- Bitcoin soared to record highs in 2024, driven by ETFs, political shifts, and macro factors.
- A tumultuous year saw Bitcoin thrive despite FTX fallout and regulatory hurdles.
- As Bitcoin heads into 2025, its resilience amid uncertainty sets the stage for more surprises.
- Kick off the new year with a portfolio built for volatility and undervalued gems - subscribe now during our New Year’s Sale and get up to 50% off on InvestingPro!
2024 was a defining year for Bitcoin, with the cryptocurrency soaring to new heights despite its fair share of turbulence. From groundbreaking regulatory moves to market-shifting political developments, Bitcoin's journey has been anything but predictable. Let's break down the key catalysts that have fueled its rise this year—and what they could mean for the future as we head into 2025.
The year started with a bang when Bitcoin gained positive momentum thanks to the long-awaited approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US. After months of anticipation, the US Securities and Exchange Commission greenlit 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 11, including major players like BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) and Fidelity. This was a game-changer. Bitcoin’s price surged as these ETFs not only provided institutional access to Bitcoin but also drew in billions in net inflows, helping the cryptocurrency hit new records. By March, Bitcoin had hit a peak of $73,720, with BlackRock’s spot ETF raising $57 billion, driving much of the price action.
1. FTX Fallout and the Legal Reckoning
Despite Bitcoin's bullish start, 2024 also saw its fair share of setbacks. The most significant was the March sentencing of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who was handed a 25-year prison sentence and a $11 billion fine for one of the largest financial frauds in US history. While the market had already weathered the storm of FTX’s collapse, the legal fallout had a lingering effect, contributing to Bitcoin's mid-year consolidation phase.
2. Bitcoin’s Halving—Positive But Delayed Impact
The year’s most anticipated event for Bitcoin enthusiasts was the 4th Bitcoin halving in April, which reduced miners' rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC per block. The halving usually signals bullish trends, with expectations that a reduced supply will push prices higher. But despite the launch of spot ETFs fueling demand, Bitcoin’s price didn’t skyrocket immediately. In fact, miners—facing reduced rewards—sold off large amounts of Bitcoin, creating downward pressure that led to a sideways market throughout the summer.
Yet, the ETFs played their part, helping to stabilize the price, even though trading volumes remained inconsistent. Global macroeconomic factors, particularly Fed policy, also played a role in Bitcoin’s fluctuating fortunes.
3. The Fed’s Rate Cut and the Trump Effect
Bitcoin’s recovery began in Q3 2024, spurred by the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates. However, it was the political drama of the US presidential election that really drove Bitcoin into overdrive. As former President Donald Trump made pro-crypto promises during his campaign—vowing to create a Bitcoin reserve and push for crypto-friendly policies—Bitcoin’s price shot up, reaching an all-time high of $99,547 in November. Trump’s victory in the election was a strong catalyst, sending Bitcoin soaring to $108,353 in December, marking its best performance of the year.
4. Mt. Gox Payments and Other Macro) Headwinds
However, the year wasn’t without its hurdles. In July, the Mt. Gox bankruptcy trustee began transferring Bitcoin to creditors, sparking concerns of market sell-offs. These large transfers, combined with US and German government attempts to liquidate Bitcoin holdings, caused Bitcoin’s price to dip below $50,000 in the summer. Despite these challenges, Bitcoin’s record-breaking performance in the latter part of 2024 was undeniable.
5. MicroStrategy’s Continued Support
One notable constant throughout the year has been MicroStrategy’s unwavering commitment to Bitcoin. The company made significant purchases in November, buying $5.4 billion worth of Bitcoin as its price hovered around $97,000. With over 444,000 BTC in its coffers, MicroStrategy has emerged as one of the biggest institutional Bitcoin holders. Founder Michael Saylor’s message has remained clear: the company will continue to accumulate Bitcoin, adding long-term support to the market.
Conclusion: A Year of Surprises, A Future of Possibilities
As we look back, 2024 stands as a landmark year for Bitcoin. The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the halving, and the Trump rally fueled a massive 128% increase in Bitcoin’s value, far outpacing other investment assets. But the year wasn’t without its obstacles, from FTX’s legal aftermath to macroeconomic pressures and government interventions.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bitcoin’s future remains bright, but unpredictable. Macroeconomic data, Fed policies, and geopolitical events will continue to shape its trajectory. Yet, as 2024 has shown, Bitcoin’s resilience and ability to thrive amidst uncertainty will likely keep it at the forefront of the financial landscape. Stay tuned—2025 could bring even more twists to this digital asset’s incredible journey.
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Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only. It is not intended to encourage the purchase of assets in any way, nor does it constitute a solicitation, offer, recommendation or suggestion to invest. I would like to remind you that all assets are evaluated from multiple perspectives and are highly risky, so any investment decision and the associated risk belongs to the investor. We also do not provide any investment advisory services.