Neither the launch of Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency nor the rapid appreciation of Bitcoin - which has more than quadrupled in value in 2019 - has so far reversed the trend.

Just two years ago, jobseekers’ interest in Blockchain - the technology which underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Libra - surged. In 2017 Indeed recorded a tenfold increase in the number of candidates searching for Blockchain jobs, coinciding with a 2,100% spike in the value of Bitcoin, which peaked at $20,000 in December that year. 

Candidates’ interest in jobs mentioning ‘Blockchain’, ‘Bitcoin’ and ‘Cryptocurrencies’ surged in the first half of 2018, before tailing off sharply in the latter part of the year. Searches for these jobs have fallen further in 2019, with the monthly average this year sliding by 44% on its 2018 level. 

The number of cryptocurrency job postings has also collapsed in 2019, with the June figure down 72% on the record high recorded in March 2018.

Interest in Blockchain, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies plummets.

The falling interest coincides with extreme volatility in the value of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin prices fell by nearly 80% in 2018, and though the best known cryptocurrency has rebounded in 2019 - surging past $13,000 at the end of last month - jobseeker interest in the crypto sector has not yet matched that resurgence. 

However, Facebook’s entry into the cryptocurrency market could inject new credibility and mainstream acceptance of the technology, and Indeed’s data reveals that a string of well-known tech and financial services firms continue to advertise Blockchain jobs.

The global banking giant JPMorgan Chase, one of the top 10 companies posting cryptocurrency jobs on Indeed, created the first US bank-backed cryptocurrency last year when it launched JPM Coin. Meanwhile, earlier this year, tech firm IBM created a global payments network to support transactions involving foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies.

Bill Richards, UK Managing Director at global job site Indeed, commented: “The mercurial rise - and then fall - in the value of Bitcoin sparked headlines and jobseeker responses in roughly equal measure.

“But while the rapid rise in value of Bitcoin so far this year has attracted investors, jobseekers have been more wary. 

“Behind the froth of Bitcoin, the true potential of Blockchain is still being revealed, and it’s striking how many companies, including tech and banking heavyweights, are building teams of people with skills in this area.

“Facebook’s launch of Libra is set to extend the reach and acceptance of cryptocurrencies and could power a second boom in Blockchain jobs, but so far this is anything but a foregone conclusion.” 

(Source: Indeed)

The UK’s passion for innovation means it is now seen as a global leader in the development of financial services that are powered by prepaid technology, according to data released by Prepaid International Forum (PIF).

PIF, the not-for-profit trade body representing the prepaid sector, reports that the percentage of UK adults using tech-based financial services has risen to 42% (up from 14% in 2015). The UK is at the forefront of this growing market in Europe, ahead of Spain (37%) and Germany (35%). The UK is third globally to only China (69%) and India (52%).

Fueling this growth in the UK is prepaid, which has become a driving force for the fintech companies who are rapidly transforming the way we pay and get paid. The prepaid sector in Europe is growing faster than anywhere else in the world (up 18% since 2014 compared to just 6% growth in the US) is now worth $131bn*.

Experts believe that the UK’s passion for innovation may help to offset the potential negative effects of a no-deal Brexit, should UK financial service providers lose its right of automatic access to EU markets.

Diane Brocklebank, spokesperson for PIF, says: “The UK is a globally significant player in the creation of prepaid-enabled financial services with consumers keen to adopt new and innovative services and a growing industry of experts with the knowledge needed to develop such products and bring them to market.

“In a global sector, the UK stands out as being a key market and one that should retain its prized status even if it loses its financial passporting rights as a result of a no-deal Brexit.”

The UK’s status in prepaid is significant as it is a sector that is growing much faster than other financial services. In Europe, the 18.6% growth in prepaid since 2014, compares to just 7.8% growth in consumer debit and 5.8% growth in consumer credit markets*.

Diane Brocklebank, continues: “Prepaid and Fintech are the areas where people looking to invest in financial service businesses are seeing the most potential. This is being driven by increased dissatisfaction with mainstream financial services and a desire for greater innovation and flexibility, particularly amongst consumers looking for lower costs and fees as well as smartphone accessible products.

“The UK’s status as a global player is therefore crucial to it continuing to be seen as a key market for such investment. To maintain this, it must continue to be a positive environment for innovation with a supportive regulatory environment and strong skills base.”

(Source: PIF)

This CNBC original documentary explores the elusive and controversial world of bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that sparked a global frenzy. Is it the future of finance, a bubble or worse? Anchor Melissa Lee follows a cast of captivating characters to find out.

Below Finance Monthly hears from David Jones, Chief Market Strategist at Capital.com, on why Bitcoin's infamous reputation for extreme volatility may be coming to an end.

