Jan
07
2023
Does Cryptocurrency Have Trading Hours?

Does Cryptocurrency Have Trading Hours?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Does Cryptocurrency Have Trading Hours?

Crypto trading hours are 24/7, 365 days per year — the market never closes. That’s good news for those who simply can’t peel themselves away from studying cryptocurrency charts or watching the crypto markets.

Though cryptocurrency trading hours are much more expansive than those of the traditional stock market, there are some caveats depending on your individual cryptocurrency exchange of choice. Read on to learn more about crypto trading, when it happens, and how to get in on it.

How Crypto Trading Works

If you’ve had any experience with other market types, or even the stock exchange, you likely already have a good grasp of how crypto trading works. Most people access the market through a crypto exchange, where buyers and sellers transact assets.

For those buyers and sellers, the exchanges simplify the trading process by showing real-time values for various cryptocurrencies (the actual cryptos on a given exchange will vary), and pairing traders and investors so that they can buy, sell, and trade. Of course, investors can still spend hours reading crypto charts, but an exchange streamlines the trading process. As such, for most end users, it’s pretty much the same process as buying or selling stocks.

What Time Will Crypto Coin Start Trading?

Since the crypto markets are always open, so to speak, crypto trading never starts or stops. Investors and traders can use an exchange or brokerage to trade crypto any time they’d like.

That’s not to say that all markets will have lots of liquidity or trading partners at any given time, but it’s a 24-hour market nonetheless.

Are There Time Limitations on Crypto Trading Networks?

Though crypto exchanges are similar to services that allow users to actively invest in stocks and other assets, there are some differences. One of the most important differences is time limitations — or, the hours of the day during which transactions are executed.

If you’re trading assets like stocks, bonds, and ETFs, transactions are executed during the market’s open hours, and to a lesser extent, the after-hours market. That’s generally 9:30 am ET to 4 pm ET, Monday through Friday, and 4 pm ET to 8 pm ET for after-hours trading.

But some assets can be traded 24 hours per day. The foreign exchange (forex) market is an example — traders can swap currencies all day between Monday and Friday. The crypto markets are likewise much looser with trading hours, in that the crypto markets never actually close.

Does The Time You Trade Affect Your Crypto Fees?

Though the crypto markets never close, when you choose to trade can have an impact on applicable trading fees. That’s because the markets can get busy, and it requires network resources to facilitate trades — network participants need to validate trades on blockchain networks, for instance, and if many traders are trying to execute transactions at once, it can create a logjam.

For that reason, you may end up paying higher or lower transaction fees (commonly called “Ethereum gas fees”) if you try to trade during busy hours. Conversely, the fees may be lower during slower times of the day, like the middle of the night.

Note, too, that there are ways to minimize crypto trading fees.

On the other hand, there is more liquidity in the market during stretches of higher trading volume. That means there are more participants, and generally speaking, more “action” in the market. That can likewise be a good or bad thing, but something crypto investors should know before they decide on a time of the day to trade.

Cryptocurrency Trading Hours vs Stock Market Trading Hours

The stock market has set operating hours: 9:30 am ET until 4 pm ET, Monday through Friday. The stock markets are closed during weekends and holidays.

Conversely, the crypto markets operate non-stop. That doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t certain days or times that are better to trade, as mentioned, since the numbers of traders and overall level of liquidity in the markets can vary. But access to the crypto markets is always open.

So, you can get real-time updates on crypto prices, add some coins to your portfolio, or fine-tune your crypto day-trading strategies at odd hours, on weekends, and even on holidays.

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Does The Global Market Affect Crypto Trading?

The global market does have an effect on crypto trading, but we’re still learning the degree to which that relationship exists. While crypto is, in some ways, siloed off from other trading markets, the two can and do affect one another, as you may have noticed by the fluctuating values in your investment portfolio.

During 2022, we saw this first-hand, as an overall market downturn likewise spilled over into the crypto markets — hence, 2022’s “crypto winter.” Similarly, the collapse of large crypto companies like FTX in late 2022 had an effect on global markets as well, causing some investors to lose money, likely altering their other investment decisions and creating a ripple effect in the markets.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Always Being Tradeable

There are some pros and cons given that the crypto markets have no set hours.

For instance, during times when fewer traders are on the market, it can affect crypto exchange liquidity — or more specifically, Bitcoin liquidity — and make values more volatile. Conversely, the open-ended hours of the market can make it easier to research and execute trades at your convenience.

