My top three bitcoin links to help build knowledge

If you had not heard about bitcoin before then the last 24 hours may well have changed that.  The 'digital currency' has suddenly achieved widespread public consciousness...it is remarkable what the combination of a rampant price and a Senate Committee hearing can have.  

Let's take a look at that price rise first.  That's a parabolic move, no doubt.  No wonder bitcoin is getting such attention. 

There are reasons to be fearful and greedy about a chart like the above.  Clearly something is happening...but there is a lot of 'excitement' shorter-term. 

As with any parabolic move, the prudent investor sits back and does their own research. 

Here, therefore, are Financial Orbit's top three links on bitcoin. 

First, you need to keep on top of bitcoin and other 'crypto-currency' prices.  I liked this link to help do just that. 

Second, you need to understand some of the big picture dynamics behind the bitcoin move.  For this - as for so many matters in the financial world - you need to think about China and the US Dollar.  I thought this link was a fantastic summary of these matters. 

Finally, this informative, if technically detailed, FT Alphaville link here provides some further insights into bitcoin mania. 

Any investors who have bought gold bullion or ETFs can understand part of the appeal of bitcoins.  Whilst gold has the support of historical usage, bitcoin - like so much of the internet world - is potentially paradigm shifting.

For this reason it is worth spending investing some time looking at the area.  A further article with more of my own conclusions will follow in due course.