dollar-Cost Averaging
Rather than investing a lump sum of money all at the same time, investors can use a dollar-cost averaging strategy. This involves investing a fixed sum of money at regular intervals. This can help reduce the impact of short-term volatility on the overall portfolio.
Set Stop-Loss Orders
A stop-loss order is a type of order that automatically sells a cryptocurrency if the price drops below a certain threshold. This can help with limiting potential losses in the event of a sudden price drop.
Stay Informed
Keeping yourself updated with the latest news and developments in the cryptocurrency market can help investors make informed decisions regarding their investments. Following reputable sources and doing research before investing in a particular cryptocurrency can help reduce the potential for losses.
Cryptocurrencies are a new, exciting asset class with the potential to generate high returns for investors. However, their volatility can also make them a risky investment. By understanding the factors that contribute to cryptocurrency price volatility and putting the right strategies in place, investors can reduce their risk and potentially earn higher returns over the long-term.
Read: The Fastest Way To Convert Bitcoin To Naira in Africa
