Crypto is not one product
Bitcoin, stablecoins, smart-contract tokens and other digital assets can behave very differently. Some are designed as scarce digital assets, some aim to track another asset and others are used within software networks.
Treating all cryptoassets as interchangeable hides important differences in issuance, governance, liquidity and risk.
Blockchains and ownership
A blockchain is a shared record of transactions maintained by a network under a defined set of rules. Ownership is represented through cryptographic keys rather than a traditional share certificate or bank account entry.
How those keys are held matters. A user can rely on a custodian such as an exchange, or use self-custody and take direct responsibility for access.
Price and utility are separate questions
A network can be useful without its token necessarily being attractively priced. Crypto research should separate what a network does from the valuation and market behaviour of its asset.
Liquidity, issuance, adoption, market structure and speculation can all influence price.
General information only. Investment products can lose value, and terms, fees and regulation can change.