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CME Group Inc. is a financial services company. Headquartered in Chicago, the company operates financial derivatives exchanges including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade, New York Mercantile Exchange, and The Commodity Exchange. The company also owns 27% of S&P Dow Jones Indices.[2][3][4][5] It is the world's largest operator of financial derivatives exchanges. Its exchanges are platforms for trading in agricultural products, currencies, energy, interest rates, metals, futures contracts, options, stock indexes, and cryptocurrencies futures.CMEIn addition to its headquarters in Chicago,[6][7] the company also has offices in New York, Washington, and Houston in the U.S., as well as abroad in London, Bangalore, Beijing, Belfast, Calgary, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and TokyoCrypto in CME1Bitcoin futureCME’s Bitcoin futures contract, ticker symbol BTC, is a USD cash-settled contract based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (BRR), which serves as a once-a-day reference rate of the U.S. dollar price of bitcoin. The BRR aggregates the trade flow of major bitcoin spot exchanges during a one-hour calculation window into the U.S. dollar price of one bitcoin as of 4 p.m. London Time.The Bitcoin futures contract trades Sunday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).A single BTC contract has a value of five times the value of the BRR Index and is quoted in U.S. dollars per one bitcoin. The tick increments are quoted in multiples of $5 per bitcoin, meaning a one-tick move of the BTC future is equal to $25.BTC futures are block trade eligible with a minimum quantity threshold of five contracts.BTC futures expire the last Friday of the month, and are listed on the nearest six consecutive monthly contracts, inclusive of the nearest two December contracts.ExampleFor example, assume it’s January and the six consecutive contract months are January, February, March, April, May, and June. In addition, that year’s December contract plus next year’s December contract will also be listed.  As one contract expires, the next contract to complete the six-month lineup is added. When the December contract expires, the June contract becomes active, in addition to the December contract for the next year. So, at any time, there are six consecutive monthly contracts and only two December contracts listed.This process continues throughout each year.Next article we continue#bitcoin #stock $BTC

The importance of decentralization in file sharingDecentralized file sharing revolutionizes data access by eliminating dependence on centralized servers and utilizing P2P technology to distribute files across a network of nodes.Distributing and accessing data without depending on a centralized server is possible with decentralized file sharing. Rather, files are kept on a network of linked nodes, frequently through the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. To enable file sharing, each network user can provide bandwidth and storage space. BitTorrent and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) are two well-known instances of decentralized file-sharing protocols.The decentralization of file sharing has completely transformed the way users access and store digital content. In contrast to conventional centralized file-sharing systems, which store files on a single server, decentralized file-sharing uses a P2P mechanism. Dispersing files among a network of linked nodes promotes a more robust and secure system.Key components of decentralized file sharingDecentralized file sharing depends on a number of essential elements to allow for a dispersed and safe data exchange. Firstly, P2P networks, which enable direct user contact in the absence of a centralized server, are the backbone of a decentralized file-sharing system. By doing this, a robust system where participants directly share files is fostered.Blockchain technology is essential to maintaining integrity and trust in decentralized file-sharing networks. It improves the general security of transactions and file transfers by enabling transparent and impenetrable record-keeping. Smart contracts are self-executing c#ontracts with pre-established rules that automate tasks like access control and file verification.Furthermore, files are distributed throughout a network of nodes using decentralized storage systems, which often use protocols like BitTorrent or IPFS. This approach eliminates the need for a central server and enhances the availability and reliability of data due to its redundant nature.Cryptographic methods also protect the integrity and privacy of data. User confidence in decentralized file-sharing systems is increased by end-to-end encryption, which guarantees that only authorized parties may view the content. Together, these elements essentially provide a safe and dispersed setting for easy file sharing via the decentralized web.How does decentralized file sharing work?Decentralized file sharing operates on P2P networks by leveraging a distributed architecture rather than relying on a central server.Peer discoveryParticipants in the network (peers) need a way to discover one another, which is accomplished by using distributed hash tables (DHTs) or decentralized protocols. Peers build a network without a central authority by keeping track of other peers with whom they are linked.DHTs are decentralized systems that enable distributed storage and retrieval of key-value pairs across a network, while decentralized protocols enforce communication