Mois: mars 2015

SHA-256 Hash Functions (Technical Process)

Overview:

Cryptographic hash functions are primarily used in password security and encryption. They are the fundamental building blocks that are used in many cryptographic algorithms and protocols. Most commonly know are MD5 (message digest 5, the iteration after 4) and SHA-256. Bitcoin uses the hashcash-SHA-256^2 proof of work function developed by Adam Back. Originally proposed as a way to prevent spam e-mail and anonymous remailers.

Hash functions take an input of arbitrary size and uses a mathematical transformation to create a deterministic output, one that is always the same for a given input, called a digest or hash. The size of the output is going to be fixes in length. In bitcoin (SHA-256) the hash is going to be 256-bit in length.

There is a difference between cryptographic hash functions and traditional hash functions. Cryptographic implies the hash function conforms to a certain set of design goals which enable it…

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Monday March 2: Stocks Continue Streak as Nasdaq Tops 5,000

thespeculation

Stocks continue to reach record highs as discretionary stocks bolster confidence over the economy. Nasdaq tops 5,000 for the first time since 2000, S&P increases .6% to 2,117 and DJIA jumps .9% to 18,288. Momentum is building in stocks with the highest prospects for growth, which is good for the confidence of the financial markets and for consumers. Adjusted for inflation, consumer purchases rose in January which could reflect the effects of low oil prices on consumers. The VIX fell to 13.04 after falling 36% in February for its biggest monthly drop on record. The U.S. dollar index increases .2% as markets continue to price in rate hikes later this year. The two year and ten year yields increase 4bp to .66% and 9bp to 2.09% respectively.

Demand for eurozone securities increases ahead of ECB government bond purchases as $19.3 billion has flowed into eurozone ETFs this year. More than…

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