IG launches trading on Ethereum

British retail electronic trading giant IG Group has launched trading on Ether, the token of the Ethereum network. This development enables traders to take a position on whether the value of the cryptocurrency will rise or fall, without having to take the risks associated with buying and storing it.

Rupert Osborne, Deputy Head of FX and Futures at IG, commented: “As the acceptance and popularity of cryptocurrencies has grown around the world, IG has been at the forefront of giving people the opportunity to trade them. We launched Bitcoin trading for our clients three years ago and are happy to make Ethereum the second cryptocurrency to trade on the platform.”

What are cryptocurrencies?

They are virtual currencies which operate independently of banks and governments, but can still be exchanged – or speculated on – just like any traditional currency. The most well-known is Bitcoin which IG already offers.

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a digital platform on which a whole range of applications can be built, including identity software, security programs and methods of payment. While the cryptocurrency itself is often referred to as ‘ethereum’, its more accurate name is ‘ether’.

How to trade it

To buy an ether token you generally need access to an exchange along with a virtual wallet. This process can be long and cumbersome, often taking several days, and carries a series of risks. You can instead trade ether with IG via a spread bet or CFD. In this case, you never actually own the currency, you are simply trading the movement in its price.

The price of ether is always quoted against another currency, most commonly the dollar. A person trading it is speculating on whether it will rise or fall in value against the other currency, rather than taking actual ownership. If they are correct they will make a profit, if not, they will make a loss1.

The benefits of trading Ethereum rather than investing

Ability to go short as well as long – can take a position in either direction, which you are not able to do when investing in the currency.

No wallet needed – No need for specialist technology, digital wallets, and additional apps to take a position and therefore no risk of fraud or hacking.

Security – Our platform is secured by 256-bit encryption.

Dynamics affecting the value of Ethereum

Ethereum is less exposed to many of the economic and political factors which affect traditional currencies, but its value is influenced by a host of unique dynamics:

Availability – Unlike bitcoin, there is no limit on the supply of ether. Even so, many ether units will continue to be added and lost over time, causing its availability to fluctuate.

Wider acceptance – The ethereum ecosystem is constantly changing as adoption of the cryptocurrency grows, both among independent investors and those in industry. Additional new tokens have been issued on the ethereum network in initial coin offerings (ICOs), which have surged in popularity this year.

Government regulation – Governments are still adapting to cryptocurrencies, with considerations for supervision mechanisms and other new guidelines.

Media coverage – Negative press, particularly surrounding security lapses and hacks, can impact public perception of ethereum’s value.

Technological advance – Ethereum’s integration into payment systems, crowdfunding platforms and more could raise its profile, while confidence in traditional systems may begin to erode.

Market manipulation – A lack of regulation means traders may be able to influence the market by buying and selling in significant quantities.