If you’ve been hearing buzz about NFTs, it may be hard to figure out exactly what they are. NFTs are a new type of investment that is based on blockchain technology.
NFTs are one-of-a-kind digital creations that can represent almost anything from art to sports teams. They are a trendy new form of investing that has taken off in 2021.
What is a Non Fungible Token?
A non-fungible token (NFT) is a digital asset that represents something in the real world. This could be a piece of art, real estate or even a tweet. These unique digital representations are then put onto the blockchain which confirms ownership and transparency of the assets.
Using the same underlying software as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, NFTs allow people to buy and sell digital items that can be verified as one-of-a-kind and are not interchangeable. These items include in-game virtual goods, artwork, music and other digital creations as well as physical objects that have been tokenized such as baseball cards, collectible dolls and concert tickets.
NFTs have captivated an online community of investors who are willing to pay millions for unique, verified digital artwork and creations. While some experts believe NFTs are a bubble that will burst just as the dot-com craze and Beanie Babies did, others think they have real potential to change the world of investing and the way we exchange value.
What are the Benefits of NFTs?
NFTs are a new form of virtual property that has enthralled a growing segment of digital speculators. They are like digital art or sports memorabilia with built-in authentication and the potential for appreciation over time.
Because they are on a blockchain, NFTs can be tracked and transferred from one owner to another. This gives buyers confidence that they’re buying the real thing. Unlike other forms of fungible assets, like dollars or Bitcoin, NFTs are non-fungible, meaning that each token is unique and cannot be exchanged for another one.
NFTs are also a good way for artists to directly connect with fans. This helps them cut out expensive intermediaries, while giving their fans a unique way to enjoy and share their work. However, as with all market assets, the value of NFTs can rise and fall based on supply and demand. It’s important for investors to focus on buying what they love and supporting creators that bring them joy rather than chasing prices.
What are the Risks of NFTs?
There are many risks to consider with investing in NFTs. Like any investment, it’s important to do your research and consult with financial professionals if needed. Additionally, NFTs may not be as liquid as traditional investments. As a result, it can be difficult to sell them for the price you want when you need cash.
In addition, NFTs are prone to scams and hacks, similar to other virtual assets. Malicious actors can impersonate popular NFT artists and sell replicas of their work, or steal private keys from users’ digital wallets in order to access their NFTs.
Finally, NFTs can be subject to a variety of other risks, such as the possibility that they’ll disappear. Since NFTs are often linked to a file stored on a server, if that file is removed or wiped from the internet, the token itself will still exist, but the owner won’t be able to retrieve it. This is a risk that NFT advocates are working to mitigate through solutions such as decentralized file storage.
How to Invest in NFTs
Like any investment, buying NFTs requires you to be able to afford it. NFTs are often sold through marketplaces that require users to create a digital wallet to complete transactions. Prices are typically set in the native cryptocurrency of the blockchain network the NFT was minted on. So, if an NFT is on the Ethereum blockchain, you would buy it with Ether (ETH) and if it was minted on the Solana network, you’d use Solana tokens to purchase it.
NFTs represent an interesting development in the crypto world. They’re programmable, trackable and live on a distributed network making it difficult to steal or cheat the system. They also provide a new way to assign ownership to unique digital creations. While a few high profile sales might make NFTs seem like an investment opportunity, it’s best to understand the risks before jumping in. If you’re interested in learning more about NFTs and how to invest in them, talk to your financial advisor or wealth manager today.
