Is it too late to buy Bitcoin?

Bitcoin soars to yet another record high hitting climbing over the US$7,000 barrier. Fuelling the upward surge the Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced a Bitcoin Futures derivative product by end of year subject to regulatory approval. Royal Bank of Australia also announced that crypto-currencies pose no immediate regulatory threat.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It has been another record week for Bitcoin and crypto-currencies alike. We have seen the dominant crypto-currency jump another 14% to US$7,240 according to Bitstamp.com.

Are we on the frontier of mass adoption?

Bitcoin has been making headlines for a multitude of reasons during the week.

As we have talked about previously mass-adoption may be still on the horizon as one of the major hurdles faced by crypto-currencies is how taxes are accepted, paid or recognised by local governments.

As stated earlier in the week by the Royal Bank of Australia "The use of bitcoin and other digital currencies as an actual method of payment remains relatively limited in Australia, as elsewhere,". In the same statement Tony Richards from the RBA said "From the Bank's payments policy mandate, digital currencies do not currently appear to raise any pressing regulatory issues.".

In other headlines the Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced it intends to offer bitcoin Futures derivative product subject to regulatory approval by the end of the year. CME Group CEO Terry Duffy highlighted the bitcoin futures contract option "will provide investors with transparency, price discovery and risk transfer capabilities.".

However not unlike margin lending products these derivatives can often exacerbate the risk and volatility of the asset in question. When talking about an already volatile asset such as bitcoin, investors would want to be confident with their position before entering such an agreement.

On top of these catalysts there appears to be an insatiable demand for crypto-currencies from South Korea as the Korean Yuan is taking the top spot on many exchanges globally. Bitcoin and the recently created offspring currency Bitcoin Cash (BCH) are being favoured and often at inflated prices in comparison to the global market. There is speculation that this demand is being partly driven by the bitcoin 'fork' scheduled for mid November where the underlying codebase may be edited once more.

The proposed 'fork' has again split the bitcoin community as some believe the changes could be unnecessarily jeopardising the integrity of the currency. Depending how the fork is implemented by the mining community there is potential that another crypto-currency may be born again from the process. Until the anticipated date of November 15 we can expect to see further volatility across the crypto-currency markets.

Is it to late to invest?

Whilst there is a general consensus that the outlook for bitcoin is increasingly positive as we move towards the end of the year and into 2018 events like the recent Bitcoin Gold fork and the codenamed 'Segwit2x' fork in mid November continue to introduce more volatility.

As with any market volatility there is also opportunity. If you remain unconvinced that crypto-currency has yet to earn a position in a diversified portfolio perhaps consider stocks such as Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) or Carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CAR).

Motley Fool contributor Tim Wilks does not currently own shares in the above mentioned stocks. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Dicker Data Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »