In Plus Episode 355, we contrast base money and broad money for the U.S. dollar and Bitcoin, and how debt tied to both currencies increases the money supply. We look at how contracts for difference are structured and what are the risks. Finally, we look at UCITS ETFs for European based investors and introduce substitute model portfolio holdings using UCITS ETFs. … [Read more...]
355: Which Money Is Crazier: The U.S. Dollar or Bitcoin?
We compare the U.S. Dollar with Bitcoin on their key attributes to determine which is better for transactions and preserving wealth, which is most absurd and which has serious flaws. Topics covered include: How are new U.S. Dollars and Bitcoin createdHow much has the supply of each currency grownHow both the dollar and Bitcoin have had rule changesWhy Bitcoin transactions are faster than non-cash U.S. dollar transactionsWhy both the dollar and Bitcoin require add-on layers to … [Read more...]
338 Plus: ROFX, Bitcoin Funds, and a Renewable Energy ETF
In Plus Episode 338 for the week of April 17 2021, we look at concerns with ROFX, a foreign exchange trading platform that uses artificial intelligence. We compare three Bitcoin fund options. The Skybridge Bitcoin Fund L.P., Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and Osprey Bitcoin Trust (OBTC). Finally, we look at the Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) which changed its focus away from exclusively yieldcos. … [Read more...]
322 Plus: Mid Month Update, Calculating Returns and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust
In Plus episode 322, we review market returns, market internals and the distribution dynamics for the new Covid-19 vaccines. We discuss whether retirees should focus on income or total return and provide a resource for calculating returns. Finally, we analyze the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust as a more convenient way to invest in Bitcoin, but at a significant premium. … [Read more...]
319: Here Come Central Bank Digital Currencies
How central bank digital currencies would work, what is the motivation to create them, and what are the risks. Topics covered include: What percentage of central banks are working on a digital currency and plan to issue one soonWhat are the two kinds of money that central banks currently issue and how would a central bank digital currency differHow central bank digital currencies would be similar and differ from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrenciesWhat are the benefits and risks of … [Read more...]
259: Will The Libra Cryptocurrency Revolutionize Money?
Will Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency transform money as we know it or is it "the most invasive and dangerous form of surveillance devised thus far?" How does the Libra compare to Bitcoin and the U.S. dollar in terms of the attributes of money. In this episode you’ll learn: What is the Libra and how does it differ from Bitcoin.What are the different attributes of money.What is proof of work versus proof of stake for cryptocurrencies.What is the difference between permissionless and … [Read more...]
228: How Tokenization Will Radically Change Investing
How distributed ledger technology and tokenized assets will increase liquidity, transparency and fractionalization, allowing investors to purchase very small, liquid positions in real estate, private companies, art and other assets. Photo by Kevin Laminto In this episode you’ll learn: What is the financial industry mechanism for how stock ownership is tracked.Why a central depository for stock shares leads to challenges in figuring out who owns what and calculating the … [Read more...]
199: What Kind of Money Is It?
How a bank panic led to the creation of the Federal Reserve, and why having diversified sources of money can protect us in case we have a bank panic today and can't get access to our bank deposits. Photo by Annette Fischer In this episode you’ll learn: How a bank panic and economic crisis in 1907 led to the creation of the U.S. Federal Reserve in 1913.How U.S. currency evolved after the establishment of the Federal Reserve.How currency, bank deposits, gold and Bitcoin … [Read more...]
188 Plus: Home In Retirement, FEEX.com and Blockchain ETFs
This week January 20, 2018 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we discuss what percent should one's primary residence comprise of their retirement assets or net worth. We review the website FEEX.com that provides recommendations for funds and ETFs with lower expense ratios. Finally, we analyze two new blockchain ETFs (BLOK and BLCN) as well as a crytpocurrency index and index fund. … [Read more...]
184 Plus: Bonds, Real Estate Platforms and Bitcoin Futures
This week December 9, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we answer a member's question who is worried about investing in bonds and about losing ERISA protections by rolling over his 401k We look at why some real estate platforms like Propellr offer higher yields on their deals than others like Yield Street. Finally, we look at how futures work particularly as it relates to Bitcoin. … [Read more...]
