Bitcoin’s Strong Comeback: Heading Toward $100,000 Mark?

The logo of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Bitcoin with the words “Approval of Exchange-Traded Funds” (Reuters)
The logo of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Bitcoin with the words “Approval of Exchange-Traded Funds” (Reuters)
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Bitcoin’s Strong Comeback: Heading Toward $100,000 Mark?

The logo of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Bitcoin with the words “Approval of Exchange-Traded Funds” (Reuters)
The logo of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Bitcoin with the words “Approval of Exchange-Traded Funds” (Reuters)

Bitcoin, the top cryptocurrency, has bounced back strongly, recovering all losses since the crypto market downturn in May 2022. Today, it’s steadily nearing its record high of $64,000, last seen in November 2021.

With investors rushing into cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Bitcoin's price is rising rapidly, bringing it back to early 2021 levels.

The value of Bitcoin, the biggest cryptocurrency by market cap, jumped 3.4% to $62,205 after briefly touching $63,933 overnight Thursday, its highest level since late 2021.

This rise shows renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market, helped by ETFs making crypto trading easier for investors.

US market sentiment towards Bitcoin is shifting positively, with big investors continuing to buy Bitcoin. This suggests long-term optimism and makes Bitcoin more appealing to investors looking for steady gains.

This surge is a big moment for Bitcoin and could lead to more growth in the future. It also shows Bitcoin is gaining acceptance as an investment.

Bitcoin holders expect the price to keep rising, possibly exceeding $69,000.

As Bitcoin hits new highs, 2024 is predicted to be its big year, with expectations reaching $100,000.

Bitcoin surged notably after approval was granted for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on immediate Bitcoin.

Optimism grew when the US Securities and Exchange Commission greenlit 11 of these funds in mid-January, allowing institutional investors to join the Bitcoin market, leading to increased demand and significant price rises.

These funds allow institutional investors to trade Bitcoin at its current price. Previously, Bitcoin ETFs were limited to trading futures contracts, complex financial tools suitable only for experienced investors.

After the approval of the first Bitcoin ETFs for immediate trading in the US, the world’s oldest cryptocurrency skyrocketed. It surged over 42% since the year began, jumping from under $50,000 at approval time to over $60,000 today.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.