Learning Objective:
To provide an overview of the series, explain the modules, and outline the practical objectives of learning crypto economics as an investor.
This is Doc, and welcome to the Start Smart Crypto Economics series. If you’ve ever wondered why Bitcoin is often called "digital gold," or why tokens like $RENDER and $TRAC are gaining attention, you’re in the right place. Understanding the economic frameworks behind these assets isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a practical tool for making smarter decisions in the crypto space. Over the years, I’ve seen how a strong grasp of economic principles can clarify the chaos and help you navigate markets with more confidence.
This course is structured into five modules, with each module containing a set of lessons designed to build your understanding progressively. Each lesson dives into key concepts, explains their relevance to crypto, and provides actionable insights to strengthen your investment strategies.
Course Structure:
Module 1: Foundations of Economic Thinking
This module introduces the foundational concepts of value, money, and economic principles that underpin crypto markets.
- Lesson 1: The Basics of Value: Why Does Anything Have Value?
- Understand scarcity, utility, and trust.
- Explore how these principles apply to cryptocurrencies.
- Lesson 2: Money Through Time: From Barter to Bitcoin
- Trace the evolution of money.
- Learn why Bitcoin represents a new step in monetary systems.
- Lesson 3: What Is Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and Why It Matters in Crypto?
- Discover how PPP affects crypto prices globally.
- Identify market opportunities using PPP.
- Lesson 4: Inflation vs Deflation: Crypto’s Role in Both Scenarios
- Examine how these forces impact crypto investments.
- Lesson 5: Monetary Policy vs Decentralisation
- Compare traditional monetary policy with crypto’s decentralised alternatives.
Module 2: The Mechanics of Markets
This module focuses on market dynamics and the unique characteristics of the crypto ecosystem.
- Lesson 6: How Markets Work: Crypto’s 24/7 Trading Phenomenon
- Understand traditional and crypto markets.
- Lesson 7: Bonds and Staking: Understanding Fixed Income in DeFi
- Compare yields and risks in traditional bonds vs crypto staking.
- Lesson 8: Economic Indicators and Crypto
- Explore metrics like CPI, PCE, and their impact on crypto markets.
- Lesson 9: The Time Value of Money in Crypto
- Learn how to apply this principle to staking and HODLing.
- Lesson 10: Diversification: Lessons from Index Funds to Crypto Portfolios
- Apply diversification strategies to crypto investments.
Module 3: Investment Strategies Through Economic Principles
This module applies economic reasoning to improve investment strategies.
- Lesson 11: APY vs APR: Calculating Yield in Crypto Lending
- Distinguish between APY and APR in DeFi.
- Lesson 12: Risk and Opportunity: Managing Costs in Crypto Investments
- Evaluate opportunity costs in trading and long-term investing.
- Lesson 13: The Network Effect: Identifying Winning Projects
- Analyse how adoption drives value.
- Lesson 14: Game Theory and Incentives in DeFi Protocols
- Learn how rational behaviour shapes protocol success.
- Lesson 15: Fiscal Policy Meets Crypto
- Understand the impact of government spending and taxes on crypto markets.
Module 4: Advanced Concepts for the Informed Investor
This module explores more complex topics to deepen understanding.
- Lesson 16: Tokenomics: The Economics Behind Successful Tokens
- Evaluate token supply, demand, and utility.
- Lesson 17: Stablecoins and Economic Stability
- Explore the role of stablecoins in reducing market volatility.
- Lesson 18: Booms, Busts, and Bubbles in Crypto
- Learn to recognise speculative bubbles and avoid emotional investing.
- Lesson 19: RWAs and the Future of Financial Assets
- Examine how tokenised assets like $ONDO and $CPOOL are reshaping finance.
- Lesson 20: DePINs: Decentralising Physical Infrastructure
- Analyse projects like $AIOZ and $GRT in the context of decentralised networks.
Module 5: The Future of Crypto Economics
The final module looks ahead at trends and opportunities shaping the next phase of crypto.
- Lesson 21: Emerging Markets and Crypto’s Role in Economic Growth
- Understand adoption trends in underbanked regions.
- Lesson 22: Regulatory Shifts: What They Mean for Crypto
- Analyse the impact of regulation on decentralisation and innovation.
- Lesson 23: AI and Crypto: The Intersection of Two Frontiers
- Lesson 24: Meme Coins and Market Psychology
- Examine the behavioural economics behind tokens like $DOGE and $SHIB.
- Lesson 25: The Next Wave: Trends to Watch in Crypto Economics
- Identify emerging narratives and sectors shaping the market’s future.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand key economic principles and their relevance to cryptocurrencies.
- Be equipped to evaluate crypto projects critically.
- Strengthen your decision-making with a structured approach to crypto economics.
Practical Outcomes:
Through these lessons, you will:
- Identify market opportunities using economic frameworks.
- Recognise trends and apply them to your investment strategies.
- Build confidence in navigating the complexities of the crypto ecosystem.
Final Note:
This course is designed to bridge the gap between economic theory and crypto markets, helping you make better decisions in the space. And as a Liverpool supporter, I’ll try to keep it fair—even for those Manchester United fans like Oz. Let’s just say you’ll find more consistent strategies here than Oz’s squad has seen in years.
Unlock More Crypto Insights!
Love the content you’re seeing? Take your crypto knowledge to the next level with our premium features. Get access to exclusive reports, personalised technical analysis, portfolio reviews, and more. Join one of our paid tiers today and stay ahead with expert guidance tailored just for you!
Discussion