Many examples of open-source software exist today, including the code for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. “Open-source” describes software or code that is available for anyone to use, modify, study, or share without incurring any cost. In most cases, the open-source software has been created through unrestricted and collaborative community involvement, which is sometimes called “crowd-sourced.” The word “source” in this case refers to the source code that lays the foundation for software programs. In some cases, the same source code can be used as the foundation for many different software applications built on top of it. For example, the Valve Corporation’s game engine code, ironically named Source, has been used to create approximately 50 different games, many of them by independent developers using the open-source code. Continue reading...
Open-source software code can be viewed and changed by anyone, but it actually works in the favor of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s source code was uploaded by Satoshi Nakamoto to a code-sharing site called Sourceforge, which enabled anyone to download, use, and modify the code as they saw fit. In fact, he encouraged the community to do so. The fascinating thing about the design of Bitcoin and many other open-source software is that they will work, and will continue to exist, without anyone owning the rights to the code. In most people’s concept of ownership and responsibility, the owner is responsible for maintaining something, for protecting it from attacks, manipulation, vandalism, fraud, etc, and is also responsible for making sure that it is safe for other people to use. Continue reading...
Ether is the currency that powers the Ethereum network, which is a platform of distributed blockchain computing on which transactions, smart contracts, and distributed applications operate. Ethereum is a blockchain code environment through which distributed applications, smart contracts, and financial transactions using the Ethereum protocol are tested, validated, and added to distributed ledgers by the mining computers acting as nodes in the network. Ether is the currency, or token, in the Ethereum world which is used to pay the miners and transaction fees which are specific to its blockchain. Continue reading...
IRS Link to Form — Found Here Residents of US Territories will sometimes have to file their taxes with their resident territory as well as the US Department of Revenue. For those who are bona-fide citizens, they are more likely to be able to exclude their income from US taxation. Bona-fide residency of a territory is most easily defined by the 183-day rule: if the person is physically present and living in the territory for 183 days out of the year, he or she is a bona-fide resident of the territory (in most cases). Beginning or ending bona-fide residency requires form 8898. American Samoa is the only place that can exercise the “possession exclusion,” as defined in IRC Section 931. Continue reading...
ICOs can help the market and developers test the waters for new concepts using blockchain technology. When a new idea succeeds or fails after using an ICO, it could be said that the company had made use of every advantage at its disposal and that it had the best chance at success in that environment as it could have had anywhere else. It could have done so more cheaply, and with less interference, than in the “real world,” generally speaking. Continue reading...
Ripple’s XRP has the third-largest market cap in the cryptocurrency world, but what gives it value? Ripple Lab’s intent was not to be a store of value or a currency, per se, like Bitcoin. Neither did it intend to be a platform for developers to explore the possibilities of blockchains, like Ethereum. Ripple was always focused on being a payment system, facilitating transfers between banks, currencies, and countries in a way that would not be possible without blockchains. Continue reading...
The internet is overflowing with the advice, analysis, and chest-pounding of millions of self-purported gurus and market commentary services. There are plenty of well-informed and trustworthy sources out there, too. There are literally millions of websites providing you with various kinds of financial information, advice, recommendations, opinions, rumors, get-rich-quick schemes, and “facts.” There is a short list of companies that are well-established with a reputation worthy of trust: Morningstar, Moody’s, Fidelity, Schwab, Goldman Sachs, etc. Continue reading...
🌍 Explore the Evolution of the U.S. Dollar 🇺🇸 Discover the captivating journey of how the U.S. dollar transformed into the world's reserve currency. From its colonial origins to the Bretton Woods Agreement, and today's challenges and contenders, delve into the currency that shapes global finance. 💰 #USD #FinanceEvolution Continue reading...
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to choose investments that are suitable and beneficial for you, without a personal investment advisor, if you’re willing to learn. There is an abundance of information out there, and if you have some discernment you are likely to be able to find investments which will serve their intended purposes for you. You may have heard that there are different investment objectives: preservation of capital (avoiding the risk of losing money - especially which keeps up with inflation), growth, income, and mixtures of these. Continue reading...