Pros of 24-7 Crypto Trading

There are some advantages to the crypto markets always being open. These are the top benefits:

•   Convenience for traders

•   Higher potential returns due to bigger market and liquidity

•   Access to markets anytime, anywhere

Cons of 24-7 Crypto Trading

Of course, there are also potential downsides to crypto’s non-stop market:

•   Some exchanges and platforms may limit market access to certain times

•   Higher risks and higher Bitcoin volatility (or other crypto volatility) on certain days and times

•   Lack of regulated market hours means traders could miss big market movements

How Non-Stop Crypto Trading Hours Impact Institutions

There are some ways in which the non-stop crypto market affects institutions — banks and exchanges, in particular.

The stock market takes a break every day, and every weekend. That gives all the players in the market — individual investors and institutions — a chance to assess and reposition their assets for their next moves. But since crypto trades all the time, there are stretches during the 24-hour day when banks and exchanges are effectively closed, and money isn’t being moved around as quickly or efficiently as it would during business hours.

This can cause lags — if a crypto trader is trying to deposit money into their crypto exchange account to execute a trade at, say, 2 am ET on a Sunday night, that money won’t actually move until the next day. That has the potential to cause some friction in the markets.

In short, there’s a mismatch between the standard business hours of many institutions and the 24-hour nature of the crypto markets, which may have an effect on the markets.

How Does Crypto Trade on Weekends?

Crypto trades the same on weekends as it does during weekdays. Remember: The market never closes! But there is one thing to keep in mind: The crypto markets are volatile, and even more so on the weekends. In fact, crypto values often crash during the weekends for a few key reasons:

•   Less trading volume: Many people take the weekends off, and that includes crypto traders. As such, the volume of trades takes a dip. With lower volume, the trades that are executed (especially big ones) can have an outsized effect on the markets — more so than during times with higher trading volume.

•   Margin trading: Many traders trade crypto “on margin,” meaning that they borrow money to execute trades. And when prices drop, it may trigger a “margin call,” which means those margin traders must repay their loans. That forces traders to try and move some money around, but with banks closed on the weekends, it can make things more difficult, and in effect, potentially cause crypto values to fall further.

•   Hourly mismatches and liquidity: With banks closed on weekends but the crypto markets firing away at all hours, traders may have trouble getting more money into their crypto exchange accounts. This can limit market liquidity, potentially adding yet another systemic and chaotic element to weekend crypto trading.

When Are the Best Times to Buy and Trade Crypto?

As discussed, there are times and days that are generally more favorable to crypto traders to execute trades. The best times and days to trade crypto is generally “whenever it works for you,” but research shows that professional traders tend to be more active during weekdays.

Monday tends to be the day when traders historically see the biggest returns when trading, followed by Friday and Saturday. And as for which hours of the day are the most fruitful? Data shows that the markets are busiest around 12 pm ET.

But as with any investing, past performance and trends are no guarantee of future outcomes. There’s no promise that trading during these days or times will translate to bigger returns (or any returns) for an individual trader or investor. It’s also worth keeping in mind that these trends are likely to change with time.

The Takeaway

The crypto markets are a wild, non-stop ride, and they operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The markets never close, which means you can buy, sell, or trade crypto any time you want — that’s not to say that there aren’t times that may be more advantageous, however.

FAQ

What hours does cryptocurrency trade?

Cryptocurrency trades non-stop, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The crypto markets never close, which means traders and investors can always execute crypto transactions.

When are the best times to buy crypto?

The best times to buy crypto depend on an individual investor’s preferences, but the markets are generally more liquid during business hours on weekdays. Transaction fees, however, may be higher during those times, too.

Can I trade crypto on weekends?

Yes, you can trade crypto on weekends. The markets never close, so you can trade crypto on weekends, holidays, or any other day, too.

Photo credit: iStock/Stefan Tomic

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Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

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Jan
06
2023
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How to Read a Preliminary Title Report

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on How to Read a Preliminary Title Report

When you’ve decided on a house to buy and entered into escrow, you can expect to receive a preliminary title report. The report will verify ownership and reveal any lurking issues that will not be covered under a subsequent title insurance policy.

This is an important step: When you’re buying a home, the preliminary title report gives you the chance to remove or eliminate problems before you close on the property. This can help you avoid any legal headaches that arise from those issues.

Here’s a look at how to read these documents and what kind of information you can expect to find in them, including:

•   What is a preliminary title report

•   How to read a preliminary title report

•   How to get a title report for a property

•   What is a title report vs. title insurance

•   What are the limitations of a preliminary title report.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
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Title Insurance 101

First, you’ll need to understand what title insurance is. A title is the set of legal rights you have to a property once you buy it. A clear title is the goal, meaning you want the property to be free of liens and other ownership claims.

Title insurance protects both buyers and lenders against any problems with a title when ownership of a property transfers from one person to another.

During or after a sale, if there is a title dispute, the insurance company may be responsible for paying certain legal damages. If you don’t have title insurance, you could be responsible for any issues that crop up.

