Bitcoin’s price skyrocketed to crazy new highs in 2024, leaving the financial world pretty stunned. It hit $108,000, which is a massive 124% jump for the year. That kind of climb pushed Bitcoin up to become the 7th biggest asset in the world by market value. It’s now sitting ahead of heavyweights like silver and Saudi Aramco, showing that digital assets are getting way more respect in traditional finance.

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Bitcoin ETFs Bring Big Money To The Table

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have played a huge role in Bitcoin’s big rise this year. These ETFs have made it much easier for big institutional investors to put their money into Bitcoin. They’re basically a bridge between the old-school finance world and the crypto scene.

This has given Bitcoin a boost in credibility. It is no longer just a speculative gamble but something taken seriously. Trading activity has increased, and adoption is also rising. The record inflows into these ETFs prove that more people are now seeing Bitcoin as a real asset worth investing in.

Source: Binance Research

Since these ETFs have done so well, people’s perception of Bitcoin has also changed. It is no longer an investment just for speculation. Buyers who want to make money in the long term use it as a mainstay of their portfolios. Analysts say that Bitcoin’s recent rise in popularity among organizations could set the stage for long-term growth, as long as market conditions stay positive.

The Quiet Revolution: Stablecoins & AI

Even though Bitcoin got the most attention, the cryptocurrency business as a whole made a lot of progress in other areas as well. For DeFi to work, stablecoins like USDe from Ethena are necessary. In a market that is always changing, they give customers a stable choice. Cryptocurrencies have value beyond speculation, as shown by how quickly they became famous.

Artificial intelligence has also had a major impact on the sector. AI-powered solutions have altered how merchants and platforms operate, improving trade tactics and risk management.

The industry reports various instances of innovation and efficiency facilitated by AI. The crypto space has become more accessible to retail and institutional participants because of this.

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Opportunities And Risks In A Volatile Market

This year has been a good one for the bitcoin market, yet still very unpredictable. While this great rise in the value of Bitcoin shows just how useful it could be, it also warns how risky it could be.

Analysts say that the market is naturally volatile, and corrections are bound to be made. Therefore, trading in this fluctuating domain would require an open mind and up-to-date knowledge.

Featured image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView