Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin Surges to $100,000 with Trump's Crypto-Friendly Appointee
2024-12-05
Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching a value of more than $100,000 for the first time. This significant event was driven by Donald Trump's latest nominations for his presidential team. As of 4.10 am UK time, the cryptocurrency was valued at $103,280 (£81,160), experiencing a 7.9% increase in the previous 24 hours. This surge began on 5 November, the day of the US election, and since then, the price has risen by around 45% from $69,374 (£54,608).
Trump's Impact on Bitcoin's Rally
The rally in Bitcoin has been further stoked by a series of the president-elect's appointments. Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner under George W. Bush, was picked to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the same day Bitcoin reached its benchmark number. Mr. Atkins has frequently advocated for less market regulation and has been a vocal cryptocurrency advocate. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said of his new appointment, "He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before."Understanding Cryptocurrency
In simple terms, cryptocurrency is digital money that operates through an online network without a central authority. It is not recorded by any government or bank but is instead tracked by the blockchain, an unchangeable shared digital ledger. Digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum are highly volatile, with their prices fluctuating rapidly. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority considers crypto high-risk and has called for regulation. Previously a sceptic of digital currency, Trump pledged during this election campaign to make the US "the crypto capital of the planet" and create a "strategic reserve" of Bitcoin. He was the first presidential candidate to accept donations in crypto-assets, and vice president-elect JD Vance has been strongly supportive of digital currency. In September, Trump launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture to trade cryptocurrencies. Jordan Libowitz, a spokesperson for the government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said at the time that Trump's pro-crypto stance was "troubling… while starting a way to personally benefit from it."Features and Benefits of Bitcoin
Bitcoin offers several unique features and benefits. Its decentralized nature allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction costs and increasing efficiency. The blockchain technology ensures transparency and security, as every transaction is recorded and verified by a network of nodes. This makes it difficult for fraud and manipulation to occur. Additionally, Bitcoin provides an alternative investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolios. Its potential for high returns has attracted many investors, although it also comes with significant risks due to its volatility. However, the lack of regulation in some countries has led to concerns about market stability and investor protection.Analysis of the Crypto Market
The rapid growth of Bitcoin and the overall crypto market has sparked intense debate and analysis. Some experts believe that cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the financial industry by providing faster, more secure, and more accessible transactions. They see blockchain technology as a game-changer that could disrupt traditional banking systems. On the other hand, there are concerns about the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, which consumes a large amount of energy. Critics also argue that the lack of regulation makes cryptocurrencies vulnerable to market manipulation and fraud. Despite these challenges, the crypto market continues to grow, with more and more companies and institutions showing interest in digital assets.