There may be two forms of title insurance involved in a sale. If you are borrowing money to buy a home, you may purchase lender’s title insurance, which protects the lender. Owner’s title insurance, less common, is usually purchased by the seller to protect the buyer.

Recommended: How to Qualify for a Mortgage

Reading a Preliminary Title Report

When you receive the preliminary title report, look for the following information:

Owner of Record

The preliminary title report will start with the name of the owner of record. If you’re buying a home, this should be the seller’s name. If it isn’t, that’s a major red flag, and you should let your escrow or title officer know.

Statement of Vesting

Next, the report will lay out the extent of the current owner’s interest in the property. The fullest type of ownership, and the most common, is known as “fee simple” or “fee.” This means a person wholly owns a piece of land and all the real estate on it.

There may be other types of ownership that will show up in this section. For example, you might see a leasehold estate, which gives a tenant exclusive rights to use a property owned by someone else for a set period of time.

Legal Description

The legal description details the property location, lot size, boundaries, and any easements or encroachments.
For condominiums and planned unit developments, the legal description might include common areas, parking, storage, and easements that convey.

A plot map, which shows how land is divided into plots, may be included as well to show the general location of a property.

Exceptions

Exceptions will be listed numerically and are matters that your title insurance policy will not cover. They may include:

•   General tax issues. Are there unpaid taxes? Property taxes will show up as the primary “lien” and as due or paid in full. Property taxes must be paid for the property sale to go through. And tax classifications could affect the new owner. For instance, if land is classified as agricultural, there could be penalties for withdrawing from that classification.

•   Assessments. Are there delinquent water or sewer bills owed to the city that need to be paid before closing?

•   Encumbrances. These might include liens from creditors or lenders, or liens for the payment of federal taxes or assessments. They might also include liens against a property because of back-due child support or spousal support. Are there loans against the property you weren’t aware of, such as additional mortgages?

•   Covenants, conditions and restrictions, also known as CC&Rs. These are rules that homeowners must follow in a planned community or common interest development. They might determine whether you are allowed to park on the street, what kind of fence you can put up, or what color you can paint your house.

•   Easements. An easement is the right another party has to the property you’re interested in buying. For example, neighbors may have a right of way that allows them to access their property through yours. Or a utility company might have the right to install, access, or maintain equipment on the property, such as power lines or cable.

•   Other issues. There are other matters that may appear on the preliminary title report, such as bankruptcies or notices of action, which are court proceedings that are underway and involve the property.

The transfer of property is subject to these exceptions unless they are dealt with by the seller before the sale.

If any liens or encumbrances crop on your preliminary title report, you have the chance to clear them before the sale goes through. Together with your real estate agent you can work with the sellers and their agent to clear the title before you take it on.

If you have any questions about your preliminary report, you can contact your real estate agent, an attorney, or your escrow or title officer.

Standard Exceptions and Exclusions

In addition to the list of exceptions that are particular to the home you want to buy, there are standard exceptions and exclusions that a title insurance policy won’t cover.

Building codes and restrictions are exempt from title insurance coverage, as are zoning restrictions or other regulations for how land can be used in certain areas.

Sometimes a building is subject to zoning restrictions. For example, it may be in a historical district that restricts how a buyer can develop the property.

Recommended: How to Make an Offer on a House

How to Get a Title Report for a Property

As part of the home-buying process, your lender will likely require a preliminary title report and title insurance.

In many cases, the seller will request the title report from a title company once an escrow account is opened. The seller includes this information as part of their disclosure package.

Recommended: Mortgage Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: The Differences

Title Report vs. Title Insurance

As mentioned above, once you open escrow, an order is placed with the title company to produce your preliminary title report. The company will assemble and review records having to do with the property you want to buy. The title report will give you insights into whether the property has, say, any liens on it or other issues.

Title insurance, on the other hand, is indemnity insurance. It protects both lenders and homebuyers from enduring financial loss if there were any defects in a property’s title.

Recommended: What’s the Difference Between Homeowners Insurance and Title Insurance?

Limitations of the Preliminary Title Report

Be aware that the preliminary title report only shows the matters that the title company will exclude from coverage when and if a title insurance policy is issued.

It is not a complete picture of the condition of the property. And it may not even list all of the liens and other encumbrances that may affect the title of the property.

The Takeaway

Think of a preliminary title report like a background check on a home, revealing tax, lien, or ownership poltergeists lurking. Knowing how to read a preliminary title report helps prevent spooky surprises.

Speaking of clean titles and clean starts, if you’re shopping for a home or investment property and need a mortgage loan, SoFi’s home loan options are worth a look. With competitive rates, a quick and easy application process, and low fees, they can offer a smart, affordable path to homeownership.

