CoinGecko - Detailed Review
Finance Tools
CoinGecko - Product Overview
CoinGecko Overview
CoinGecko is a prominent player in the Finance Tools category, particularly within the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
CoinGecko serves as a comprehensive cryptocurrency data aggregator. It tracks and provides detailed information on over 14,000 crypto assets across more than 1,000 exchanges globally. The platform’s core function is to democratize access to cryptocurrency data, empowering users with actionable insights to make informed decisions.
Target Audience
CoinGecko caters to a broad demographic, ranging from casual investors and crypto enthusiasts to professional traders and institutional investors. Its user base includes individuals seeking basic price information as well as sophisticated investors requiring in-depth analytics and historical data.
Key Features
- Extensive Data Coverage: CoinGecko tracks a wide array of metrics including price, trading volume, market capitalization, developer activity, and community engagement. It provides real-time price updates and extensive historical data for in-depth analysis.
- Multi-Asset Tracking: The platform lists over 14,000 crypto assets and tracks data from both centralized and decentralized exchanges, as well as derivatives.
- API Access: CoinGecko offers API keys that are used by major industry players to power their own websites. These APIs are available for both basic and advanced functions, with premium plans for institutional users.
- Portfolio Management: Users can manage and track their crypto investments using CoinGecko’s portfolio tracking tools, similar to those found in traditional financial platforms.
- Educational Content: The platform provides a wealth of educational resources, including research reports, news aggregation, and a section dedicated to learning about cryptocurrencies.
- Community Insights: CoinGecko tracks community metrics such as social media activity and developer involvement, offering insights into the potential and sustainability of various cryptocurrencies.
- Mobile App: CoinGecko has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android, allowing users to access the platform’s features on the go.
Overall, CoinGecko is a trusted source for cryptocurrency data, known for its transparency, reliability, and comprehensive coverage of the crypto market.
CoinGecko - User Interface and Experience
User-Friendly Interface
CoinGecko’s interface is clean and well-organized, ensuring that users can quickly find the information they need. The dashboard is laid out in a way that displays essential metrics at a glance, including price, market capitalization, trading volume, and price changes across various timeframes.
Easy Navigation
The platform is segmented into clear categories such as “Cryptocurrencies,” “Exchanges,” “NFTs,” “Learn Crypto,” and “Products.” This categorization makes it easy for users to locate specific data and tools without confusion. For instance, the “Cryptocurrencies” section provides detailed charts and analytical tools for a wide array of digital assets, while the “Learn Crypto” section offers comprehensive educational resources.
Real-Time Data and Market Analysis
CoinGecko provides real-time price tracking for thousands of cryptocurrencies, along with historical data, price charts, and market cap rankings. Users can access key metrics such as developer activity, community growth, and liquidity, giving them a holistic view of any given cryptocurrency.
Portfolio Tracking
The platform includes a portfolio tracking feature that allows users to monitor their cryptocurrency holdings, track profit and loss, and stay updated on market movements. Users can create multiple portfolios and add transactions manually or through API integration, making portfolio management efficient and straightforward.
Mobile App
CoinGecko also offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, enabling users to track and manage their crypto on the go. This mobile app mirrors the ease of use and functionality of the web platform, ensuring that users have access to vital market data anywhere.
Educational Resources and News Aggregator
In addition to its data tools, CoinGecko features a news aggregator that collects the latest news articles from reputable sources, keeping users informed about market developments. The platform’s blog and educational resources provide insightful articles and tutorials, helping users expand their knowledge about blockchain technology and investment strategies.
Community Engagement
CoinGecko fosters a vibrant community through active social media channels and forums, encouraging discussions and the sharing of insights. This community-centric approach helps users connect with like-minded individuals and stay informed about the latest trends.
Conclusion
Overall, CoinGecko’s user interface is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in cryptocurrencies. Its ease of use, comprehensive data sets, and additional features such as portfolio tracking and educational resources ensure a positive and engaging user experience.
