You might have noticed the world has been facing a bit of a fiscal and monetary problem of late. Bitcoin devotees are certainly aware of this as it has been the search for solutions which has stoked much of the recent interest in Bitcoin.
To some of these problems Bitcoin does offer a real solution. To others, not so much.
The big benefit of Bitcoin is its remedy to fiat currency and the inevitably ensuing inflation . Inflation is a terrible problem that impoverishes most people. The exception being the well placed interests - such as the big banks and their favored customers - who are first receivers of the newly invented money.
Bitcoin does indeed provide a much needed remedy to fiat currency induced inflation. Unlike fiat currency, the value of which is essentially decreed by government, the market establishes Bitcoin's value. It is valued by the market, like any other good, in terms of its benefits: e.g., as a reliable medium of exchange or store of value.
This is Bitcoin's strong suit. As no individual or organization controls, and therefore none can manipulate in their own interest, the supply of the currency, Bitcoin resists the inflationary pressures characteristic of fiat currencies.
If only this were the sole cause of current problems in the world economy. The other big contributor is much less responsive to the correctives of market valued currencies like Bitcoin. That problem is fractional reserve banking: the practice whereby the banks magically multiply the currency supply.
Banking black magic though it may be, fractional reserve banking practices are ubiquitous. You know that banks make loans. Have you considered from where they get the funds to do so? They're drawn of course from the savings placed in the bank by depositors. In principle this isn't a problem, and the interest payments made possible will be attractive to many depositors. The problem is banks wanting to have their cake and eat it too. Thus, they perpetuate the illusion that the depositor's money is still available to be withdrawn at will. (Otherwise, far higher interest payments would likely be demanded, if people couldn't access their own money.) Obviously, though, the funds cannot be simultaneously in the depositor's account and in the hands of the borrower.
There's no doubt that this little bit of black magic does fuel economic growth, increasing monetary liquidity, and benefits arise from this. At the same time, though, there is a price to be paid.
First, the practice contributes to inflation, by magically multiplying the money supple. Second, it contributes to exaggerated business cycles, as borrowers are misled about the actual availability of resources, due to artificially suppressed interest rates resulting from illusionary large money supply. The inevitable result is eventually recession - if not depression. Third, it eventually leads to bank runs: as the somewhat ponzi-like scheme eventually collapses. When everyone wants their money back at the same time, it just isn't there.
To this problem, Bitcoin provides no answers. That fact is evident in the suspension of Bitcoin account withdrawals at Mt. Gox, a Tokyo-based exchange. The global leader in U.S. dollars and Bitcoin trades, Mt. Gox has been effectively acting as a fractional reserve bank. Clients create accounts and Mt. Gox has been lending against those deposits. Now, though, Bitcoin depositors are being thwarted in attempts to withdraw their funds.
The official explanation for the suspension has been technical malfunction. The fact though is that Mt. Gox has been engaged in suspension of convertibility for almost a year now and using various ruses to inhibit withdrawals of Bitcoin in the meantime.
Apparently, Mt. Gox has given us the first ever digital bank run. The exchange/bank's response? The age old one through banking history: Katie, bar the doors! There are now serious prospects of Mt. Gox's Bitcoin depositors losing a great deal - or possibly even all - of their investment.
A truly, market based currency like Bitcoin has huge social and personal advantages, which should not be underestimated. It is though no panacea for ill-considered investment decisions. The interest earning appeal of deposits in fractional reserve banking institutions have real allure. Turning a blind eye to their danger, though, can prove costly. Bitcoin's virtues do not include a financial do-over.
To some of these problems Bitcoin does offer a real solution. To others, not so much.
The big benefit of Bitcoin is its remedy to fiat currency and the inevitably ensuing inflation . Inflation is a terrible problem that impoverishes most people. The exception being the well placed interests - such as the big banks and their favored customers - who are first receivers of the newly invented money.
Bitcoin does indeed provide a much needed remedy to fiat currency induced inflation. Unlike fiat currency, the value of which is essentially decreed by government, the market establishes Bitcoin's value. It is valued by the market, like any other good, in terms of its benefits: e.g., as a reliable medium of exchange or store of value.
This is Bitcoin's strong suit. As no individual or organization controls, and therefore none can manipulate in their own interest, the supply of the currency, Bitcoin resists the inflationary pressures characteristic of fiat currencies.
If only this were the sole cause of current problems in the world economy. The other big contributor is much less responsive to the correctives of market valued currencies like Bitcoin. That problem is fractional reserve banking: the practice whereby the banks magically multiply the currency supply.
Banking black magic though it may be, fractional reserve banking practices are ubiquitous. You know that banks make loans. Have you considered from where they get the funds to do so? They're drawn of course from the savings placed in the bank by depositors. In principle this isn't a problem, and the interest payments made possible will be attractive to many depositors. The problem is banks wanting to have their cake and eat it too. Thus, they perpetuate the illusion that the depositor's money is still available to be withdrawn at will. (Otherwise, far higher interest payments would likely be demanded, if people couldn't access their own money.) Obviously, though, the funds cannot be simultaneously in the depositor's account and in the hands of the borrower.
There's no doubt that this little bit of black magic does fuel economic growth, increasing monetary liquidity, and benefits arise from this. At the same time, though, there is a price to be paid.
First, the practice contributes to inflation, by magically multiplying the money supple. Second, it contributes to exaggerated business cycles, as borrowers are misled about the actual availability of resources, due to artificially suppressed interest rates resulting from illusionary large money supply. The inevitable result is eventually recession - if not depression. Third, it eventually leads to bank runs: as the somewhat ponzi-like scheme eventually collapses. When everyone wants their money back at the same time, it just isn't there.
To this problem, Bitcoin provides no answers. That fact is evident in the suspension of Bitcoin account withdrawals at Mt. Gox, a Tokyo-based exchange. The global leader in U.S. dollars and Bitcoin trades, Mt. Gox has been effectively acting as a fractional reserve bank. Clients create accounts and Mt. Gox has been lending against those deposits. Now, though, Bitcoin depositors are being thwarted in attempts to withdraw their funds.
The official explanation for the suspension has been technical malfunction. The fact though is that Mt. Gox has been engaged in suspension of convertibility for almost a year now and using various ruses to inhibit withdrawals of Bitcoin in the meantime.
Apparently, Mt. Gox has given us the first ever digital bank run. The exchange/bank's response? The age old one through banking history: Katie, bar the doors! There are now serious prospects of Mt. Gox's Bitcoin depositors losing a great deal - or possibly even all - of their investment.
A truly, market based currency like Bitcoin has huge social and personal advantages, which should not be underestimated. It is though no panacea for ill-considered investment decisions. The interest earning appeal of deposits in fractional reserve banking institutions have real allure. Turning a blind eye to their danger, though, can prove costly. Bitcoin's virtues do not include a financial do-over.
About the Author:
Anyone hoping to be benefiting from the Bitcoin revolution in global finance, you need to stay abreast of events by following the news at the Bitcoin Profit Calculator blog. Wallace Eddington has been storming the blogosphere with his recent analysis. See particularly his popular article on Bitcoin exchange trading funds .
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