Check out SoFi’s competitive rates today.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Jan
04
2023

How to Mine Bitcoin: A Guide

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | No Comments

Bitcoin miners rely on high-powered computer systems to validate blocks of digital transactions on the blockchain network and earn Bitcoin (BTC). Learning how to mine Bitcoin isn’t hard, but it can be expensive and time consuming.

Once a miner has completed a certain number of calculations (1 MB) to verify a block of transactions, they may be rewarded with new Bitcoins — if they are the first to verify the block.

This competitive process in turn helps to secure the system and prevent fraud. And it enables a network-wide consensus that essentially backs the validity of each Bitcoin, even without a central authority.

What Is Bitcoin Mining?

Mining Bitcoin is more than just the creation of Bitcoin tokens; it’s also the decentralized global system by which miners validate and secure all Bitcoin transactions — and earn Bitcoin themselves.

How does Bitcoin mining work exactly? It goes back to the blockchain technology that Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies are built on. For many blockchain-based crypto networks to run, miners rely on super-charged computer systems — or in some cases cloud-based technology — to validate blocks of digital transactions that are then appended to the blockchain ledger.

How Bitcoin Mining Works

When a Bitcoin transaction is executed, it gets sent to miners for verification. Bitcoin miners use special computer hardware to do the complex mathematical calculations or hashing, required to confirm each item on the blockchain — an immense undertaking called proof-of-work (PoW) that involves literally trillions of calculations.

Many different types of crypto use a PoW algorithm, including Dogecoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, and others. It can be useful to understand the differences between certain types of crypto, like Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin, in order to learn more about mining crypto.

Understanding Bitcoin Hashing and Hash Rate

To solve these problems, each machine or node has to make millions of guesses per second — called hashing. This requires a lot of electricity. Estimates vary, but Bitcoin miners consume around 129 Terawatt-hours of energy, which is around 0.6% of the world’s total.

To successfully mine a block and receive bitcoin rewards, a miner has to hash the block’s header, which is a summary of the information contained within a given block. In order to keep the timing of each block consistent, the difficulty of solving each block has to increase over time. This keeps the number of Bitcoins entering the market steady. (If it got easier to validate each block, miners would get more rewards faster, which would quickly deplete the existing supply of Bitcoins).

The Bitcoin hash rate is a measurement of how many times the Bitcoin network attempts to complete those calculations each and every second. It’s the approximate average of all the hash rates of each individual miner in the network.

When a miner has a higher hash rate it increases the miner’s chances of finding the next block and receiving a Bitcoin reward. More hashing power also is an indication of a network’s overall security.

It takes about 10 minutes for miners to successfully confirm a block of transactions (1 MB) and get rewarded with new Bitcoin. But mining is intensely competitive, especially because the reward is halved every 210,000 blocks and now stands at 6.25 BTC.

What Is Bitcoin Halving, Why Does It Matter?

Every type of cryptocurrency follows its own protocol. Bitcoin is a deflationary crypto, which means the number of coins being minted is steadily decreasing.

How many Bitcoins are left? The number of Bitcoins that can be produced is capped at 21 million. That’s where the halving of Bitcoin rewards comes in.

Since mining rewards create Bitcoin, the number of Bitcoin you can earn from mining is decreased over time through the process called halving. In June of 2024, the Bitcoin block reward for mining is slated to drop to 3.125 BTC from 6.25 BTC.

Understanding Proof of Work

The process of mining Bitcoin actually helps secure the network, and the transactions that fly across it every day. For a hacker to take control of the blockchain, to commit fraudulent charges, and to steal Bitcoin, they’d have to control over 51% of the network.

It’s an important insight into the decentralized world of mining cryptocurrency: Rewarding miners creates a competitive environment that encourages more miners to join the network. This increases the size of the network, making it harder to get more than 51% control of it, which in turn makes transactions more secure for users who are sending Bitcoins back and forth.

Can Bitcoin Work Without Miners?

The short answer is no. Bitcoin relies on a proof-of-work consensus mechanism that requires miners and mining for transaction verification and block creation, for minting new coins, and for helping to secure the network. That’s how the system is built.

If Bitcoin were to switch to a proof-of-stake system, the way Ethereum did with the Merge in 2022, then miners would no longer be needed.

There is an ongoing debate about the value of crypto staking vs. mining. While mining uses special hardware to solve complex computational problems, staking locks up crypto for a fixed period. PoW is energy intensive, whereas PoS requires less energy. PoW relies on a high hash rate to secure a network, whereas PoS relies on a large amount of tokens (money) — a high level of market capitalization.

In a proof-of-stake network, transactions aren’t validated by miners running vast computer rigs, but validators who stake a certain amount of their crypto in order to help monitor and run the network — and earn crypto rewards.

Recommended: Is Crypto Mining Still Profitable in 2022?