CoinGecko - Key Features and Functionality
CoinGecko Overview
CoinGecko is a comprehensive platform that offers a wide array of features and tools, making it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the cryptocurrency market. Here are the main features and how they work:Cryptocurrency Data and Market Insights
CoinGecko aggregates data from over 781 exchanges and lists more than 10,000 tokens, providing users with real-time and historical price information, trading volumes, and market capitalizations. This data is presented through interactive charts and graphs, allowing users to visualize price movements over various time frames.Customizable Filters and Dashboards
Users can customize their experience with filters that sort assets based on criteria such as time frame (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly) or market activity. This flexibility is particularly useful for different trading strategies, whether it’s scalping or long-term holding.Exchange and Market Data
CoinGecko covers both centralized and decentralized exchanges, including derivatives markets. It provides detailed insights into exchange operations, trading volumes, and liquidity, helping users choose the right platform for their trading needs.NFT Tracker
The platform includes a dedicated NFT tracker, which allows users to follow the latest in NFT floor prices and tokens associated with various projects. This section is a central hub for NFT enthusiasts and collectors.DeFi Tracker
CoinGecko offers a specialized DeFi tracker through its GeckoTerminal, helping users stay updated with decentralized finance projects. This includes information on staking, yield farming, and lending opportunities.Crypto Portfolio Tracker
Users can efficiently manage and track their personal crypto investments using the portfolio tracking tools. This feature allows for customizable dashboards and price alerts, making it easier to monitor and adjust portfolios.Educational Content
The “Learn Crypto” section and “CoinGecko Buzz” provide a vast array of educational resources, including articles, guides, and videos. These resources cater to both beginners and experienced users, helping them make informed decisions and stay updated on market trends.API Endpoints
CoinGecko offers an impressive array of API endpoints that developers can integrate into their own apps to access historical and real-time crypto data. This facilitates real-time data integration and is used to power major crypto websites.News Aggregator
The platform features a crypto news aggregator powered by CryptoPanic, keeping users informed about the latest market developments and news.Mobile App
CoinGecko has a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing users to track and manage their crypto on the go. This ensures that users can stay updated and make decisions even when they are not at their desktops.AI Integration
While CoinGecko itself does not heavily integrate AI into its core features, it can be integrated with AI-driven tools through third-party services like n8n. For example, users can connect CoinGecko with Personal AI or Read AI to automate workflows, transform data, and incorporate advanced AI logic into their workflows. This allows for more sophisticated data analysis and automation, but it is not a native feature of CoinGecko.Conclusion
In summary, CoinGecko is a powerful tool that provides comprehensive data, educational resources, and various tracking tools, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in the cryptocurrency market. While it does not natively integrate AI, it can be connected with AI services to enhance its functionality. CoinGecko - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of CoinGecko
CoinGecko is highly regarded for its performance in the finance tools category, particularly in the crypto market. Here are some key points that highlight its performance:Data Coverage and Accuracy
CoinGecko tracks an impressive array of data, including prices, market capitalization, and trading volumes across over 781 exchanges and more than 10,000 tokens. The data provided is among the most accurate in the industry, making it a reliable resource for traders and investors.API Capabilities
The platform offers a wide array of API endpoints, which are used by major industry players like Etherscan, Metamask, Chainlink, and Nansen. These APIs are available in both free and paid plans, catering to different user needs.Scalability and Cost Efficiency
CoinGecko utilizes Google Cloud’s BigQuery to store and analyze large volumes of data, which has reduced their storage costs by 40% compared to other services. This scalability allows them to handle over four TB of primary data and more than 12 TB of replicated data.Accuracy of CoinGecko
The accuracy of CoinGecko’s data is a significant strength:Market Cap Calculations
CoinGecko provides transparent and clear methodologies for calculating market capitalization, which is essential for evaluating a cryptocurrency’s dominance and value. The formula is straightforward: Market Capitalisation = current price in USD * Circulating supply of the asset.Trading Volume Data
The platform aggregates trading volume data from all exchanges, providing a comprehensive view of market activity. This helps users gauge the level of interest in a particular asset or exchange.Trust Score System
CoinGecko has implemented a Trust Score system to combat fake exchange volume data, ensuring that the data presented is reliable. This system includes metrics like Proof of Reserves to enhance data integrity.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While CoinGecko is highly regarded, there are some areas where it could improve:Token Listings
One criticism is that the number of tokens listed on CoinGecko is less than what is available on some other platforms, such as CoinMarketCap. Increasing the listing speed could attract more users.Portfolio Tracker
The crypto portfolio tracker requires manual entry of transactions, which can be cumbersome for frequent traders. Integrating API keys or wallet connections could significantly enhance usability.Rate Limits on Public API
