Key Points
- Bitcoin has crossed the $100,000 mark due to factors such as institutional interest, regulatory developments, and global support.
- Institutional inflows like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF and positive regulatory shifts have significantly contributed to Bitcoin’s surge.
Bitcoin Marks a Major Milestone
Bitcoin [BTC] has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the $100,000 mark. This price surge has been influenced by factors such as institutional interest, regulatory developments, and global support for digital assets.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading at $102,570 with a 24-hour trading volume of $141.34 billion. Over the past 24 hours, its price has increased by 6.19%, and a 6.78% gain has been recorded over the past week. Bitcoin’s market capitalization now stands at $2.01 trillion, based on a circulating supply of 20 million BTC.
Factors Driving Bitcoin’s Surge
Institutional interest has significantly contributed to Bitcoin’s rise past $100,000. A major contributor has been BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which recently crossed $50 billion in assets under management. The rapid growth of IBIT illustrates the increasing demand for Bitcoin among institutional investors.
Regulatory changes have also fueled Bitcoin’s momentum. On 4th December, Donald Trump announced Paul Atkins, known for his crypto-friendly stance, as the new SEC chair. This move has created optimism within the crypto industry as it raises expectations for clearer and more supportive regulations in the U.S.
In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed strong support for BTC during the Russia Calling Investment Forum. His remarks highlight the global recognition of Bitcoin as a transformative financial technology, contributing to the ongoing rally.
The derivatives market has also experienced significant growth alongside Bitcoin’s price surge. Open interest in Bitcoin futures has climbed to $64.70 billion, indicating heightened activity among both institutional and retail traders. The rise in open interest suggests continued confidence in BTC, reinforcing BTC’s position as a sought-after asset in both spot and derivatives markets.