Marie Alexander

“Bitcoin Surges Past $100K: A New Era for Cryptocurrency”

Bitcoin, the world's leading cryptocurrency, reached a new milestone Friday by exceeding the US$100,000 mark for the first time and was trading at about US$103,359, according to Kraken. The extraordinary jump confirms Bitcoin's ever-growing presence in the world financial realm as a major digital currency and a potent investment engine.

Election Victory Fuels Bitcoin's Momentum
The victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. Presidential Election in 2024 triggered the meteoric rise of Bitcoin. Pre-election, Bitcoin was trading at around US$69,000. With the announcement of Trump's win, it jumped in a very short period to US$75,000 and continued further, driven by investor optimism surrounding Trump's pro-crypto policies.

Trump has announced a set of initiatives to create a crypto-friendly environment, from the creation of a new government-backed cryptocurrency platform to vows to hold federal Bitcoin reserves. He has also promised significant changes in regulation, starting with the sacking of SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a known critic of cryptocurrency companies. Gensler subsequently confirmed he would leave in early 2025.

In a surprise move, Trump appointed Paul Atkins, a former commissioner with the SEC and digital asset advocate, to head the SEC. Atkins' appointment is seen as a signal for a more innovation-driven approach to crypto regulation.

Institutional Support Strengthens Bitcoin's Position
Beyond political developments, institutional advances have supported the rally in Bitcoin. The options trading of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF saw a remarkable first-day turnover of US$1.9 billion. Further legitimacy will be given to Bitcoin within traditional finance; that means it will make it much easier for a different group of investors to go into this market.

This trend of institutional support by giants like BlackRock has reshaped the cryptocurrency landscape with much-needed credibility, furthering demand. The trend suggests an improving consensus about Bitcoin's long-term value and utility.

A Pivotal Moment for Cryptocurrency
More than US$100,000 was an important chapter in Bitcoin's journey, marking its firm positioning as a transformative force within the financial world. At this point, Bitcoin has not really replaced fiat money, but it does hold increasing appeal as both an alternative means of payment and an investment asset.

Reaching this milestone shows how cryptocurrency is continuously evolving from a niche market to a mainstream financial instrument. With political will and institutional momentum, Bitcoin may also continue to play a key role in shaping the future of global finance.

With Bitcoin's value going up, it acts as proof of how digital assets have massive potential to disrupt the functioning of economic systems and challenge traditional market boundaries.