By Rosemary Kasiobi Nwadike in Cryptocurrency — Jul 18, 2024

Securities vs. Commodities: Why It Matters For Crypto

Securities represent ownership or creditor relationships, while commodities are tangible goods used in commerce.

When you buy a security, you're either buying a piece of a company or lending money to an entity with the expectation of earning a return. The most common types of securities include stocks, bonds, and options. The primary purpose of securities is to raise capital for businesses and governments, allowing them to fund various projects and operations.

Examples of Securities

1. Stocks:

Stocks, also known as equities, represent ownership in a company. When you buy a stock, you own a small part of that company. This gives you a claim on a portion of the company's assets and earnings.

For example, if you buy shares of Apple Inc., you become a shareholder and own a small fraction of the company. Stocks are common examples of securities and are traded on stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. Stocks can appreciate in value, and shareholders may also receive dividends, which are a portion of the company's profits distributed to shareholders.

2. Bonds:

Bonds are debt securities issued by corporations, municipalities, or governments to raise capital.

When you buy a bond, you are essentially lending money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the bond's face value when it matures.

For example, U.S. Treasury bonds are issued by the federal government and are considered safe investments. Bonds differ from stocks because they do not confer ownership in a company but instead represent a loan to the issuer.

3. Mutual Funds:

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Each investor owns shares that represent a portion of the fund's holdings.

For example, a mutual fund might invest in a mix of large-cap stocks, government bonds, and international equities. Mutual funds provide investors with professional management and diversification, reducing the risk of investing in a single security.

4. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):

ETFs are similar to mutual funds but trade on stock exchanges like individual stocks. They are investment funds that hold a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.

For example, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. ETFs offer the diversification of mutual funds with the flexibility of stock trading.

5. Options:

Options are financial derivatives that give the holder the right, but not the responsibility, to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price within a specified period.

There are two main types of options: call options and put options.

Call options give the holder the right to buy an asset, while put options give the holder the right to sell an asset.

For example, an investor might purchase a call option to buy shares of a company at a set price, hoping the stock price will rise above that level. Options are complex securities and carry higher risks compared to stocks and bonds.

6. Certificates of Deposit (CDs):

CDs are time deposits offered by banks that pay a fixed interest rate for a specified term, such as six months, one year, or five years. When you purchase a Certificate of Deposit, you agree to leave your money with the bank for the term of the CD in exchange for interest payments.

For example, a one-year CD might pay an annual interest rate of 2%. CDs are considered low-risk investments because they are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.

What are Commodities?

Commodities are basic goods used in commerce that are exchangeable with other goods of the same type. They are typically natural resources or agricultural products that can be traded on markets.

The key characteristic of commodities is their uniformity; that is, each unit of a commodity is essentially the same as any other unit. This makes commodities different from products that might have unique qualities or features.

Commodities are important because they form the foundation of the global economy, allowing for the efficient exchange and valuation of essential goods.

For example, when discussing "securities vs commodities," it’s vital to understand that commodities are tangible items that can be bought and sold, unlike securities, which represent financial interests or ownership in an entity.

Commodities are often categorised into two main types: hard commodities, like metals and energy resources, and soft commodities, like agricultural products.

Examples of Commodities

1. Gold:

For thousands of years, gold has been a highly valued commodity, often seen as a safe haven during economic uncertainty. It is traded in various forms, such as bullion, coins, and ETFs (exchange-traded funds). The value of gold is influenced by factors like supply and demand, geopolitical stability, and economic performance.

2. Oil:

Oil is an important global commodity fundamental to energy production and transportation. It is traded on a massive scale, with prices fluctuating based on geopolitical events, production levels, and technological advancements. The two primary benchmarks for oil prices are West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent Crude.

3. Agricultural Products:

Commodities also include agricultural products such as wheat, corn, coffee, and soybeans. These are essential for food production and are traded on global markets. Prices can vary due to weather conditions, seasonal changes, and global demand.

4. Natural Gas:

Natural gas is a significant energy source for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes. It is traded in large quantities, and its price is influenced by factors like weather patterns, production levels, and economic activity.

5. Precious Metals:

Apart from gold, other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium are also considered commodities. These metals are used in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and jewellery, making their demand and prices fluctuate based on industrial needs and economic conditions.

6. Base Metals:

Base metals such as copper, aluminium, and zinc are essential for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Their prices are closely tied to economic growth and industrial demand, with global production levels playing a significant role in their market value.

7. Bitcoin:

In the context of crypto, Bitcoin is often considered a commodity rather than a security.

So, if you have been asking, "Is Bitcoin a currency or a commodity?" here’s an answer for you. Bitcoin leans towards commodity due to its use as a store of value and medium of exchange, similar to traditional commodities like gold.

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Securities vs Commodities: Key Differences

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between securities and commodities:

Aspects	Securities	Commodities
Definition	Financial instruments representing ownership or debt	Basic goods that are exchangeable with others
Examples	Stocks, bonds, mutual funds	Gold, oil, agricultural products, and Bitcoin
Regulation	Regulated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)	Regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission)
Value Determination	Based on company performance and investor expectations	Determined by market demand and supply
Purpose	Investment and raising capital	Trade and consumption
Market	Stock exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ	Commodity markets like NYMEX or COMEX
Crypto Context	Some cryptocurrencies are classified as securities by the SEC	Bitcoin and some other cryptos are considered commodities

How Do Securities and Commodities Apply to Crypto?

1. Securities in Crypto:

When we talk about securities in the crypto world, we are referring to crypto assets that function similarly to traditional financial instruments like stocks and bonds. These are investments that promise profits based on the efforts of others.

For instance, when you buy a token from a new project and expect its value to rise because the team behind it is developing a groundbreaking technology, that token might be considered a security.

The SEC crypto regulation framework often scrutinises these types of assets to protect investors from fraud. So, are cryptocurrencies securities? Some are, especially those that offer an investment return based on the project's success, making them fall under the category of cryptocurrency securities.

2. Commodities in Crypto:

On the other hand, commodities in the crypto space refer to assets that have fundamental value and can be used directly, much like gold or oil.

For example, Bitcoin is often seen as a digital commodity. Unlike securities, its value doesn't depend on the performance of a particular company or project. Instead, it has value because people agree it does, similar to how gold is valued. This is a key difference between security and commodity in the crypto context. So, while some debate Bitcoin’s use as currency, many treat it as a commodity due to its store of value and investment potential.

Why It Matters: The Impact on Crypto Investors

1. Regulatory Clarity and Protection:

Understanding the difference between security and commodity is important for crypto investors because it directly impacts how their investments are regulated.

If a cryptocurrency is classified as a security, it falls under stricter regulations by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). This provides investors with more protection against fraud and market manipulation.

On the other hand, if a cryptocurrency is considered a commodity, it is overseen by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), which has different rules. Clear regulations help investors make informed decisions and protect their investments from potential legal issues.

2. Tax Implications:

The classification of cryptocurrencies also affects how they are taxed. For instance, in many jurisdictions, profits from cryptocurrency securities are taxed differently than those from commodities.

Knowing whether a crypto asset is a security or a commodity can help investors better plan their tax strategies and avoid unexpected tax liabilities. This differentiation can significantly impact an investor's net returns.

3. Market Stability:

The way a cryptocurrency is classified can influence its market stability. Securities are subject to rigorous reporting requirements and market surveillance, which can lead to more stable investment conditions.

Commodities, while also regulated, often experience more price instability. Knowing whether a crypto asset is a security or a commodity helps investors weigh the potential risks and volatility of their investments, leading to better risk management.

4. Investment Opportunities:

Different classifications open up different investment opportunities. For instance, securities can be traded on stock exchanges, allowing for broader market participation and potentially more liquidity.

Commodities might be traded on futures markets, which can offer unique opportunities for hedging and speculation.

5. Compliance Costs:

Investors need to be aware of the compliance costs associated with their investments. Securities often come with higher compliance costs due to the stringent reporting and regulatory requirements imposed by the SEC.

Commodities, while regulated, generally have lower compliance costs. These costs can affect the overall profitability of an investment. Knowing which instrument a crypto asset is helps investors anticipate and manage these expenses effectively.

6. Innovation and Development:

The regulatory environment can also influence the innovation and development of new crypto projects.

Securities are subject to more rigorous scrutiny, which can slow down the development process but also ensure higher standards of transparency and accountability.

Commodities may have more scope in their development but might face greater market fluctuations.

7. Global Perspective:

Different countries have varying regulations regarding cryptocurrencies.

For example, what is a security in crypto in one country might be classified differently in another. This can affect international investment strategies and opportunities.

Being aware of these differences helps investors navigate the global market more effectively and make more informed decisions.

8. Long-term Viability:

Securities, due to their regulatory oversight, might offer more long-term stability and credibility. Commodities might offer higher short-term gains but with increased risk. Investors can choose assets that align with their investment horizon and risk appetite.

The Role of SEC Regulation in Crypto

1. Defining Securities and Commodities:

One of the primary roles of the SEC is to determine whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as securities or commodities. This classification affects how these digital assets are regulated.

2. Protecting Investors:

By regulating cryptocurrency securities, the SEC ensures that companies offering these assets provide accurate information and operate transparently. This protection is vital in the crypto market, which has seen numerous scams and fraudulent activities.

3. Ensuring Market Integrity:

By overseeing cryptocurrency transactions and ensuring compliance with regulations, the SEC helps prevent market manipulation and insider trading. This oversight is vital for building trust in the crypto market and attracting more investors.

4. Facilitating Innovation:

While regulation might seem restrictive, it can also foster innovation by providing a clear legal framework. Companies are more likely to innovate when they understand the rules they need to follow.

5. Differentiating Between Assets:

Understanding the difference between security and commodity is essential for both companies and investors. The SEC helps distinguish these categories, guiding how each type of asset should be handled.

6. Setting Standards and Guidelines:

The SEC sets standards and guidelines for the issuance and trading of cryptocurrency securities. This includes rules on disclosure, reporting, and compliance that companies must follow. These standards help create a level playing field and ensure that all market participants adhere to the same rules, making the market more predictable and reliable.

7. Enforcement Actions:

When companies or individuals violate securities laws, the SEC has the authority to take enforcement actions. This can include fines, penalties, and legal action. Such enforcement helps deter bad actors and maintain the credibility of the market.

Wrapping Up

Now that you understand the difference between securities and commodities, you can see why this distinction matters so much in crypto. Knowing whether an asset is a security or a commodity can impact how it's regulated, traded, and fits into your investment strategy.

As a crypto investor, this knowledge helps you navigate the complex regulatory landscape and make informed decisions. If an asset is classified as a security, it comes with stricter regulations and investor protections. On the other hand, commodities are typically subject to fewer regulations but can be more volatile.

So, as you move forward, keep these distinctions in mind. They can make a significant difference in how you build and protect your crypto portfolio.

FAQs

Q1. What is a security in crypto?

A1. A crypto security is a digital asset that meets the criteria of an investment contract, offering potential profits from the efforts of others.

Q2. Is crypto a security?

A2. It depends on the specific cryptocurrency and how it is used or marketed. Some cryptos are considered securities, while others are not.

Q3. Are cryptocurrencies securities?

A3. Some are, particularly those offered through ICOs or those that promise returns on investment.

Q4. What is the difference between security and commodity?

A4. Securities represent ownership or creditor relationships, while commodities are tangible goods used in commerce.

Q5. Is Bitcoin a currency or a commodity?

A5. Bitcoin is generally considered a commodity because it functions like digital gold.

Q6. What is SEC?

A6. The SEC is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a regulatory body overseeing securities markets.

Q7. Why does the classification of cryptocurrencies matter?

A7. It affects regulation, investor protection, and market behaviour.

Q8. How does the SEC regulate crypto?

A8. The SEC investigates and regulates cryptos that are deemed securities to ensure they comply with securities laws.

Q9. Can a cryptocurrency be both a security and a commodity?

A9. Generally, a cryptocurrency is classified as one or the other based on its characteristics and use.

Q10. What impact does SEC regulation have on the crypto market?

A10. SEC regulation can lead to greater transparency and protection for investors, but it can also impose stricter requirements on crypto projects.

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Disclaimer: This article was written by the writer to provide guidance and understanding of cryptocurrency trading. It is not an exhaustive article and should not be taken as financial advice. Obiex will not be held liable for your investment decisions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction

What are Securities?