Cryptocurrency exchange and financial technology firm Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ:COIN) offers a compelling mechanism to wager on digital assets without dealing with the unusual pitfalls of crypto investing. These hazards include discarded hardware, forgotten passwords or even technical gremlins. Still, with Coinbase stock having virtually doubled in value this year, some skepticism may exist regarding its immediate forward viability.

Looking at the charts, Coinbase blitzed higher following the election results. Since then, however, the security has entered a sideways consolidation pattern. It's possible that it could swing higher from here. However, such a bullish development may depend on...