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.



EU May Suspend Syria Sanctions on Energy and Transport

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the commercial harbor of Syria's coastal city of Tartous, Syria, December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of the commercial harbor of Syria's coastal city of Tartous, Syria, December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
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EU May Suspend Syria Sanctions on Energy and Transport

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the commercial harbor of Syria's coastal city of Tartous, Syria, December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view of the commercial harbor of Syria's coastal city of Tartous, Syria, December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo

The European Union may soon suspend sanctions on Syria related to energy and transport but has yet to agree on whether to ease restrictions on financial transactions, according to three diplomats and a document seen by Reuters.
EU foreign ministers will discuss the matter at a meeting in Brussels on Monday. The bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Reuters on Wednesday she hopes a political agreement on easing the sanctions can be reached at the gathering.
Europe’s approach to Damascus began to shift after Bashar al-Assad was ousted as president in December by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which the United Nations designates as a terrorist group.
Officials see transport as key for helping Syria’s airports become fully operational, which in turn could facilitate the return of refugees. Energy and electricity are similarly seen as important for improving living conditions to help stabilize the country and encourage citizens to come back.
According to an EU document seen by Reuters, diplomats from the bloc's 27 members recommended taking swift action towards suspending the restrictions "in sectors necessary for economic stabilization and launch of economic reconstruction of Syria, such as those regarding energy and transport”.
The diplomats, who are part of a group that negotiates the EU’s foreign policy positions on issues related to the Middle East and North Africa, also recommended “assessing options for reopening banking and investment relations with Syria”.
“The easing of EU restrictive measures would be rolled out in a staged approach and in a reversible manner, regularly assessing if the conditions in Syria allow for further suspension,” the diplomats wrote, pointing to the need for respect for fundamental freedoms and an inclusive transition.
The wording of the document represents a compromise among EU capitals. Some governments want to move quickly to suspend sanctions, while others prefer a more careful and gradual approach to ensure Europe retains leverage.
If a political agreement is announced on Monday, European officials would proceed to work on the technical details of a suspension.
A number of sanctions should remain in place, according to the document, including measures related to the Al-Assad regime, illicit drug trade and arms trade.