The public API has rate limits of 5 to 15 calls per minute, which might be restrictive for some users. While this is manageable for basic functions, it could be a limitation for more advanced applications.User Interface
Some users have suggested that the font size for main category headings could be larger for better navigation, especially for those with poor eyesight.Engagement and User Experience
CoinGecko engages its users through various features and services:Educational Content
The platform offers extensive educational content, including research reports and a “Learn Crypto” section, which is beneficial for both new and experienced users.Community and Social Media
CoinGecko has an active online community with significant engagement across major social media platforms, fostering a sense of community among users.Mobile App and Widgets
The availability of a mobile app and various widgets allows users to access and track crypto data conveniently from different platforms. Overall, CoinGecko’s performance and accuracy make it a valuable tool for anyone involved in the crypto market, with a strong focus on transparency and reliability. However, addressing the mentioned limitations could further enhance its usability and appeal. CoinGecko - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of CoinGecko’s API
The pricing structure of CoinGecko’s API, which is a crucial component of their finance tools, is segmented into several plans to cater to different user needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans and their features:
Free Plan
The basic version of the CoinGecko API is free for personal use and testing purposes. This plan comes with some limitations:
- It has a rate limit of 10-30 calls per minute.
- Access to a limited number of endpoints.
- Suitable for small-scale projects, educational purposes, or initial testing.
Paid Plans
For users who need more extensive access and features, CoinGecko offers several paid plans:
Analyst Plan
- Priced at $129 per month.
- This plan is geared towards mission-critical analysis work.
- It provides more comprehensive access to data endpoints compared to the free plan.
Lite Plan
- Priced at $499 per month.
- Best suited for growing projects that require more data and higher request limits.
- Offers additional features and endpoints beyond the Analyst plan.
Pro Plan
- Priced at a higher tier (exact price not specified in the sources, but it is the most advanced plan).
- Designed for large-scale projects that need extensive data access and high request limits.
- Includes all features from the Lite plan plus additional advanced features to scale projects effectively.
Features Across Plans
- Price Endpoint: Provides real-time and historical price data for cryptocurrencies.
- Exchange Rates Endpoint: Offers exchange rates for various fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies.
- Market Data Endpoint: Includes market capitalization, trading volume, and supply data for cryptocurrencies.
- Developer Endpoint: Provides data on development activities such as commits, stars, forks, and subscribers on Github repositories.
- Social Media Endpoint: Offers data on social media activities like followers, tweets, and Reddit subscribers.
Each plan scales up in terms of the number of available endpoints, request limits, and the depth of data provided, making it suitable for a range of users from personal testers to large-scale enterprise users.
CoinGecko - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Various Platforms
CoinGecko can be integrated with numerous financial and cryptocurrency-related platforms. For instance, it integrates with the 1inch Network, a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, allowing users to access better rates and deeper liquidity across multiple blockchains. Another notable integration is with eToro, a popular fintech platform, where users can manage their cryptocurrency portfolios and track market trends using data provided by CoinGecko. Additionally, CoinGecko integrates with other significant players in the crypto space, such as Coinbase, BYDFi, and Coin98 Wallet, facilitating comprehensive cryptocurrency management and trading experiences.Low-Code Integration Tools
For developers and businesses, CoinGecko offers integration through low-code platforms like Cyclr. This allows users to create integrations between their applications and CoinGecko using low-code tools, making it easier to deliver up-to-date market data and build additional functionality on top of it. This approach enables native integrations within their own applications, adding value to end-users without extensive development resources.ETL/ELT Platforms
CoinGecko also integrates with ETL/ELT (Extract, Transform, Load/Extract, Load, Transform) platforms like Airbyte. This integration enables the syncing of market chart and historical data for specific coins listed on CoinGecko, providing automated data integration and powerful data insights. The Airbyte connector supports full refresh syncing and can utilize the CoinGecko Pro API if an API key is provided.API Compatibility
CoinGecko’s API is widely compatible and can be used to query various types of data, including market data, historical data, and supported currencies. The API has specific endpoints for listing supported currencies and coins, which can be used to configure integrations accurately.Performance and Rate Limits
It’s important to note that the CoinGecko API has rate limits, typically ranging from 10 to 50 requests per minute, which should be considered when setting up integrations to avoid hitting these limits during normal operation.Attribution and Usage
Free users of the CoinGecko API are required to provide attribution when using the data, ensuring that the source of the data is acknowledged. In summary, CoinGecko’s integrations are versatile and widespread, making it a valuable resource for both developers and users across various platforms and devices. Its compatibility with different tools and platforms enhances its usability and the overall user experience in the cryptocurrency space. CoinGecko - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
- CoinGecko does not offer phone support. Instead, users can reach out through their support system by dropping a ticket.
