Bitcoin Overcomes Challenges and Thrives
Bitcoin has faced numerous challenges this year, including the FTX scandal, banking crises, and regulatory actions against Binance. However, despite these obstacles, Bitcoin has thrived and its price has risen significantly.
At $41,850 according to CoinGecko, Bitcoin is up 148% from its price a year ago. The negative events in the crypto industry have not deterred investors.
Spot Bitcoin ETF Hype
One of the biggest stories of the year was the anticipation of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) getting approved. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, filed an application for its iShares Bitcoin Trust, leading to increased optimism about ETF approval and driving up the price of Bitcoin.
The endorsement of Bitcoin by BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has also attracted institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin as “Digital Gold”
Investors have turned to Bitcoin as a “digital gold” during times of economic uncertainty. The collapse of tech-friendly banks and macroeconomic instability have led investors to see Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset.
Cathie Wood, a top tech investor, has described Bitcoin as both a “risk-on and risk-off asset” due to its transparency and decentralized nature.
The Rise of Ordinals
This year saw the emergence of ordinals on the Bitcoin blockchain. Ordinals are NFT-style inscriptions that allow for non-financial data to be included in individual satoshis. While they have led to innovative projects and protocols, they have also caused network congestion and increased transaction costs.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
Analysts expect a Bitcoin ETF to be approved in January, which could bring more capital into the market. Additionally, the halving event in April is anticipated to have a bullish effect on the market as it reduces the supply of Bitcoin and potentially increases its price.
Hot Take: Bitcoin Defies the Odds and Continues to Rise
Despite facing numerous challenges and negative events, Bitcoin has proven its resilience and continues to thrive. Investors remain interested in Bitcoin due to factors such as the anticipation of a spot Bitcoin ETF, its status as a “digital gold,” and the potential bullish effects of the upcoming halving event. While there are concerns surrounding network congestion caused by ordinals, Bitcoin remains at the forefront of NFT sales. Overall, Bitcoin’s ability to overcome obstacles and maintain its upward trajectory is impressive.