$ETH
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual assets that use encryption to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. They often operate in a decentralized manner on blockchain technology, meaning they are not subject to the control of governments or traditional financial institutions. Examples include Bitcoin and Ethereum. They are characterized by high price volatility, providing significant investment opportunities and risks. Their uses are expanding from payments to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), as regulations surrounding them continue to evolve.