In the world of cryptocurrencies, there’s some pretty exciting news. Bitcoin, the old veteran of the crypto game, is making a significant comeback. It reached a 17-month high, hitting $34,872 on October 23, 2023. Quite a turnaround, considering the rollercoaster year it’s had.
Let’s dive into what’s fueling this surge. The buzz is all about the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) potentially giving the green light to Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds directly linked to Bitcoin).
Also read: Cryptocurrency: Investing Guide for Beginners
Bitcoin’s Impressive Recovery
To understand the magnitude of this comeback, we need to rewind to October 2022 when Bitcoin was trading at $19,571.20. Since then, it’s been on a rollercoaster ride, bouncing back from the chaos that ensued after the Terra stablecoin’s dramatic fall in May. That event sent shockwaves through the crypto landscape, shaking the confidence of major players like Celsius and FTX exchange.
Image Source: Blockchain.com
What’s Behind Bitcoin’s Rally?
So, why is Bitcoin making this impressive comeback? It’s all about growing optimism that the SEC might change its stance on Bitcoin-linked spot ETFs. Wall Street giants like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton are stepping into the ring, teaming up with industry leaders like VanEck and WisdomTree to submit their ETF applications to the SEC. If the SEC gives the green light, it’s like Bitcoin getting a gold star as a legitimate asset class.
Why Bitcoin ETFs Matter?
The reason people are so excited about Bitcoin ETFs is that they offer a secure and cost-effective way for both institutional investors and regular folks to get in on Bitcoin. No more dealing with sketchy, unregulated crypto exchanges. With Bitcoin ETFs, it’s all regulated and supervised, making it simpler for everyone to participate in the crypto market.
Changing Regulatory Landscape
The SEC has been cautious when it comes to crypto, but things are changing. A recent court ruling challenged the SEC’s refusal to let Grayscale turn its Bitcoin Trust into an ETF. This is putting some serious pressure on the SEC to rethink its stance.
The Dark Side of Crypto: Watch Out for Shady Practices
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part of the crypto world: market manipulation. It’s a real thing and comes in various forms. It’s a reminder that while crypto has its upsides, it’s not without its pitfalls;
1. Pump and Dump Schemes:
How It Works in Crypto: In the cryptocurrency world, pump-and-dump schemes typically involve a coordinated effort to artificially inflate the price of a digital asset. This is often done through the spreading of positive news and rumors on social media, chat groups, and forums. Traders and investors are enticed to buy into the hype, believing the cryptocurrency is on the verge of a major price surge. However, the scheme’s orchestrators have no intention of holding the asset long-term. Once the price reaches a certain level, they sell off their holdings, causing the price to plummet, and those who bought in late are left with losses.
2. Whale Wall Spoofing and Stop Hunting:
How It Works in Crypto: Cryptocurrency exchanges typically display order books that show buy and sell orders for a given asset. Some traders with substantial holdings, known as “whales,” create artificial walls on these order books to influence market sentiment. For instance, they may place a massive sell order, creating the illusion that there’s significant selling pressure and leading other traders to panic and sell. Alternatively, they might place a large buy order, encouraging traders to buy, thinking the price is about to surge. In stop-hunting, whales trigger stop-loss orders by driving the price to specific levels where these orders are placed, leading to market volatility that can be exploited.
3. Wash Trading:
How It Works in Crypto: Wash trading is the practice of executing buy and sell orders for the same cryptocurrency without any actual change in ownership. This creates the illusion of substantial trading activity, as trading volumes appear high. Smaller exchanges might engage in wash trading to attract users and increase trading fees. While not affecting the overall supply or demand for an asset, wash trading can distort the perception of an asset’s popularity and liquidity.
4. Disseminating False Information:
How It Works in Crypto: False information can be easily disseminated through social media, chat groups, and online forums. In the crypto world, false information can include fake news about partnerships, regulatory changes, or major endorsements by influential figures. Those spreading this misinformation aim to manipulate market sentiment and provoke price changes that favor their positions.
What’s in Store for Bitcoin’s Price?
The crypto community is keeping a close eye on Bitcoin ETF developments. Just the news of BlackRock’s proposed Bitcoin ETF listing had a significant impact, showing the power of institutional interest. Even rumors of an unnamed investor considering ETF shares have people thinking we might see a price surge soon.
Also read: 8 Ways Blockchain Technology can Transform Banking in the Future
Conclusion
As the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin holds significant influence in the crypto world. Its recent resurgence, along with the hope of SEC approval for Bitcoin ETFs, could be a game-changer for crypto investments. We might be on the verge of a future where everyone, from big investors to regular folks, can get in on Bitcoin through regulated investment options. These developments could reshape the financial world and make cryptocurrency more mainstream. It’s an exciting time in the crypto universe!
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