rules that enable peer-to-peer interactions without relying on a central authority or server.File distributionA file is split up into smaller parts where every component is dispersed among several network peers. This approach enhances file availability, as it is not stored in a single location, ensuring better accessibility and reliability.Dispersed storageBy distributing file portions over several nodes, decentralized storage systems lessen reliance on a single server. For instance, IPFS employs a content-addressed approach, in which files are recognized by their content as opposed to their physical location.Peer interactionPeers request and share file portions directly with one another. The coordination of file transfers no longer requires a central server, thanks to this direct connection. Every peer participates in the file distribution process by serving as both a client and a server.Blockchain and smart contractsBlockchain technology is incorporated into several decentralized file-sharing systems to increase security and transparency. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with pre-established rules that can automate tasks such as access restriction and file verification and reward participants with tokens.Often, decentralized file-sharing systems use cryptographic techniques like end-to-end encryption to provide privacy and security for the shared files. This ensures that the content can only be accessed and deciphered by authorized users.Advantages of decentralized file sharingThe benefits of decentralized file sharing include enhanced resilience, improved privacy, scalability and censorship resistance.By removing a single point of failure, it improves reliability and resilience. In a peer-to-peer network, where files are dispersed among several nodes and peers, the system continues to function even in the event that some nodes go down.Also, decentralized file sharing, by its very nature, offers enhanced security and privacy. By ensuring that only authorized users can access and decode shared content, cryptographic solutions like end-to-end encryption help lower the danger of unauthorized spying or data breaches.Better scalability can also be attained as the network expands. In decentralized networks, more users add to the network’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate more demand and traffic without requiring modifications to the centralized infrastructure.Additionally, decentralized file sharing encourages resistance against censorship. It is harder for any organization to censor or limit access to particular files or information because there isn’t a single entity in charge of the network.Furthermore, decentralized file sharing frequently incorporates incentive mechanisms through token economies or other reward systems to encourage users to contribute resources like bandwidth and storage, thereby creating a cooperative and self-sufficient environment. Challenges and limitations of decentralized file sharingChallenges associated with decentralized file sharing involve scalability issues, consistency concerns, user adoption complexities, security risks and regulatory uncertainties.Firstly, as the network grows, scalability issues become more pressing. A poor user experience may result from increased involvement if it causes slower file retrieval times and greater bandwidth requirements.Moreover, in decentralized systems, problems with consistency and coordination could surface. It may be difficult to maintain consistency in file versions throughout the network in the absence of a central authority, which could result in conflicts and inconsistent data.Complicated interfaces and user acceptance present another difficulty. When compared to centralized options, decentralized file-sharing platforms frequently have a higher learning curve, which may put off consumers who are not familiar with P2P networks or blockchain technology.Furthermore, security vulnerabilities still exist, especially in the early phases of decentralized file-sharing deployments. As these systems grow more widely used, they are targeted by different types of attacks, which makes the continuous development of strong security measures necessary.Regulatory uncertainty is another difficulty. The adoption and long-term viability of decentralized file-sharing platforms may be impacted by the changing legal environment surrounding cryptocurrency and decentralized technology.The future landscape of decentralized file sharingThe future of decentralized file sharing involves blockchain technology, P2P networks and tokenization for secure, efficient and collaborative data exchange, which challenge traditional models.Decentralized file sharing is expected to bring about a more inclusive, secure and productive environment. Distributed ledger and blockchain technology will be essential in guaranteeing tamper-proof and transparent transactions and facilitating file sharing among users without depending on centralized intermediaries. Decentralized protocols powering peer-to-peer networks will enable direct data transmission between users, cutting down on latency and reliance on centralized servers. Strong encryption techniques will allay privacy concerns and provide consumers with more control over their data. Furthermore, tokenization could encourage resource sharing among users, resulting in the development of a collaborative ecosystem. Innovative file-sharing services will probably proliferate as decentralization gains pace, upending established paradigms and promoting a more robust and democratic digital environment.