Mining Bitcoin: What You Need

With the right equipment, nearly anyone can mine Bitcoin — in theory. The catch? As just discussed, Bitcoin mining has become highly competitive because of the potential rewards — and the complexity of the calculations and technology involved.

When Bitcoin was first launched in 2009, all miners needed was a sturdy PC and they could potentially get in the Bitcoin-mining game. Things progressed quickly, though. In 2010, software was released that let miners mine with graphics processing units (GPUs), the technical name for a video card.

The Evolution of Bitcoin Mining Hardware

This was a major shift in Bitcoin mining because a single GPU was 100 times faster than a central processing unit (CPU), which was how most people were initially mining.

Next, miners built computers specifically for mining Bitcoin, as well as other cryptocurrencies. These “crypto mining rigs” typically featured motherboards, the main hub of a computer, which supported four to eight graphics cards.

If a single card was 100 times faster than a CPU, it’s easy to see how the average user looking to mine Bitcoin might be left in the dust by a high-powered crypto rig that featured anywhere from four to eight GPUs churning away at blockchain calculations.

From there, as is the case with many things tech, the hardware got better, faster, and more specialized. In 2013 the first Bitcoin ASIC miners hit the scene. ASIC stands for application-specific integrated circuit. These mining tools are built to do one thing — mine cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), and they are far more powerful than GPUs.

Mining-Specific Hardware

How do you mine Bitcoin with your own rig? A mining rig is basically a super custom PC. The fundamental components are what you’d expect: You need a motherboard, RAM, a CPU, and storage.

The key enhancements are either the added GPUs, as noted above, or using an ASIC. Generally, using an ASIC is the preferred mining tool. GPUs are no longer considered fast enough to solve Bitcoin calculations and earn rewards; you’re up against far more powerful machines.

While ASICs are more effective at processing Bitcoin transactions than their GPU and CPU predecessors, and they’re generally more energy efficient, they can come with some upfront costs. And this doesn’t include the potentially high utility costs needed to maintain them (read: keep them cool enough to function).

The cost of electricity is a significant one for most miners, and something to include in your calculations, as it can impact your profits.

Miners also need to take into account the cost of mining fees.

Mining Software and a Bitcoin-Compatible Wallet

Selecting the best software to mine Bitcoin doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. While mining Bitcoin can be costly in terms of hardware and electricity, the software to mine Bitcoin usually isn’t. Most Bitcoin mining software is free and open-source.

Once you have the hardware and software in place to mine Bitcoin, next you’ll need to set up a type of crypto wallet that’s compatible with Bitcoin.

Another option to consider may be a mining pool.

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How Bitcoin Mining Pools Work

A bitcoin mining pool is a group of users who have decided to join forces to validate Bitcoin transactions (create a new block). Users who join mining pools contribute their own CPUs, GPUs, or ASICs to a network and when rewards are paid out, they all get a share.

If you’re going solo, mining software will try to verify transactions with just the processing power of whatever hardware (CPU, GPU, or ASIC) that you’ve got. That said, many people agree that the computations have gotten so complex, it’s less likely that a solo miner will create a new block on their own. If you’re joining a pool, the mining software will help you connect to your pool.

Many mining pools these days are located in China because of the cheaper electricity. Some of these pools are actually companies, including F2Pool, AntPool, BTCC, and BW. While these are some of the biggest pools, there are pools based in the U.S. and Europe as well.

While pools might seem appealing to miners with less computing horsepower, there may be some things to consider before joining. Pools may charge users a fee. And miners might be paid out their shares based on the level of their contribution, which could mean that miners with fancy ASICs take home more of the rewards.

Since this is Bitcoin, there’s probably another innovation around the corner.

Cloud mining is an example — an option if you don’t want to own your own mining hardware and would rather mine with someone else’s. However, cloud mining may also come with its own costs and risks that have left some members of the Bitcoin community less than impressed with this approach to mining coins.

What’s Cloud Mining?

Much like storing data or running applications in the cloud, cloud mining is the process of paying someone else to use their crypto mining hardware. This could save a miner the upfront cost of setting up an ASIC system.

To get started, a miner would likely open an account with a cloud mining company, decide how much they want to spend, and how much they want to mine.

While cloud mining may seem like an easier way to get started with Bitcoin mining, it’s worth mentioning that there have been reports of cloud mining companies that might not be on the up and up. Miners looking to get started might consider doing a fair bit of research before deciding if cloud mining is right for them — as well as what company to go with.

Recommended: A Closer Look at Bitcoin Cloud Mining

The question of whether Bitcoin mining is legal is still fairly complex and can vary from region to region. The short answer is that Bitcoin itself, as well as Bitcoin mining, are both legal in many developed countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Japan. In general though, it’s wise to consider the use of any cryptocurrency within the context of the laws and regulations in a specific jurisdiction, as many are still in flux.

