Ripple's XRP cryptocurrency soaring to new heights this week. Coindesk's Director of Research Nolan Bauerle and Fortune Staff Writer Robert Hackett explain factors driving altcoins up, and Bitcoin down.
"Bitcoin has an enviable problem of being so popular, and such strong brand name that it became hard to access," says Bauerle. "I think when people saw that surge hit in December they said well I'll try something else." Altcoins like Ripple's XRP, Ethereum, and Tron posted significant gains in the first week of 2018.
"Retail investors are gobbling it up," says Hackett on some companies adding the word "Blockchain" to their name. " On Thursday Ripple's co-founder Chris Larsen became one of the wealthiest Americans on paper with his shares of the cryptocurrency growing to more than $59 billion. But Hackett says its important to note these shares are hard to transfer to direct wealth. Even if he were able to cash out all of his fortune, the markets would not handle it well says Hackett.
Walmart announced it's looking to create a calm morning shopping experience by turning TV walls to static non-moving images, silencing radios, and dimming store lights.
Biotech company Biogen lowered its full-year profit forecast, citing higher costs related to its purchase of drug maker Reata Pharmaceuticals as well as the launch of its Alzheimer's drug.
You might already be planning your Thanksgiving menu as the holiday approaches. Some retailers are offering deals that could help your pockets as you budget for those large family gatherings.