Day trading and cryptocurrency hodling are common crypto investment strategies for getting the best return from owned assets. Day trading is a short-term and high-risk strategy where crypto investors buy and sell cryptocurrencies on the same day to profit from rapid price swings. Hodling is crypto slang for buying and holding cryptocurrency to profit from its long-term value appreciation. The term hodl was coined by a Bitcoin supporter in a 2013 Bitcointalk forum post and has been widely embraced by cryptocurrency enthusiasts. It also means “hold on for dear life,” or indefinitely.Day trading involves more techniques, self-discipline and rational decision-making processes. In the case of hodling, crypto investors often put their money long-term on assets they support and think will have a bright future. Crypto trading strategies often mirror the more traditional stock and other asset trading methods, including technical and fundamental analysis. The main difference is that the rewards can be higher and quicker in cryptocurrency due to the proverbial market volatility. Online trading has allowed investors to trade independently without needing a broker or a financial institution to execute the transactions, allowing everyone to access trades more effortlessly than in the stock market. Furthermore, the crypto market is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, providing successful traders more volatility during shorter periods for higher returns. Cryptocurrency has provided institutional and retail investors with a new trading approach while ensuring all the traditional trading tools are preserved and further developed. The real question is, should users hodl or buy and sell crypto?crypto?What is cryptocurrency day trading?Day trading is one of the numerous trading strategies that involves entering and exiting opportunities on the same day and requires a deep understanding of the market and a lot of experience. Day traders will extensively use technical analysis (TA), employing common indicators like volume, price action and chart patterns to identify trade entry and exit positions. So, is day trading crypto profitable? Day trading can be very beneficial if a few factors are considered, including the type of individual investment goals and a trading style that suits the investor’s personality. Day trading is risky and requires fast decision-making and execution; therefore, it can be demanding and highly stressful. Day trading crypto aims to profit from small movements in market volatility; this is why it is an intense activity with more frequent trades than other trading strategies. The reward can be very attractive in a crypto market, more than day trading stocks or commodities, as it’s not uncommon to catch a crypto asset spiking by a high percentage within the same day.However, proper risk management is essential for success in day trading, and so is the appropriate use of technical indicators. Liquidity is another critical factor in successful day trades as it’s crucial to execute quick trades, especially when exiting a position in a volatile crypto market. A more liquid trading pair will ensure a higher chance of execution. Fundamental analysis is not as critical as technical analysis in day trading crypto. However, watching the news and other updates might help assess any impact on the asset prices, especially in the short term. There are a few day trading strategies that investors can use. Scalping is a technique that aims to achieve small gains from small moves in the shortest time — often within minutes from an entry position — capitalizing on increased trading volume. Scalpers often use leverage to trade on margin or futures contracts to boost their profits.Arbitrage is another popular strategy in the crypto market. It involves buying a digital asset on one cryptocurrency exchange platform and selling it on another where the value is higher to make a profit. For instance, a price difference of $500 might not sound very much; however, if the trader buys a large amount of the asset on one exchange and sells it within minutes on another platform, the profits can be considerable. What is a cryptocurrency hodling strategy?Hodling is a relatively straightforward long-term cryptocurrency investment strategy. Investors must buy a coin or a token and hold it in a secured wallet for a long time (usually years) — until it has made a satisfying profit and can be sold. The “hodler” typically refuses to sell and remains unaffected by price swings.Hodling can be a safer option for investors, as they are less exposed to short-term volatility and remove the risk of buying high and selling low, which can frequently happen in crypto. True hodlers tend to hold onto their coin or token, even if the market crashes or becomes highly volatile. How long should you hold crypto for? This depends primarily on your strategic plan and ultimately on your beliefs. In the case of BitcoinBTC$37,683, for example, many hodlers promise to keep the cryptocurrency forever because they believe it will become a newly established monetary system. Should BTC or any other cryptocurrency succeed in mass adoption and replace government-issued fiat currencies as the pillar of economies, then the exchange rates between cryptocurrencies and fiat money won’t matter anymore to crypto holders.One of the most common strategies for hodlers is to dollar-cost average (DCA) cryptocurrencies, which involves entering small positions repeatedly over an extended period, regardless of the asset’s price, instead of large positions at once. DCA is little affected by volatility, and if executed systematically, it can remove almost all emotions away from investing. The only metric that should matter is planning how much of the crypto of choice to accumulate and sticking to the plan, avoiding emotions like Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) or Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) that can jeopardize the whole strategy and facilitate losses.Choosing the right coin or token to hodl is also an important step. Crypto investors tend to accumulate coins in the top ten by market capitalization as they provide more security and are more reliable projects than smaller-cap coins. The cryptocurrency space has grown to host thousands of coins and tokens, and it’s