In some countries, the use of cryptocurrencies is forbidden and mining Bitcoin is illegal. In others, like China and India, the use of crypto is restricted. In Canada it’s not illegal to use cryptocurrencies, but they are not considered legal tender — which is a key distinction in how crypto is treated in the U.S. as well.

The question of Bitcoin’s legality is increasingly complex and depends on a wave of cryptocurrency regulations around the world that seem to fluctuate week to week, region to region. These may include how Bitcoin is defined (e.g. as a commodity or a currency); how it can be used (e.g. for some purchases or payments but not others); how it’s taxed.

According to IRS guidelines issued in 2014, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are considered property, and are taxed as such. Also, if an employer compensates an employee using a cryptocurrency, the employee will get a W2 or 1099 tax form and may owe income taxes on their crypto trading.

The status of cryptocurrency mining as well as crypto’s legal standing can shift as new regulations come into play.

Is Bitcoin Mining Right for You?

Despite some hurdles, learning how to mine Bitcoin is still an intriguing and potentially lucrative opportunity for some. With the right equipment, it’s possible to validate enough transactions to earn actual Bitcoin tokens. That said, mining Bitcoin is not the gold rush it once was. Even if you invest in some serious Bitcoin mining ASICs, mining itself keeps getting more complex and competitive.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do crypto mining, though. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies that could use help from eager miners willing to donate some processing cycles from their CPUs or GPUs, and even if you don’t hit the mother lode, you could mine for a better understanding of how cryptocurrency works. Whether or not you want to grab a metaphorical hat and mining pick is up to you.

The Takeaway

Bitcoin mining requires a substantial investment of time and energy on the part of any would-be miner. The equipment alone can set you back thousands. And while the payoff — assuming you earn actual BTC — could make the overhead cost worth it, there are no guarantees. Bitcoin mining has become highly competitive.

FAQ

How do you start mining for Bitcoin?

The most important step if you want to mine Bitcoin is to look into the cost of setting up your own mining rig (or computer hardware and software) and comparing that to the cost of joining a mining pool or cloud mining. Next, it would be a good idea to compare potential rewards and risks of different mining options, since Bitcoin mining is expensive and competitive, and there are no guarantees of “striking it rich.”

How hard is it to mine one Bitcoin?

It’s very difficult. Miners are rewarded when they are the first to confirm a 1 MB block of Bitcoin transactions. Currently the reward is 6.25 BTC. Being able to get that reward takes considerable time and energy — and there are no guarantees.

What are the steps to mining Bitcoin?

The first step is to decide which type of mining you want to set up (PC, mining pool, or cloud mining). Next, you have to obtain the necessary hardware and software to run your node, as well as setting up a Bitcoin-compatible crypto wallet to pay mining fees and (perhaps) rewards.

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INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

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2023
What Is the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE)?

What Is the CBOE?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on What Is the CBOE?

The CBOE is CBOE Global Markets, the world’s largest options trading exchange. While you may already be familiar with the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, those are only two of the exchanges investors use to trade securities.

In addition to the option trading exchange, CBOE has also created one of the most popular volatility indices in the world.

Learn more about CBOE and what it does.

What Is the CBOE Options Exchange?

CBOE, or CBOE Global Markets, Inc., is a global exchange operator founded in 1973 and headquartered in Chicago. Investors often turn to CBOE to buy and sell both derivatives and equities. In addition, the holding company facilitates trading over a diverse array of products in various asset classes, many of which it introduced to the market.

The organization also includes several subsidiaries, such as The Options Institute (an educational resource), Hanweck Associates LLC (a real-time analytics company), and The Options Clearing Corporation or OCC (a central clearinghouse for listed options).

The group has global branches in Canada, England, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.

CBOE is also a public company with a stock traded on the cboe exchange.

What Does CBOE Stand For?

Originally known as the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the company changed its name to CBOE in 2017.


💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

History of the Chicago Board of Options Exchange

Founded in 1973, CBOE represented the first U.S. market for traders who want to buy and sell exchange-listed options. This was a significant step for the options market, helping it become what it is today.

In 1975, the CBOE introduced automated price reporting and trading along with The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC).

Other developments followed in the market as well. For example, CBOE added “put” options in 1977. And by 1983, the market began creating options on broad-based indices using the S&P 100 (OEX) and the S&P 500 (SPX).

In 1993, the CBOE created its own market volatility index called the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX). In 2015, it formed The Options Institute. With this, CBOE had an educational branch that could bring investors information about options.

CBOE continues its educational initiatives. The Options Institute even schedules monthly classes and events to help with outreach, and it offers online tools such as an options calculator and a trade maximizer.

