Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, has reached a historic milestone, surpassing the $100,000 mark for the first time since its inception over a decade ago. As of this writing, Bitcoin's value stands at $103,359.00, according to data from Kraken.
This unprecedented surge in value follows the news that Donald Trump has won the 2024 US Presidential Election, with Bitcoin's price increasing significantly since Election Day. On that day, Bitcoin's value hovered around $69,000, but it shot up to $75,000 after Trump's victory was announced, according to CoinDesk data.
The final push past the $100,000 mark occurred a few hours after Trump announced several nominations for his administration, including the appointment of former Republican Securities and Exchange Commissioner Paul Atkins as his pick to lead the SEC. This move has sparked optimism among investors, who expect a more crypto-friendly environment under the Trump administration.
Atkins, who has served as co-chair of the Chamber of Digital Commerce's Token Alliance, is seen as a positive influence on the crypto industry. Trump has expressed his support for digital assets, stating that they are "crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before." Additionally, Trump has vowed to hold onto the Bitcoin owned by the federal government and has promised to fire current SEC chair Gary Gensler, who has been a vocal advocate for regulating crypto firms. Gensler has since announced that he will step down from the position in January.
Other factors have also contributed to the Bitcoin surge, including the start of options trading on Blackrock's Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, which saw a remarkable $1.9 billion traded during its first day. This increased trading activity has added to the overall optimism surrounding Bitcoin's future prospects.
Despite its triumphs, Bitcoin's value is still being measured in USD, and it remains to be seen whether it will eventually replace fiat currency as a primary means of exchange. For now, it continues to emerge as an alternate payment option or investment vehicle.
The implications of Bitcoin's surge past $100,000 are far-reaching, with potential effects on the global economy, financial markets, and the crypto industry as a whole. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Bitcoin's value has reached unprecedented heights, and its future prospects look brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.