Home
/
Learn to trade
/
Axi Academy
/Cryptocurrency Trading Fundamentals

Cryptocurrency Trading Fundamentals

Crypto mobile hero image
Crypto mobile hero image

1. What are cryptocurrencies?

Level

Beginner’s

Time

30 minutes

Quiz

Test your skills

Course summary

In this crypto primer, you'll discover what cryptocurrencies are, which ones are most significant, and how to evaluate the projects behind them. We will introduce you to the basics in cryptocurrency trading and storage methods, as well as the factors that influence crypto cycles and fuel their volatility.

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that are secured by cryptography and are transferred on a ‘blockchain’, a public ledger that is distributed across a network of computers. Every time a transaction takes place, it is recorded on the ledger of every participant.

 


Blockchains can be used to record financial transactions, agreements, ownership titles, medical records, and more, in a way that is peer-to-peer, cannot be modified, and does not require trust between participants.

 


Bitcoin (BTC) makes up more than half of the total market cap of all crypto. Launched in 2009, it was the first cryptocurrency and intended to be used as digital money independent from the banking system. All other cryptocurrencies are known as ‘alt’ coins.
Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency, making up 40% of the alt market. It also allows for smart contracts and enables developers to build decentralised applications (dApps).

 


Other major altcoins include BNB, Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Avalanche (AVAX).

Ticker symbol

Just like stocks and currency pairs, cryptos are uniquely identified by their ticker symbols. If BTCUSD is $65,000, this means that you need 65,000 US dollars to buy 1 bitcoin.

bitcoin

Quiz

1/1

What is the term for the public ledger that records all cryptocurrency transactions?

A) Digital wallet

B) Blockchain

C) Altcoin

D) Smart Contract