- There is no email specifically listed for customer service, but the support ticket system is the recommended method for any suggestions or feedback.
Additional Resources
- Help Center and FAQ: CoinGecko has a comprehensive FAQ section on their website that addresses common questions and provides guidance on using their platform.
- Educational Tools: CoinGecko offers a wealth of educational resources, including tools for comparing cryptocurrencies, checking exchange listings, and estimating APY (Annual Percentage Yield) for lending out cryptocurrencies. These tools are accessible under the “Tools” tab on their website.
- Market Data and Analysis: The platform provides fundamental analysis of the crypto market, including cryptocurrency prices, market capitalization, trading volume, community growth, open-source code development, major events, and on-chain metrics.
- Exchange and Market Information: Users can find rankings of top exchanges and markets, along with trust scores to help in making informed decisions about where to buy or trade cryptocurrencies.
- Yield Farming and Lending: CoinGecko offers resources for yield farming and lending, helping users to find the best platforms for lending their cryptocurrencies and earning the highest APR (Annual Percentage Rate).
- Widgets and Visual Tools: The platform provides various widgets, such as the coin heat market widget, which can be used for presentations or to visually represent market cap and other data.
- Partnerships and Rewards: CoinGecko has partnered with ZenLedger to offer discounts on cryptocurrency tax preparation and accounting. Users can redeem their CoinGecko Candy rewards for these services, helping them manage their crypto taxes more efficiently.
These resources and support options are designed to help both beginners and advanced users navigate the cryptocurrency market effectively.
CoinGecko - Pros and Cons
Advantages of CoinGecko
CoinGecko offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for individuals involved in the cryptocurrency market:Comprehensive Data
CoinGecko provides extensive information about cryptocurrencies and projects, including market data, price movements, and project details. This comprehensive data helps users make informed decisions about their investments.User-Friendly Interface
The platform has a clean and intuitive layout, making it easy for users of all levels to find and use the information they need. This user-friendly interface is a significant advantage, especially for those new to cryptocurrency.Useful Features
CoinGecko offers a range of tools such as price alerts, portfolio tracking, and market data visualization through interactive charts and graphs. These features help users manage their investments effectively and stay updated on market movements.Educational Resources
The “CoinGecko Buzz” section provides valuable educational content, including articles, guides, and videos on various cryptocurrency topics. This helps users expand their knowledge and make better-informed decisions.API Services
CoinGecko offers APIs that developers can integrate into their own applications to access historical and real-time crypto data. This is particularly useful for developers and businesses needing reliable market data.Community and Developer Data
The platform includes community and developer data, along with a trust score and NFT information, which adds depth to the available data and helps users assess the health and potential of different projects.Disadvantages of CoinGecko
While CoinGecko is a powerful tool, it also has some drawbacks:Information Overload
The abundance of data on CoinGecko can be overwhelming for new users, making it difficult to sift through and find the most relevant information.Learning Curve
Although the site is easy to navigate, unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency terminology and concepts can still pose a challenge for some users. This learning curve can be a barrier for those new to the field.Limited Customer Support
Some users may find the customer support options limited compared to other platforms. This can be a disadvantage for users who need immediate assistance or have complex queries.Number of Listed Tokens
CoinGecko lists fewer tokens compared to some of its competitors, such as CoinMarketCap. This might be a drawback for users looking for information on less popular or newer cryptocurrencies.Manual Transaction Entry
Users have to manually enter transactions into the crypto portfolio tracker, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. In summary, CoinGecko is a valuable resource for cryptocurrency enthusiasts due to its comprehensive data, user-friendly interface, and useful features. However, it does come with some limitations, such as information overload, a learning curve, and limited customer support. CoinGecko - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing CoinGecko to Its Competitors
When comparing CoinGecko to its competitors in the finance tools and AI-driven product category, several key points and alternatives stand out.CoinGecko’s Unique Features
CoinGecko is renowned for its comprehensive data coverage, including real-time price updates, detailed market analysis, and community insights such as developer activity and social media presence.- It offers advanced charting tools for technical analysis and a strong emphasis on DeFi (Decentralized Finance) tracking, including yield farming data.
