What Should Investors Know About Cryptocurrency?

After you listen:

• Explore ways to invest in cryptocurrency with Schwab.
• Learn more about the ins and outs of the crypto market.

In this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Jim Ferraioli, Director of Digital Currencies Research and Strategy, for a realistic assessment of cryptocurrency as a long-term asset class. The discussion details the fundamental drivers of digital asset valuations and the strategic role low-correlation assets can play in a diversified portfolio. By examining the impact of high volatility and the "herding" bias, the conversation provides a disciplined framework for potentially determining the suitability of crypto exposure. This overview moves beyond the hype to help investors understand the essential risks and realities of the current digital asset landscape.

Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk, including the risk of total loss of principal invested. Cryptocurrencies [such as bitcoin and ethereum] are highly volatile, are not backed or guaranteed by any central bank or government; are not deposits; are not FDIC insured; are not SIPC protected; and lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument. Additional risks apply.

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Important Disclosures

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk, including the risk of total loss of principal invested.

Cryptocurrencies [such as bitcoin and ethereum] are highly volatile, are not backed or guaranteed by any central bank or government; are not deposits; are not FDIC insured; are not SIPC protected; and lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. 

Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument. Additional risks apply.

Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

​The technology relating to digital assets, including blockchain, is new and developing and the risks associated with digital assets may not fully emerge until the technology is widely used. In addition, the values of the companies included in the fund may not be a reflection of their connection to digital assets but may be based on other business operations or lines of business which means that such companies’ operating results may not be significantly tied to their respective activities related to digital assets.

Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor’s goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.

Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.

All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly.

S&P 500® Index-Measures the performance of 500 leading publicly traded U.S. companies from a broad range of industries. It is a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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