In Investing, By Credit Advice Staff, on January 8, 2025

A Record High: Bitcoin Reaches New Milestone

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, recently hit an all-time high of $95,023, marking a significant milestone. Over the last 24 hours, Bitcoin gained 4% against the US dollar, while it has risen by 5.2% over the past week. Its market capitalization now stands at an impressive $1.87 trillion, making it the seventh most valuable asset, trailing behind Amazon.

Key Insights on Bitcoin’s Milestone

At the time of this milestone, Bitcoin’s daily trading volume surged to $76.65 billion, contributing to the overall market activity. In the broader cryptocurrency market, more than $349.30 million in liquidations occurred within the past day. Specifically, $47.51 million worth of liquidations came from investors holding short positions on Bitcoin, while $20.76 million were tied to long positions.

This level of volatility highlights the potential for significant gains, but also exposes the risks of sharp declines that could leave investors vulnerable. A total of 137,168 crypto traders experienced liquidation during this period.

Bitcoin’s Dominance in the Market

Bitcoin’s dominance in the cryptocurrency market is substantial, accounting for approximately 60% of the total market share. The entire crypto market is valued at around $3.13 trillion, and with Bitcoin’s recent surge to $95,023, it continues to play a central role in the digital currency landscape. Historically, Bitcoin has held a dominant market share, and its recent performance has strengthened its position as a leading digital asset.

Institutional interest in Bitcoin has also risen, particularly as a hedge against inflation. This increasing recognition has spurred growing interest from investors looking to enter the cryptocurrency space.

Factors Behind Bitcoin’s Value Surge

Several factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s rising value, including ongoing debates about technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the election of Donald Trump has been viewed as a catalyst for Bitcoin’s rise, as many in the crypto community see him as a pro-crypto figure. Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation has led many to believe that his administration will foster a more favorable environment for digital assets.

Since Trump’s election, Bitcoin has doubled in value and risen 40% in just the last two weeks, showcasing the influence of political developments on cryptocurrency markets.

Other Positive Developments in the Crypto Space

Beyond Trump’s election, several pro-crypto lawmakers have won congressional seats, further bolstering support for the industry. Notable figures include Adam Schiff, a California representative, who is set to join the Senate, and John Curtis, a Utah representative. In total, 13 pro-crypto candidates secured Senate seats in the latest election cycle, signaling strong bipartisan support for the cryptocurrency industry.

Interestingly, cryptocurrency enjoys support from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats, like Schiff, view it as a tool for financial inclusion, while Republicans, including Curtis, see it as a way to challenge the Biden administration’s policies and promote financial freedom.

The Most Pro-Crypto Congress in History

This new Congress represents the most pro-crypto legislature in U.S. history, signaling a shift toward more favorable regulatory conditions for the industry. The cryptocurrency sector, which has long lobbied for regulatory clarity, may soon achieve its goals, potentially transforming the industry’s relationship with lawmakers.

While cryptocurrency adoption remains limited to a portion of the U.S. population, the number of cryptocurrency-related products continues to rise, and the industry’s political influence has grown significantly. Cryptocurrency has become one of the biggest contributors to political campaigns, with substantial spending on over four dozen House races in the current election cycle.

What This Means for Bitcoin’s Future

With Bitcoin’s recent surge, analysts believe it could soon surpass the $100,000 mark for the first time. Over the past year, Bitcoin has experienced a remarkable 100% increase in value. Significant developments, including the launch of the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust and Trump’s exploration of acquiring the crypto trading firm Bakkt, underscore Bitcoin’s growing prominence. Trump has also expressed plans to establish a dedicated White House role for cryptocurrency policy.

As institutional and retail interest in Bitcoin continues to rise, the cryptocurrency could become a mainstream asset. Experts have even suggested that Bitcoin’s price could reach as high as $176,000 by 2026, driven by growing institutional participation and retail adoption.

Optimism for the Future of Cryptocurrency

With these developments, optimism is high for the future of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market. While no investment is without risk, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Currently, Bitcoin faces some resistance at $95,900, with support holding around $92,800. However, most analysts believe that the future looks promising for Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, with potential for prices to exceed $100,000 in the near term due to strong demand.