- The platform is known for its transparent methodology and user-friendly interface with advanced filtering options.
- CoinGecko also provides educational resources and an API for developers, making it a valuable tool for both novice traders and experienced investors.
Competitors and Alternatives
CoinMarketCap
One of the main competitors to CoinGecko is CoinMarketCap. While CoinMarketCap focuses more on price tracking and market capitalization, it offers less comprehensive data compared to CoinGecko. However, it has improved its transparency in recent years. The interface is straightforward but lacks the customization options available on CoinGecko.CoinStats
CoinStats is another significant alternative that offers comprehensive tracking, insightful analysis, and AI-powered predictions. It supports over 300 wallets, 1,000 DeFi protocols, and 20,000 cryptocurrencies, making it a strong competitor in terms of data coverage and analytical capabilities.One Click Crypto
One Click Crypto is a platform that simplifies DeFi management with features like seamless cross-chain transactions, yield farming, and personalized portfolio building. It is designed for both beginners and experienced users, offering an all-in-one solution for managing cryptocurrency portfolios.Coindesk and Cointelegraph
While not primarily data platforms, Coindesk and Cointelegraph are popular sites that provide news, analysis, and some market data. They are often visited by users looking for insights into the cryptocurrency market but do not offer the same level of detailed data and analytical tools as CoinGecko.Other Competitors
Other notable competitors include CoinCap, which is part of the Coinbase ecosystem, and sites like Binance and Kraken, which are more focused on trading but also provide some market data and analytics. These platforms may not offer the same breadth of data and analytical tools but are significant players in the cryptocurrency space.Key Differences and Choices
- Data Coverage: CoinGecko stands out for its extensive range of data, including community metrics and developer activity. If comprehensive data is crucial, CoinGecko or CoinStats might be the better choice.
- User Interface: CoinGecko’s user-friendly interface with advanced filtering options makes it easier for users to find the information they need. CoinMarketCap has a more straightforward interface but with fewer customization options.
- DeFi and Community Data: If DeFi tracking and community insights are important, CoinGecko is a strong option. One Click Crypto is also a good choice for DeFi management.
- Transparency: CoinGecko is known for its transparent methodology, which is a significant advantage over some competitors like CoinMarketCap, which has faced criticism in the past for lack of transparency.
CoinGecko - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about CoinGecko
What is CoinGecko and what services does it offer?
CoinGecko is a data aggregator and analysis platform in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. It was founded in 2014 to democratize access to crypto market insights and in-depth analytics. The platform provides real-time price updates, historical data, volume information, and various fundamental analyses such as market capitalization, developer activity, and community engagement for over 10,000 cryptocurrencies from more than 400 exchanges worldwide.
How does CoinGecko generate its revenue?
CoinGecko’s revenue model is multifaceted. It generates income through advertising and sponsored content from blockchain projects and cryptocurrency exchanges. Additionally, CoinGecko offers premium subscription services through its API, which provides advanced data and analytics capabilities for institutional investors and professional entities. The platform also earns revenue through affiliate commissions by directing users to partner exchanges and services via referral links.
What features does the CoinGecko app offer?
