How does cryptocurrency trading work?
Cryptocurrency trading is the process of buying, selling, and exchanging digital assets for profit. To understand it, it is important to look at the key aspects that determine how this market works.
Where can I trade cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency trading is done through:
Cryptocurrency exchanges: For example, Binance, Coinbase, Kraken. On these platforms, users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
CFD platforms: For example, eToro, Plus500. These platforms allow users to trade the price change of cryptocurrencies without buying the coins themselves.
Decentralized exchanges (DEX): Such as Uniswap and PancakeSwap, where users trade directly with each other without intermediaries.
What is the spread in cryptocurrency trading?
The spread is the difference between the buy (ask) price and the sell (bid) price of a cryptocurrency. Exchanges and brokers often set the spread as a way to make a profit.
Example: If the Bitcoin purchase price is $20,000 and the selling price is $19,950, then the spread is $50.
A narrow spread indicates high liquidity of the asset, while a wide spread indicates low liquidity or high volatility.
What is a lot in cryptocurrency trading?
A lot is a standard volume of an asset used in trades. In cryptocurrency trading, lots can be fixed (for example, 1 Bitcoin) or fractional, which allows traders to trade small parts of the asset.
What is Leverage in Cryptocurrency Trading?
Leverage allows traders to open trades worth more than their deposit by borrowing funds from a broker.
Example: With 1:10 leverage, a trader with a $1,000 deposit can trade $10,000.
Benefit: Potential profit increases.
Risk: Losses also increase proportionally to leverage.
What is Margin in Cryptocurrency Trading?
Margin is the amount a trader must put up as collateral to open a trade using leverage.
Example: With 1:10 leverage, a $10,000 trade would require $1,000 margin.
If the market moves against the trader, the margin is used to cover losses. If losses exceed the margin, a margin call may occur and the position will be automatically closed.
What is a pip in cryptocurrency trading?
Pips are the units used to measure movement in the price of a cryptocurrency, and refer to a one-digit movement in the price at a specific level. Generally, valuable cryptocurrencies are traded at the ‘dollar´ level, so a move from a price of $190.00 to $191.00, for example, would mean that the cryptocurrency has moved a single pip. However, some lower-value cryptocurrencies are traded at different scales, where a pip can be a cent or even a fraction of a cent.
It’s important to read the details on your chosen trading platform to ensure you understand the level at which price movements will be measured before you place a trade.