The cryptocurrency community has opened up creative options for making money in the form of lending platforms. A few forms of lending exist for cryptocurrencies at the time of this writing. One way to do it is to make your funds available in a lending market facilitated by an exchange, such as Poloniex, where you can name your interest rate and allow other traders to use your funds for trading on margin. Continue reading...
In the world of financial markets, having a trading edge is the key to success. A trading edge is essentially a unique technique, observation, or approach that gives you a competitive advantage over other market participants. It's what sets you apart in the highly competitive and often unforgiving landscape of trading. In this article, we will explore the significance of defining your trading edge and discovering a strategy that works for you. Continue reading...
Unravel the secrets of business competition with Porter's Five Forces, a groundbreaking model that deciphers the intricate dynamics shaping every industry. From fierce rivalries to the silent power of suppliers, from the demands of discerning customers to the looming threat of substitutes and new entrants, this model offers a panoramic view into the very heartbeat of business strategy. As industries evolve and competition intensifies, Porter's Five Forces stands as a beacon, guiding companies to strategic brilliance. Dive in to understand how these forces can make or break your business success, and equip yourself with the insights to navigate the complex waters of industry dynamics. Embrace the power of knowledge and steer your business towards unparalleled success. Continue reading...
Get ready for the week ahead! Discover key stocks to watch from January 20–22, including Charles Schwab, Netflix, United Airlines, and Procter & Gamble. Explore market trends across finance, entertainment, healthcare, and more to make informed investment decisions. Continue reading...
From the railroads of the 1920s to the AI giants of 2025, market history shows that extreme concentration often precedes massive bubbles and crashes. This article explores five key turning points and how Tickeron’s AI helps traders navigate today’s bubble-prone landscape. Continue reading...
Moody's has downgraded the U.S. credit rating for the first time since 1919, citing rising debt and fiscal concerns. This article explores the downgrade’s implications for markets, investor sentiment, and how AI tools like Tickeron can help manage volatility. Continue reading...
In the ever-evolving world of beauty and wellness, the skincare sector stands out as a beacon of growth and innovation. The industry's shift towards organic, environmentally friendly products has not only reshaped consumer expectations but has also paved the way for companies that prioritize natural ingredients, advanced research, and ethical practices. Among the market leaders are Luminance Skincare, RadiantGlow, and PureDerma, each carving out niches with their unique approaches to beauty and health. This article delves into the top stocks within this vibrant sector, exploring companies that have not only capitalized on current trends but are also poised for future growth. Continue reading...
Initial Coin Offerings are ways for new cryptocurrency or other technology companies to raise capital and put their coins into circulation. For companies too small to attract the attention of a big investment bank, this may be the best option for “going public.” In initial coin offerings, as opposed to using venture capital and initial public offerings of stock in regulated markets, the new company doesn’t actually give up any of their equity (i.e., control) in the company to third parties. Continue reading...
Momentum investors usually have their own models for determining whether they think a price trend (to the upside or downside) is set to continue - sometimes it’s looking at a 3 month trend, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes even longer. The idea is that once a trend is established, an investor can buy into its continuance (if its an upward trend), or sell into (or sell short) if it is an established downward trend. Momentum investing is by no means a proven method, but sophisticated investors will try to use models to increase their probabilities of success. Continue reading...
Unlock the power of data with Business Intelligence (BI)! Dive into its evolution, tools, and how BI turns raw data into strategic insights for informed decision-making in today's business landscape. Continue reading...
Markets have been around for much longer than most people think. The Tulip bubble happened in the 1500's! In the last decade of the 1500’s, Tulips were brought to Holland from Constantinople by botanist Carolus Clusius. Within a few years, the Tulips began to spread through Holland like wildfire, becoming luxury goods. As demand rose to astronomical levels, prices skyrocketed along with it. Eventually, people would gain and lose entire fortunes on the beautiful (but not that beautiful) plants. Of course, the actual value of the tulip bulbs was nowhere near the thousands of dollars (if the amounts were converted into today’s standards) that the traders paid for them. Eventually, people began to sell their invaluable tulip bulbs for real cash, and a domino effect ensued. Continue reading...