NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are digital-only collector items backed by blockchain technology. Here’s what you need to know about these sought-after crypto collectibles.
 | What are NFTs? – Time Magazine defines them as “computer files combined with proof of ownership and authenticity.” They can be anything digital: artwork, memes, sports cards, music, etc. For example, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sold the first tweet as an NFT for $2.9 million . Unlike traditional money or bitcoin which are essentially interchangeable, NFTs are non-fungible, meaning each token has a unique worth and cannot be traded for another. |
 | Digitizing and monetizing – Artists have been creating easily accessible art online for years, often times with nothing to show for it—especially in a monetary sense. NFTs allow digital artists the ability to truly own and sell their creations while benefiting financially. |
 | Who is buying NFTs? – NFTs aren’t just for high-end collectors. Some tech-savvy buyers are purchasing them as a way to support their favorite artists, athletes, or celebrities. Others are just hopping on a booming trend in the hope that the value will increase. |
 | The pandemic, the Internet, and NFTs – NFTs aren’t a new concept and have been around for years. Their popularity has been boosted by a combination of Bitcoin’s success and people spending more time online due to COVID-19. |
 | How big is this market? – Bigger than you may think. The NFT market grew by 299% in 20201 with sales in the first quarter of 2021 soaring to more than $2 billion2—and it’s shown no signs of slowing. Auction houses are already getting in on the NFT craze and NFT-related stocks have been on the rise. |
 | Is this the future of digital-asset investing? – Some investors see NFTs as a modern approach to investing in art, but how this may pan out remains to be seen. The growing field of digital assets is volatile, but it’s a trend both investors and financial professionals should keep an eye on. |
 | Risky business – Like all investments, NFTs have risks. They’re unregulated and the mania surrounding them may lead to volatility: buyers may purchase an expensive NFT only to discover later that it’s not worth much. NFTs aren’t readily exchangeable for cash, so liquidity is an issue. |
 | Environmentally unfriendly – Digital assets might be paperless, but, unfortunately, they’re far from green. The computers, storage, and security required by NFTs (and cryptocurrency in general) use a lot of energy. |
 | Surprise! They’re not tax-free – Both buying and selling NFTs is a taxable event. Because NFTs are considered collectibles, they’re taxed at the maximum capital-gains rate of 28%. Investors can also expect to be taxed when buying and selling NFTs with cryptocurrency, selling an NFT for another NFT, and when converting cryptocurrency back into US dollars. |
| Bubble trouble? – With so many people trying to “get in early” and pushing prices to exorbitant highs, some worry that this market isn’t sustainable. |
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