likely that most of them will no longer exist in the future. Therefore, deciding which cryptocurrency is worth your money is the most important assessment a hodler should make, along with choosing the right tool to secure your digital assets. Looking at the bigger picture and long-term chart trends will help focus on the hodling strategy and avoid regrettable mistakes, like selling too early.Is it better to day trade cryptocurrency or hodl?When assessing whether trading vs. hodling cryptocurrency is better, crypto investors should choose the strategy that suits them better and consider whether they possess the right skills to venture into a risky business.Ultimately, choosing to day trade or hodl comes down to the investors’ skills, the time at their disposal, availability of funds, what level of risk they are willing to take and how they cope with stressful situations.Benefits and drawbacks of day tradingLike every other business, learning to trade crypto requires time and effort; however, it can be gratifying for successful traders, especially those who want to be their own boss.Benefits of day tradingInvestors can set their own goals and work at their own pace;There’s no overnight risk, which is real, especially in stock and commodity trading;Potentially big profits and ideal conditions for leverage positions;The possibility to get good returns even in bear markets;Faster returns on investments;Disciplined and experienced traders can allocate little daytime and be profitable with only a few trades, early in the morning, for instance, and have the rest of the day free; andThe learning curve can be infinite since there’s much to learn in technical and fundamental analysis for the curious and inquiring mind. Drawbacks of day tradingDay trading asset allocation can be too high. Investment rule number one should apply to day trading, too: never risk money you can’t afford to lose;Self-discipline can be tough to implement;Day trading can be very rewarding but can also lead to significant losses;Constant attention to the market. Facing a screen for long hours can be alienating and time-intensive. Stop-losses can be helpful but are not viable solutions in the long run;Stress is a potential component and threat of day trading due to the high risks involved in volatile crypto markets; andTax compliance can be burdensome as day trading requires keeping an accurate record of all transactions. Investors must, therefore, also be their own accountants, which can be very time-consuming.Benefits and drawbacks of crypto hodlingCrypto hodling is a long-term strategy that could provide a safer investment option, especially for inexperienced asset owners. “Sit back, relax and go back to your investment in five years’ time” is often a mantra in financial markets, and the crypto industry is no exception as this is also the hodlers’ motto.Benefits of hodlingHodling removes the need to check price actions continuously; By hodling, investors avoid the stress and risk of dealing with short-term cryptocurrency volatility and increase the chance of enjoying long-term value appreciation;Emotions like FOMO and FUD are minimized; Hodling can result in massive profits, typically within the range of only a few years in crypto. For instance, if you bought Bitcoin in the spring of 2020 at ∼$5500 and sold it in the autumn of 2021 at ∼$65000, the return would have approached 1100%. It’s very unlikely to get such a high return on an investment within only a few months with any other asset; andHodling allows investors to defer their tax liability. At the same time, they can keep more money invested and increase the chance to grow their capital much faster if the value of the cryptocurrency keeps rising.Drawbacks of hodlingHodling through bear markets can be tough, and investors should resist the temptation to sell, especially at a loss;Investors must ensure they have sufficient capital at their disposal in case of forced sales or unexpected liquidity needs;Hodling can still be risky. Even though a few cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are established investment assets, their history is still too short to ensure investors of their long-term value. Cryptocurrency regulation and future mass adoption are still too uncertain to regard digital assets as sound and reliable investments;Security might be a higher risk for long-term hodling. Investors should learn how to secure their assets with the self-custody and privacy tools at their disposal to avoid common cyber theft and hacks.There is a higher risk of losing access to private keys, which are essential to assets’ protection.Having exposed the pros and cons of day trading and hodling, investors might also consider that both options could apply to their investment strategy. Indeed, many are both day traders and hodlers to grow their portfolios.Should you hold or day trade during a crypto winter?While bear markets can be daunting, many view them as opportunities to increase portfolio sizes, build a plan for future gains and spend time researching and learning more about investments.Hodlers might want to keep hodling during a crypto winter, and day traders should keep trading and take advantage of the likely higher volatility of markets. Many learn more techniques and start using additional technical indicators through bear markets as emotions like FOMO are minimized. The focus can be put on building more wealth, enjoying life and investing in oneself.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Quantitative trading firm Kronos Research halts services after hacker steals $25 million using compromised API keys.Quantitative trading firm Kronos Research has halted all trading services following the theft of over $25 million by an unauthorized entity.The firm disclosed on November 19th that some of its API keys had been compromised, leading it to suspend trading on the platform as a precautionary measure.Lookonchain subsequently discovered that the exchange lost about $25.65M, including 24.57M $USDT, 488.7 $ETH($959K), and 125,056 $USDC .While the breach represents a significant theft of funds, Kronos Research stated that potential losses are not a substantial portion of the company's equity. The firm aims to resume trading soon, pending the results of an internal investigation into the hack.#CoinMarketCap #Binance