With the benefit of hindsight, there can be no doubt that the moves seen in Bitcoin, and other crypto-currencies, from the summer of 2017 through to February 2018 has all the hallmarks of a classic bubble - and corresponding bust. No doubt it will become a popular part of market history - just like the technology shares boom and bust of the late 1990s. Somewhat ironically, weekly volatility in Bitcoin recently hit a one year low below 3% - at pretty much the same time as the NASDAQ, that barometer of technology stocks, moved out to fresh all-time highs.

So why has volatility evaporated? There are a few reasons we could point to, but first let's set the scene. From the middle of November to the middle of December the price of Bitcoin increased threefold. After spending years just being something of a niche IT interest, Bitcoin went mainstream and dragged plenty of other crypto-currencies along for the rise. The mainstream media picked up on the story with almost daily coverage on TV programmes and in newspapers that would never have even heard of crypto-currencies just a few months before. The gains in cryptos seemed to represent easy money and individuals, who would never dream of speculating in more traditional markets, were keen to find out how to get involved. Facebook and Google were full of adverts on how to profit. The prices moved ever higher.

It's a classic rule of market psychology - whenever the general public gets involved in a market in large numbers, expecting further rises, then a top could well be near. This of course proved to be the case - at the time of writing Bitcoin is around 60% below its December all-time high.

Why the lack of volatility?

The obvious reason is that the hype has gone from this market. Plenty of latecomers to the crypto currency rally have had their fingers burnt, have taken their losses (or are still sitting on them) and have vowed never to return. Activity amongst the wider public has slowed.

There are not as many new entrants buying and selling as the price has burst - the story of it being a somewhat boring market in recent months, is not going to make people excited about the potential for "easy money". Wider media coverage has dried up, reducing awareness amongst the public.

Facebook and Google have banned crypto currency adverts - so an incredibly important section of the digital media world is not increasing awareness of this market. You can see this in internet searches - Google searches for Bitcoin for example are down by 75% for the year so far, again pointing to a significant shift in interest by the casual investor.

Arguably, the introduction of a listed futures contract for Bitcoin has also calmed the wilder market moves. The additional media coverage resulted in widespread speculation prior to the listing. The unregulated crypto exchanges experienced extremely high numbers of new signups and in some cases stopped on boarding new customers. The futures contract was launched in the first week of December last year and, less than three weeks later, Bitcoin started falling. Now, institutions and more professional investors have a regulated way of gaining exposure to Bitcoin without having to worry about online wallets and the worries over lack of security. The futures contract also gave the ability to "sell short" - so to profit from Bitcoin falling. This has no doubt gone some way to initiate a more orderly two-way market in Bitcoin - making it more like most other markets. But even the official futures market has suffered as volatility has dropped off - current volumes are best described as modest.

The lack of volatility is seen as a positive sign by those who see more adoption of blockchain technology. It's hard to claim that cryptos are a store of value when the price is moving 10% and more in a very short period of time. More price stability and less volatility certainly helps this value arguement. Significant new money continues to move into blockchain, with billion dollar VC investment funds being raised to new blockchain startups. The world’s leading financial regulators and institutions continue to engage and determine how to regulate and participate in what has become a disruptive new area of investment. Although the boom and bust is over (for now, at least), it could end up being one of the best things to happen for the future of crypto currencies.

Current market activity indicates that cryptocurrencies are set for “another considerable surge in prices gains” in the near future and Ethereum’s price could reach $2,500 by the end of the year - but investors should exercise caution.

This forecast from Nigel Green, the founder and CEO of deVere Group, comes after a strong few days ithe cryptocurrency markets.

Mr Green, whose firm launched the cryptocurrency exchange app, deVere Crypto, comments: “Most major cryptocurrencies Current market activity indicates that cryptocurrencies are set for “another considerable surge in prices gains” in the near future and Ethereum’s price could reach $2,500 by the ehave been posting big gains over the last few days.

“Current market activity indicates that the major cryptocurrencies just like the mcdvoice has done so far that are set for another considerable surge in prices gains in the near future.”

He continues: “What’s fuelling this current rally in crypto prices? There are several key motivators.

“These include the growing integration with and adoption by major banks and other financial institutions.

“Indeed, 20 per cent of all financial firms, ranging from hedge funds to banking giants, are now considering trading digital currencies in the 12 months, according to a new Thomson Reuters survey published this week.

“Another key reason for the rally is that there’s a growing awareness of the need and demand for digital, global currencies in a digitalised, globalised world.

“The upward trend is also being triggered by regulation, which most experts now believe is inevitable. This will give investors even more protection and long-term confidence in the market.”

The deVere CEO believes that despite Bitcoin taking the headlines, Ethereum could be the real story here.

He notes: “It’s interesting to note that even with an impressive one-week jump of 11.3 per cent, Bitcoin - the world’s largest by market capitalisation – is the worst performer amongst the biggest cryptocurrencies.

“The price of Ethereum is predicted to increase significantly this year, and could hit $2,500 by the end of 2018 with a further increase by 2019 and 2020.