The CoinGecko app allows users to track crypto prices, NFT floor prices, coin stats, price charts, and crypto market cap in real-time. It also enables users to track popular crypto categories, view crypto exchanges and their trading volumes, build and track their own portfolios, set personalized price alerts, and use widgets to track crypto prices on their homescreen. The app also includes a calculator tool to convert over 30 currencies, including fiat and cryptocurrencies, and provides access to the latest crypto news and insights.
How does CoinGecko ensure data accuracy and transparency?
CoinGecko emphasizes transparency and reliability by providing real-time price updates and detailed coin metrics. The platform aggregates data from numerous exchanges and uses sophisticated algorithms to present critical information in an accessible manner. It also tracks developer activity and community growth to offer insights into the sustainability and future potential of various cryptocurrencies. CoinGecko’s commitment to transparency includes transparent data-aggregation methods and adherence to stringent global data security and privacy standards.
Can I use CoinGecko to track my NFT collections?
Yes, CoinGecko allows you to track live NFT collection floor prices for over 3,000 NFT collections, including popular ones like Bored Ape (BAYC), Milady, and Azuki. The platform provides real-time floor prices, market cap, and total volume for your selected NFT collections across various marketplaces such as Opensea, MagicEden, and more.
How does CoinGecko support portfolio management?
CoinGecko offers portfolio management tools that allow users to build and track their crypto investments in real-time. Users can monitor their profit and loss, set personalized price alerts, and use the platform’s comprehensive data to make informed investment decisions. The platform also provides features like coin ranking and comparison, historical data, and community insights to help users manage their portfolios effectively.
Does CoinGecko offer any educational resources?
Yes, CoinGecko provides educational resources and tutorials to help users better understand the cryptocurrency market. The platform includes webinars, detailed market reports, and other educational content to ensure that users are informed and educated about the crypto space. This community-centric approach helps in engaging users and enhancing their knowledge.
Is CoinGecko available on mobile devices?
Yes, CoinGecko has a mobile app that allows users to track crypto prices, NFT floor prices, and other market data on the go. The app offers many of the same features as the web platform, including real-time market data, portfolio tracking, and personalized price alerts.
How does CoinGecko handle data security and privacy?
CoinGecko prioritizes data security and privacy, adhering to stringent global standards. The platform ensures that user data is protected and managed securely, which is crucial in an industry often marred by scams and breaches. This commitment to security helps build trust among its users.
Can I use CoinGecko’s API for my own projects?
Yes, CoinGecko offers API access for developers, which provides advanced data and analytics capabilities. This is particularly useful for institutional investors, hedge funds, and other professional entities that require more in-depth information and higher usage limits. The API allows developers to integrate CoinGecko’s data into their own applications and projects.
CoinGecko - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of CoinGecko
CoinGecko stands out as a comprehensive and reliable platform in the finance tools and AI-driven product category, particularly for those involved in the cryptocurrency market. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits, target users, and overall recommendation.Key Benefits
- Comprehensive Data Coverage: CoinGecko tracks a vast number of cryptocurrencies and exchanges, providing extensive market data, including real-time price updates, trading volumes, market capitalization, and historical data.
- Advanced Charting Tools: The platform offers sophisticated charting tools for technical analysis, which is invaluable for both casual and professional traders.
- Community Insights: Users can access data on developer activity, social media presence, and community growth, providing insights into the sustainability and future potential of various cryptocurrencies.
- User-Friendly Interface: CoinGecko features a user-friendly interface with advanced filtering options, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
- Educational Resources: The platform offers a wealth of educational content, including guides, tutorials, and articles that help demystify cryptocurrency concepts and trading strategies.
Target Users
CoinGecko is beneficial for a broad demographic:- Casual Investors: Those new to the crypto market can use CoinGecko to learn the basics and track their investments with ease.
- Blockchain Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the broader ecosystem of blockchain and cryptocurrencies can find detailed insights into market trends and project developments.
- Professional Traders: Advanced traders can leverage the platform’s real-time updates, detailed market analysis, and advanced charting tools to make informed decisions.
- Institutional Investors: With its premium subscription services and API access, CoinGecko provides the detailed data and analytics needed by hedge funds and other financial institutions.