The 2008 global financial crisis brought economic shock that caused even top American banks and financial institutions to request government bailouts. Soon after, the first cryptocurrency was established. Satoshi Nakamoto, a person or entity, is the presumed Bitcoin (BTC) developer in 2009.
Since then, the digital currency has become very popular, even if the creatorâs identity remains unknown today. Bitcoin rose to fame and introduced crypto investing. Fast forward to 2021, and itâs still the face of cryptocurrency.
Despite ruling the space, Bitcoin hasnât erased its image as a highly volatile asset. Now, thereâs a contender to the cryptocurrency throne. Ethereum (ETH), the worldâs second-largest cryptocurrency, could overtake Bitcoin, because it brings so much more to the table.
Not a pure cryptocurrency
Ethereum was created to compete with Bitcoin but in a different way. The rival isnât a pure cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, which focuses only on the store of value and an alternative medium of exchange to traditional fiat currencies. The creator built a platform where Ether is the native cryptocurrency.
The blockchain platform run programmatic contracts and applications through its own currency. For the layman, Ethereumâs functions are similar to the Apple or Android app stores.
Unlimited supply
Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million, which means miners canât exceed the volume. As of February 24, 2021, the reported number in circulation is 18.5 million. Thus, miners will exhaust the supply when it unlocks 2.5 million more. No one is certain whether the Bitcoin network protocol will change after miners achieve the maximum limit. Ethereum doesnât have an issuance limit yet, so the supply is indefinite and increases every year.
More adaptable to current needs
Some crypto investors believe the evolving Ethereum platform adapts to the current needs, especially if youâre banking on the future of its blockchain platform. Grayscale Investmentsâ research director Phil Bonello said, âInvestors often look at Ethereum as a growth-type investment, making a bet on the continued development of the decentralized ecosystem built on Ethereum.â
Bonello discusses non-fungible tokens (NFTs); an investor bought NFT art in an auction for US$69 million. Ethereum is the blockchain that hosts NFTs. The new asset could be photos, audio, videos, and other types of digital files.
Ether ETF
Canadians who want exposure to Ethereum can invest in the stock market via Purpose Ether ETF (TSX: ETHH). Purpose Investments, the company behind the worldâs first physically settled Ether ETF, is the same group that launched the Purpose Bitcoin ETF.
The Ether exchange-traded fund debuted on April 20, 2022, and currently trades at $11.35. According to Purpose Investments, investors can own a piece of history with its Ether ETF. You donât have to worry about the tokensâ security or custody, because you donât need to create a digital wallet or have a key.
You buy real Ether when you invest in the ETF. When you hold the ETF, you also have actual Ether in your portfolio. The ETF trades like regular stocks. Purpose Investment says itâs eligible in a Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan.
Developing rivalry
BTC owns the first-mover advantage in the cryptocurrency market, although ETH poses a serious challenge. Canadian investors can forget about owning cryptos. If you think ETH is better, consider Purpose Ether ETF that invests directly in physically settled Ether tokens.
