We explore reasons for buying Bitcoin using one of the new Bitcoin ETFs. We also consider the risks. Topics covered include: Show Notes Statement on the Approval of Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products by Chair Gary Gensler—SEC Coinbase at the Center of Bitcoin ETF Draws Envy and Risks by Yueqi Yang and Olga Kharif—Bloomberg Federal Reserve Balance Sheet: Factors Affecting Reserve Balances - H.4.1—US Federal Reserve Episode Sponsors Long Angle is a private … [Read more...]
455 Plus: TIPS Ladder Follow Up, New Charts Status, Portfolio Trades Clarification and the State of Crypto
In Plus episode 455, we try to simplify the cash flow aspect of TIPS ladders. We answer a question on why not just own TIPS ETFs. We provide an update on bond charts so members can better analyze the attractiveness of credit strategies. We answer a question on David's recent portfolio trades. Finally, we explore why David still owns cryptocurrency and whether the conviction of FTX's Sam Bankman Fried changes anything. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode … [Read more...]
410: Is Cryptocurrency Dead?
How the bankruptcy of FTX, the world's third-largest crypto exchange, undermines trust in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, making it even more difficult for crypto to ever be taken seriously as a monetary alternative. Topics covered include: Show Notes Don't Miss Out on Crypto: Larry David FTX Commercial The spectacular implosion of crypto’s biggest star, explained by Emily Stewart—Vox Divisions in Sam Bankman-Fried’s Crypto Empire Blur on His Trading Titan … [Read more...]
393 Plus: Interest Rates, Convertible Bonds, and a Speculative Case for Bitcoin and Ethereum
In Plus Episode 393, we consider current U.S. interest rates and whether a member should lock in a mortgage now. We look at why now is a better environment for convertible bonds than a year ago. Finally, we review the speculative case for owning Bitcoin and Ethereum. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest of Us Plus member. Learn More About Membership Options » 393 … [Read more...]
393: What Happens If Your Brokerage Firm Goes Bankrupt
How protected are you if the brokerage firm where you hold your stocks, bonds, and crypto assets files for bankruptcy? Why you shouldn't store your crypto assets with an online broker. Topics covered include: Show Notes Voyager To Acquire Circle Invest Retail Digital Asset Business From Circle Internet Financial—Cision Welcome, Circle Invest! Voyager Acquires Circle Invest's Retail Customers—Voyager Crypto lender Voyager Digital files for bankruptcy by Shivam Patel, Sinead … [Read more...]
373: Are Stablecoins Safe? Should You Own Them?
How stablecoins are similar and different from other monetary assets. What are stablecoin risks. Why central bank digital currencies are one of the biggest threats to stablecoins. Topics covered include: Why the Federal Reserve and other central banks are exploring issuing their own digital currenciesWhat is the difference between public and private moneyHow deposit insurance and central bank actions prevent runs on private moneyHow money market mutual funds are a type of stablecoinHow … [Read more...]
362: Should You Invest in a Bitcoin ETF?
Why the new U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs are a bad idea and will underperform Bitcoin. Topics covered include: What fund and ETF options are available for investing in BitcoinWhy the U.S. has only authorized Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures even though there are closed-end funds that hold Bitcoin directlyWhat is there a regulatory battle surrounding cryptocurrencies?How closed-end funds differ from ETFsHow Bitcoin futures workWhy Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures will lag … [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: Show Notes Federal Reserve Statistical Release: H.4.1 Factors Affecting Reserve Balances of Depository Institutions and Condition Statement of Federal Reserve Banks, August 19, 2021 Check Processing—Federal Reserve Bank of New York Gold Reserve Act of 1934—Federal … [Read more...]
339: How To Make Money with BlockFi, Dai, and the Evolving DeFi Ecosystem
What is decentralized finance and how it is seeking to solve the shortcomings of centralized finance. How BlockFi and MakerDAO, early entrants in the DeFi space, work. How to earn up to a 9% yield with cryptocurrency lending. Topics covered include: How centralized finance differs from decentralized finance (DeFi)What are the shortcomings of centralized finance and why decentralized finance is more inclusiveWhat are the key elements of DeFiHow Ethereum smart contracts workHow MakerDao … [Read more...]
335: Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Good Investments?
How do non-fungible tokens work, what are the risks, and how do NFTs fit within the landscape of investments. Topics covered include: Investing in physical art versus cryptoartHow NFTs work on the ethereum blockchainHow Ethereum differs from BitcoinWhat is the purpose of investing and are NFTs investmentsHow much energy do cryptocurrencies and the financial system consumeWhat are the risks of NFTs Show Notes Want to Buy an NFT? Here’s What to Know by Amber Burton—The Wall … [Read more...]
