Ep 297: Here’s what I think about crypto

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In this episode, Stuart presents a compelling analysis of the merits and pitfalls of investing in digital assets. Despite recent surges in Bitcoin's price and endorsements from influential figures like Blackrock's CEO, he expresses significant scepticism about cryptocurrencies as a worthwhile investment. 

Stuart acknowledges the growing presence of fund managers and the proliferation of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) as potential avenues for investment. However, he cautions against undue optimism, highlighting the commercial incentives of asset managers and the uncertain impact of ETFs on crypto's volatility. He argues that after over a decade, crypto has failed to gain wide adoption as a means of exchange beyond speculative investing and illicit activities. It lacks the fundamental utility underpinning traditional investments tied to products or services. Stuart likens crypto to a social Ponzi scheme reliant on continuously convincing new buyers.

Major drawbacks he outlines include extreme volatility undermining crypto's viability as a store of value, along with significant custody risks from unregulated exchanges vulnerable to hacking or bankruptcy. If crypto did achieve mainstream success, Stuart argues regulation would strip away its touted decentralised nature.

While some have gotten rich from crypto's rise, he cautions it operates on a zero-sum basis with equal losers. If investing, Stuart recommends only allocating what you can afford to lose within a fundamentally sound overall portfolio strategy, as the "music could stop any time on this speculative party."

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