“This general upswing will be fuelled by three mains drivers. First, more and more platforms are using Ethereum as a means of trading. Second, the increased use of smart contracts by Ethereum. And third, the decentralisation of cloud computing.”

Mr Green goes on to say: “Ethereum can be expected to solidify its position as the second most valuable and used cryptocurrency token in the world. This consistency of the Ethereum token will appreciate well into the future. As entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, bankers and financial houses are looking for stability and safer trading conditions, and Ethereum is offering that security.”

Mr Green concludes: “We’re certainly entering crypto bull territory, with many retail and institutional investors now finding that cryptocurrencies can no longer ignore the opportunities.

“However, cryptocurrency markets remain volatile. Caution should be exercised and professional advice sought.”

(Source: deVere Group)

Do you dream of becoming a Bitcoin billionaire? A brand new tool could be just what you need to make the best investment choices. Using detailed historical data across the past 14 months, Cryptocurrencies: Past, Present and Future makes cutting-edge predictions for the future of the top 10 virtual currencies.

Using an exclusive, handcrafted algorithm, this Cryptocurrency predictor feeds historical data on price, trade volume, market cap and online popularity through a variety of analytical tools, including a Recurrent Neural Network, to forecast the exact rise and fall of ten chart-topping cryptocurrencies.

The ten virtual currencies monitored within the piece include:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Ripple
• Bitcoin Cash
• Litecoin
• Cardano
• NEO
• Stellar
• EOS
• IOTA

If you’re concerned about being overwhelmed by numbers, all of the cryptocurrencies are explained in a handy, bitesize format. What’s more, the numerical information is displayed in easy-to-read data visualisations, allowing you to compare cryptocurrencies side-by-side.

Price: projected change from 11th March 2018 to 6th May 2018

Despite the value of cryptocurrencies being constantly on the move, the algorithm reveals that Bitcoin Cash will skyrocket by $1,247.73 per unit to $2,209.68 if it continues on its predicted path - so is definitely one to look at if you’re tempted to invest.

Similarly, Chinese-produced NEO looks another strong contender for most valuable currency in the near future, with a projected increase of 145%.

Ethereum, meanwhile, is highly encouraged to be avoided, since it is charted to lose the most value, falling by a staggering $237.79 per unit. It doesn’t have the biggest percentage drop, though. That dubious honour belongs to Stellar, which is predicted to fall a shocking 87% in the next two months.

Market Cap: projected change from 11th March 2018 to 6th May 2018

With Market Cap (Price multiplied by Circulating Supply), we’d expect the price to somewhat influence the projected value and percentage change. But what is even more interesting is how much changes in price influence the Market Cap.

As you would expect, Bitcoin Cash’s ceiling looks ready to rocket up by more than $20 billion to accommodate an increase in price - as we saw from the previous table. Similarly, NEO’s leap in unit value will be accompanied by the Market Cap expanding by an impressive 162%.

It’s more bad news for both Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin and Stellar creator Jed McCaleb though - as Ethereum’s overall cap is projected to plummet by $26 billion to reflect the drop in price, along with Stellar bottoming out with a devastating 90% fall.

Online Popularity: projected change from 11th March 2018 to 6th May 2018

It’s not all market based, however. A detailed exploration of Google Trends data makes it possible to assess the Online Popularity of each cryptocurrency.

This time round, NEO has pipped Bitcoin Cash to the post with the highest search volume both historically and projected in the future, topping even the most well known of cryptocurrencies at a predicted 268% interest and suggesting a rapidly growing interest. On the other hand, IOTA has seen the largest percentage drop off, slated to fall by 53% over the next few months - which might be emblematic of the smaller cryptocurrencies catching the eye but then fizzling out shortly after.

Trade Volume: projected change from 11th March 2018 to 6th May 2018

Finally, Trade Volume projections reveal that Bitcoin (not Bitcoin Cash) is on a path to increase its projected value by a whopping $1.4 billion - the highest of all of the cryptocurrencies.

Though it may not have topped the chart this time round, Bitcoin Cash is still keeping up its high hopes across the board with a promising projection of increasing its volume by more than $1.3 billion by May - a 300% increase. Rounding off the success stories is fan favourites NEO, their trade volume set to soar by a remarkable 563% percentage increase - something we’re sure that the NEO team and potential investors will be thrilled by.

On a less happy note, however, Ethereum still appears set to bomb with a forecasted volume drop of $118 million - the biggest fall of any listed competitor.

More bad news is set for Stellar too, with a -67% percentage drop in trade volume predicted on the horizon. This follows a string of percentage decreases for Stellar. Of course we are speculating, but this could be due to the accessibility of this particular cryptocurrency as it cannot be bought via credit card and can only be obtained through a cryptocurrency exchange - quite a risky move if you ask us!

(Source: Cryptocurrenciesprediction)