From 1990 on, Cboe began creating unique trading products. Notable introductions include LEAPS (Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities) launched in 1990; Flexible Exchange (FLEX) options in 1993; short-term options known as Weeklys in 2005; and an electronic S&P options contract called SPXpm in 2011.

Understanding What the CBOE Options Exchange Does

The CBOE Options Exchange serves as a trading platform, similar to the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. It has a history of creating its own tradable products, including options contracts, futures, and more. Cboe also has acquired market models or created new markets in the past, such as the first pan-European multilateral trading facility (MTF) and the institutional foreign exchange (FX) market.

The CBOE’s specialization in options is essential, but it’s also complicated. Options contracts don’t work the same as stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). They’re financial derivatives tied to an underlying asset, like a stock or future, but they have a set expiration date dictating when investors must settle or exercise the contract.That’s where the OCC comes in.

The OCC settles these financial trades by taking the place of a guarantor. Essentially, as a clearinghouse, the OCC acts as an intermediary for buyers and sellers. It functions based on foundational risk management and clears transactions. Under the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), it provides clearing and settlement services for various trading options. It also acts in a central counterparty capacity for securities lending transactions.

Recommended: How to Trade Options

CBOE Products

Cboe offers a variety of tradable products across multiple markets, including many that it created.

For example, CBOE offers a range of put and call options on thousands of publicly traded stocks, (ETFs), and exchange-traded notes (ETNs). Investors use these tradable products for specific strategies, like hedging.

Or, they use them to gain income by selling cash-secured puts or covered calls. These options strategies give investors flexibility in terms of how much added yield they want and gives them the ability to adjust their stock exposures.

Investors have the CBOE options marketplace and other alternative venues, including the electronic communication network (ECN), the FX market, and the MTF.


💡 Quick Tip: Options can be a cost-efficient way to place certain trades, because you typically purchase options contracts, not the underlying security. That said, options trading can be risky, and best done by those who are not entirely new to investing.

CBOE and Volatility

The CBOE’s Volatility Index (VIX) gauges market volatility of U.S. equities. It also tracks the metric on a global scale and for the S&P 500. That opens up an opportunity for many traders. Traders, both international and global, use the VIX Index to get a foothold in the large U.S. market or global equities, whether it’s trading or simply exposing themselves to it.

In late 2021, CBOE Global Markets extended global trading hours (GTH) on CBOE Options Exchange for its VIX options and S&P 500 Index options (SPX) to almost 24 hours per business day, five days a week. They did this with the intention to give further access to global participants to trade U.S. index options products exclusive to CBOE. These products are based on both the SPX and VIX indices.

This move allowed CBOE to meet growth in investor demand. These investors want to manage their risk more efficiently, and the extended GTH could help them to do so. With it, they can react in real-time to global macroeconomics events and adjust their positions accordingly.

Essentially, they can track popular market sentiment and choose the best stocks according to the VIX’s movements.

Recommended: How to Use the Fear and Greed Index to Your Advantage

The Takeaway

While CBOE makes efforts to educate and open the market to a broader range of investors, options trading is a risky strategy.

Investors should recognize that while there’s potentially upside in options investing there’s usually also a risk when it comes to the options’ liquidity, and premium costs can devour an investor’s profits. That means it’s not the best choice for those looking for a safer investment.

While some investors may want further guidance and less risk, for other investors, options trading may be appealing. Investors should fully understand options trading before implementing it.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

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Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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2022

Using Construction Loans for Homebuilding and Renovations

By | Home Ownership, personal_loan, Terminology | No Comments

A construction loan sounds pretty straightforward. Historically, borrowers got them when building a new home on a plot of land. In recent years, more borrowers have been using construction loans for projects like an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a tiny house on a foundation, garage-to-apartment conversion, or basement conversion. But there are complications with this kind of loan that people should be aware of.

We’ll take a look at construction loans, their requirements, and some alternatives to consider.

What Is a Construction Loan?

Construction loans finance the building of a new home or substantial renovations to a current home. They are typically short-term loans with higher interest rates, designed to cover the costs of land, plans, permits and fees, labor, materials, and closing costs. They also cover contingency reserves if construction goes over budget.

How Do Construction Loans Work?

When you buy a house, you can finance the purchase with a mortgage. But when you build a house, getting financing is trickier because there’s no collateral to guarantee the loan. Lenders generally don’t accept undeveloped land as collateral because it cannot be easily appraised and quickly sold.

With construction loans, applicants must submit project plans and schedules along with their financial information. Once approved, they receive funding for the first phase of building only. As construction progresses, assessments are provided to the lender so that the next round of funds can be released. Meanwhile, borrowers make interest-only payments on the funds they’ve received.

When construction is finished — and the borrower now has a home to serve as collateral — the construction loan may be converted to or paid off by a regular mortgage. The borrower then begins repaying both the principal and interest.

Recommended: What Is Revolving Credit?

What Does a Construction Loan Cover?

What construction loans cover varies based on the borrower’s needs. If necessary, these loans can cover the cost of the land, building labor and materials, permits, and a contingency cushion for unforeseen expenses.

Types of Construction Loans

Construction-to-Permanent Loan

Sometimes referred to as a single-close loan, this is a construction loan that converts to a mortgage once the project is finished. The borrower saves money on closing costs by eliminating a second loan closing.

Construction-Only Loan

Also called a standalone construction loan, this loan must be paid off when the building is complete. You will need to apply for a mortgage if you don’t have the cash to do so.

Having separate construction and mortgage loans allows homeowners to shop for the best terms available when applying for each loan. However, they will pay separate closing costs on each loan.

Renovation Construction Loan

This is specifically designed to cover the cost of substantial renovations on an existing home. The loan gets folded into the mortgage once the project is complete.

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What Are the Requirements for a Construction Loan?

It’s typically harder to get a construction loan than it is to secure a mortgage. Some people even hire construction loan brokers to facilitate the process. Because your house or ADU isn’t built yet, as we mentioned above, there’s no collateral. And because there’s no collateral, lenders will want to see strong evidence that the home will be completed.

A loan that doesn’t require collateral is also known as an “unsecured loan.” You can learn more about the two types of loans in our guide to secured vs. unsecured loans.

With renovations, the lender wants to see that the project will add to the value of the home. To get an idea of the ROI on your renovation project, check out SoFi’s Home Project Value Estimator.

In order to get approved, you’ll have to show your potential lender an overview of your financial profile, with plenty of documentation. They’ll typically want to see a debt-to-income ratio of 45% or lower and a high credit score.

For new construction projects, they’ll also want you to be able to make a down payment of up to 30%. And for construction-only loans, they may want to know what your repayment plan is — that is, whether you will pay in cash or refinance when the project is complete.

In addition, the lender will want a detailed plan, budget, and schedule for the construction. Some lenders will also need to approve your builder. Because the project will depend on the builder’s ability to complete the construction to specifications, your builder’s reputation may be crucial to getting a construction loan approved.

Lenders typically need to see a builder’s work history, proof of insurance, blueprints, and specifications for the project, a materials list, and your signed construction contract.

What Are the Average Interest Rates and Terms?

Typically, construction loans have variable interest rates that rise and fall with the prime lending rate. They tend to be higher than conventional mortgage rates by about 1%.

The terms also vary. A construction-only loan is usually a short-term loan that must be converted or paid off in one year.

A construction-to-permanent loan will typically have a term of 15 to 30 years once it becomes a permanent mortgage. Again, though, the interest rate will usually be higher than a conventional loan because of the increased risk. The longer the term, the higher the rate tends to be.

Are There Alternatives to Construction Loans?

A lot of time and effort may go into securing a construction loan. It can be difficult to find lenders that offer competitive rates and to qualify for them — particularly if you don’t have a flawless credit history. Plus, construction loans tend to be complicated because it is often the builder who has to carry the loan.

If you are planning a small construction project or renovation, there are a few financing alternatives that might be easier to access and give you more flexibility.

Recommended: The Risks of Payday Loans

Personal Loans for Renovations

An unsecured personal loan can fund a renovation project or supplement other construction financing.

Personal loan interest rates are typically lower than construction loan rates, depending on your financial profile. And you can frequently choose a personal loan with a fixed interest rate.

Personal loans also offer potentially better terms. Instead of being required to pay off the loan as soon as the home is finished, you can opt for a longer repayment period. And getting approved for a personal loan can be much faster and easier than for a construction loan.

The drawbacks? You won’t be able to roll your personal loan into a mortgage once your renovation or building project is finished.

And because the loan is disbursed all at once, you will have to parse out the money yourself, instead of depending on the lender to finance the build in stages.

Cash-Out Refinance for Construction Costs

A cash-out refinance is also a good financing tool, particularly if you have a lot of equity in your current home. With a cash-out refinance, you refinance your home for more than you owe and are given the difference in cash.

You can estimate your building or renovation expenses with this Home Improvement Cost Calculator. Add your estimate to what you owe on your home to get the amount of your refinance.

Using one — or both — of these alternative financing tools may help you avoid some of the hassle and expense that come with construction loans.

The Takeaway

Planning a new home, ADU, or substantial renovation? A construction loan may be the ticket, though this kind of loan is usually harder to get than a mortgage, often carries a higher interest rate, and is typically short-term. For smaller projects, a personal loan or cash-out refinance can be a good option — and a lot less complicated.

Check out SoFi’s personal loan and cash-out refinancing options and get a rate quote in 1 minute.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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