Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency that was created as a joke based on a popular meme of a Shiba Inu dog. It has gained popularity and cult status, with endorsements from billionaires like Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Mark Cuban.
Dogecoin can be purchased on a cryptocurrency exchange like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken, or through investment apps like Robinhood, SoFi, Webull, and eToro. Before investing, it is important to understand the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, as they are highly volatile and speculative investments. Dogecoin, in particular, is highly volatile due to its unlimited supply, which means that its price can fluctuate significantly based on social media movements and hype.
When deciding how much to invest, it is recommended to consider your financial situation, investment portfolio, and risk tolerance. It is generally advised not to invest more than you are willing to lose, especially in risky assets like cryptocurrencies.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Risk | Very high |
Volatility | High |
Affordability | Low |
Transaction costs | Low |
Investment advice | No more than 3-10% of your portfolio |
Purchase options | Cryptocurrency exchange, investment apps, decentralised exchanges |
Payment options | Cash, cryptocurrency |
Storage options | Exchange, hot wallet, cold wallet |
What You'll Learn
Dogecoin's risks and volatility
Dogecoin is a highly volatile cryptocurrency. Its value is unpredictable and can fluctuate rapidly in a short time span, making it riskier than other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Dogecoin's volatility can be measured by using standard deviation or beta.
Historical Volatility
Historical volatility measures Dogecoin's fluctuations based on previous trends and is used to predict its future behaviour. It cannot, however, conclusively determine the future direction of the cryptocurrency.
Implied Volatility
Implied volatility provides a positive outlook on future price fluctuations based on Dogecoin's current market price. This means that the crypto will return to its initially predicted market price.
Unlimited Supply
Unlike Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin does not have a fixed supply. This means that its prices are not supported by scarcity and rely on buyers constantly purchasing new Dogecoin that enters circulation to maintain its value.
High Issuance Rate
Dogecoin has a fixed block reward where successful miners receive 10,000 Dogecoins every minute. In contrast, Bitcoin miners receive 6.25 Bitcoin every 10 minutes until the next halving of that rate occurs sometime in 2024. This means that more Dogecoin enters circulation in two days (28 million) than Bitcoin’s total supply, which is set to top out at 21 million around the year 2140.
Infrequent Tech Development
Dogecoin's technology development is maintained by a team of voluntary developers who, until recently, had submitted relatively few code updates and releases. Before the latest Dogecoin Core 1.14.3 release in February 2021, the last update was in November 2019.
Concentrated Ownership
According to data from IntoTheBlock, there are nine wallets that collectively hold more than 40% of all Dogecoin, with one wallet holding 28%. This means that at any moment, one of those large investors could cash out and send the price plummeting, or alternatively, use their huge position to manipulate the market.
Volatility Provides Opportunities
While Dogecoin's volatility indicates a high level of risk, it also presents opportunities for investors. Volatility provides cryptocurrency investors with entry points to take advantage of coin prices. For example, an investor can purchase Dogecoin that has halved in price over a short period, lowering their average cost per share and improving their portfolio's performance when the markets normalize.
Other Risks
Dogecoin is considered one of the riskiest cryptocurrencies. It is not backed by any substantial assets, so if the public loses interest, the price could theoretically fall to zero. Additionally, its hype-driven rallies can be short-lived, and it is susceptible to panic selling.
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Choosing a crypto exchange
When choosing a crypto exchange to buy Dogecoin, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a reputable and trusted exchange that offers Dogecoin trading. Some popular options include Binance, Kraken, KuCoin, and HTX. These exchanges have a large user base and offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin. It is also worth considering the fees charged by the exchange, as these can vary between platforms. Lower fees can result in significant savings, especially for larger transactions.
Another factor to keep in mind is the payment methods accepted by the exchange. Some exchanges allow you to purchase cryptocurrencies using a credit or debit card, while others may require a bank transfer or support other payment options. It is essential to ensure that the exchange accepts your preferred payment method before signing up. Additionally, the location of the exchange and the countries it serves is an important consideration. Due to regulatory requirements, some exchanges may not be available in certain countries or regions, so it is crucial to verify that the platform is accessible in your location.
Furthermore, it is worth examining the security measures implemented by the exchange to protect your funds and personal information. Two-factor authentication, encryption, and other enhanced security features can provide an additional layer of protection for your account. It is also beneficial to explore the range of features and tools provided by the exchange. Some platforms may offer more advanced trading options, such as limit orders or futures trading, which can be advantageous for more experienced traders.
