### Bitcoin’s Remarkable Year: Surpassing $100,000 and What’s Next
Bitcoin, the most recognized cryptocurrency globally, has achieved a historic milestone. In 2024, it eclipsed $100,000 per BTC for the first time in history.
Nonetheless, the current environment for crypto investors is intricate. With Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency in January, the U.S. now boasts its most crypto-enthusiastic administration ever. His administration initiated a **Cryptocurrency Working Group** and unveiled a **$TRUMP meme coin**, which reportedly has generated millions in revenue. Meanwhile, the global economic situation remains unstable, with geopolitical tensions escalating to levels unseen since the Cold War.
Prominent institutions, including corporations and even entire nations, have been acquiring Bitcoin in substantial volumes. However, recent months have signaled a change, with many choosing to liquidate rather than invest. The U.S. government, under Trump’s **Strategic Bitcoin Reserve initiative**, has halted the sale of its Bitcoin assets. Additionally, the emergence of new technologies like quantum computing poses potential risks to Bitcoin’s security, although the timeframe for these threats is still uncertain.
Considering these factors, the future of Bitcoin is unpredictable. If you consult ten experts on its price movement, you’re likely to hear ten widely differing forecasts—ranging from complete failure to unprecedented highs. The essential approach for investors is to thoughtfully evaluate the most significant factors before making any choices.
> **Disclaimer:** This article does not constitute financial advice. It outlines Bitcoin’s recent developments and the primary risks and opportunities that could influence its future.
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## Bitcoin’s Greatest Achievement: Achieving $100,000
Bitcoin’s story began as an experiment by its enigmatic creator, **Satoshi Nakamoto**, who introduced it as a decentralized digital currency before vanishing from public life. Initially, Bitcoin found favor with a small community of cryptography and finance aficionados, including Hal Finney, who famously remarked:
> *”For Bitcoin to succeed and become secure, bitcoins must become vastly more expensive.”*
> — **Hal Finney**
For many years, Bitcoin faced challenges in achieving mainstream adoption as a payment option. However, its value continued to ascend, morphing from a common digital currency to **a decentralized variant of digital gold**, depending on computational power for its security.
The pivotal moment arrived in **May 2010**, when programmer **Laszlo Hanyecz** made history by purchasing two pizzas for **10,000 BTC**—a figure that would be worth billions of dollars today. This event is now celebrated annually as **Bitcoin Pizza Day**.
By 2024, Bitcoin had established considerable legitimacy. A significant driver of this was the **approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs**, which permitted investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without needing to handle cryptocurrency wallets directly. These ETFs, supported by financial heavyweights like **BlackRock and Fidelity**, attracted billions in investments, further solidifying Bitcoin’s position as a mainstream financial asset.
Presently, spot Bitcoin ETFs hold around **1.13 million BTC**, valued at approximately **$100 billion**. Additionally, **MicroStrategy**, under Michael Saylor’s leadership, has accumulated close to **499,000 BTC**, worth about **$41 billion**. This institutional embrace has propelled Bitcoin’s extraordinary growth, making it one of the most triumphant financial assets ever.
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## What Is Bitcoin’s Current Status?
At the beginning of 2024, Bitcoin was flourishing. Following Trump’s inauguration, it peaked at **$108,000** on **January 20**. However, market sentiment shifted as Trump imposed new tariffs, causing declines in U.S. stock markets and a subsequent fall in Bitcoin’s value. Currently, Bitcoin is trading around **$82,000 per BTC**.
Despite this retracement, Bitcoin has garnered substantial backing from the U.S. government. In **March 2024**, Trump unveiled the **Strategic Bitcoin Reserve**, which prohibits the U.S. from selling its Bitcoin assets while looking for opportunities to acquire more.
Historically, Bitcoin has endured sharp price corrections—even amidst bullish trends. While some interpret the recent drop as a warning sign, others regard it as a natural aspect of Bitcoin’s long-term expansion.
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## Is Bitcoin a Valid Investment?
Every investment entails some degree of risk. Traditional assets such as stocks, real estate, and commodities can be susceptible to fraud, economic crises, or unexpected calamities. Bitcoin is not immune—it has contended with security incidents, regulatory hurdles, and price fluctuations.
Nonetheless, Bitcoin has gained considerable recognition. It is now held by significant investment funds, embraced by nations like **El Salvador**, and acquired by companies such as **MicroStrategy**. The establishment of the **U.S. Bitcoin Reserve** further solidifies its status as a recognized financial asset.
> **Joshua de Vos**, Research Lead at CCData, underscores