What is cryptocurrency, and how does it work?

6 min read . Updated: 02 Dec 2021, 07:45 PM IST Paul Vigna, The Wall Street Journal

Bitcoin allows any two people, anywhere in the world with an internet connection, to make a transfer of value in a few minutes without any middleman (Photo: iStock) — Bitcoin allows any two people, anywhere in the world with an internet connection, to make a transfer of value in a few minutes without any middleman **(Photo: iStock)**

We answer some commonly asked questions about this hot, but little understood, asset

Cryptocurrencies have become an investing mania again, which means—because I cover the topic for The Wall Street Journal—I field questions from a lot of people I don’t usually hear from. Most recently, a high-school friend I haven’t talked to in years pinged me. He has started investing in cryptocurrencies, but was looking for some guidance.