Lastly, consider the ease of use and user-friendliness of the exchange's platform. A well-designed and intuitive interface can make navigating and executing trades more straightforward, especially for beginners. It may be helpful to review user feedback and reviews to gain insights into the overall usability and customer satisfaction of a particular crypto exchange. Remember to always do your own research and carefully evaluate the features, fees, security, and accessibility of different crypto exchanges before making your decision.
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Payment methods
After opening an account with a cryptocurrency exchange or brokerage, you will need to deposit money into your account. Most exchanges will allow you to deposit money from a checking or savings account. Some also accept wire transfers and PayPal transfers.
It is worth noting that some exchanges and brokerages will allow you to use a credit card to buy Dogecoin, but this is generally discouraged as the transaction will be treated as a cash advance by the bank, attracting hefty interest rates.
Once the money is in your account, you can purchase Dogecoin. On the exchange's trading platform, search for Dogecoin or enter its ticker symbol, DOGE. Then, input the dollar amount you want to invest or the number of Dogecoins you want to buy. Your order should go through immediately.
If you are looking to buy Dogecoin, it is important to keep in mind that, unlike Bitcoin, there is no lifetime cap on the number of Dogecoins that can be created. This means that the cryptocurrency is highly inflationary by design, and there is very little incentive to hold it for the long term.
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Storage options
There are several storage options for Dogecoin, including hardware wallets, software wallets, web wallets, paper wallets, and multi-signature wallets.
Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your private keys offline, providing an extra layer of security. Examples include the Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, and Trezor One. These wallets offer robust security features such as PIN protection, encryption, and two-factor authentication.
Software wallets are digital applications installed on computers or smartphones, with the convenience of being free and easily accessible. However, they are connected to the internet, making them more susceptible to hacks. Examples include the Exodus wallet and the official Dogecoin wallet.
Web wallets, or online wallets, are accessible through web browsers and are often provided by cryptocurrency exchanges. While they offer instant access and a user-friendly interface, they are more vulnerable to hacking and cyber-attacks due to their constant online connection.
Paper wallets are a simple and secure offline method of storing your Dogecoins. They involve printing your private keys on a piece of paper, which can then be stored in a safe place.
Multi-signature wallets require multiple signatures to authorize a transaction, adding an extra layer of security.
It is important to prioritize security when choosing a Dogecoin wallet, especially considering the risks associated with hot wallets. Additionally, ensure that your chosen wallet supports Dogecoin transactions and offers the accessibility you need.
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The importance of research
Research is an essential step in the investment process, and it is a key factor in making sound financial decisions. Here are some reasons why research is crucial when considering investing in Dogecoin or any other financial asset:
Understanding Risk and Volatility:
Dogecoin, like any other cryptocurrency, is subject to high volatility and risk. Researching its historical performance, market trends, and price drivers can help investors make informed decisions about the level of risk they are comfortable with. Due to its volatile nature, financial planners generally recommend investing no more than 3% to 5% of your money in cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin.
Knowledge is Power:
Conducting thorough research allows investors to gain knowledge and make more informed decisions. By studying the company or asset, investors can better understand the underlying technology, market position, and growth potential. This knowledge helps in identifying investment opportunities and managing risks effectively.
Independent Decision-Making:
While it's tempting to follow the crowd or rely solely on the opinions of experts, successful investors do their own research and make independent decisions. Seeking external views is valuable, but it should not replace individual analysis. By doing your own research, you ensure that your investment choices align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.
Avoiding Biases and External Influence:
Making investment decisions based solely on commonly held beliefs, dogmas, or recommendations from authoritative sources can lead to biased judgments. Conducting independent research helps investors avoid external influences and make decisions based on facts and data. This reduces the impact of cognitive biases and ensures a more objective evaluation of the investment opportunity.
Long-Term Success:
Research is particularly crucial for long-term investors, such as family offices, who are focused on sustainable returns. By investing time and effort into research, investors can identify investments that align with their goals and risk appetite. This long-term perspective, combined with a strong research foundation, can lead to more consistent and successful investment outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Dogecoin can be bought and sold on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and eToro. It can also be purchased on investment apps like Robinhood, SoFi, Webull, and TradeStation.
You can pay for Dogecoin using fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar or by trading other cryptocurrencies for Dogecoin.
You can store your Dogecoin in a hot wallet or a cold wallet. Hot wallets are digital and connected to the internet, while cold wallets are physical hardware that you can disconnect from the internet. Cold wallets are generally more secure but more expensive than hot wallets.