### Bitcoin's Remarkable Surge

Bitcoin has recently **surged** to an all-time high of over **$99,500**, stabilizing around **$95,081**. This **remarkable growth** can be attributed to several key factors:

- **Increased Institutional Adoption**: More institutions are embracing Bitcoin, signaling a shift in market dynamics.
- **Favorable Regulatory Developments**: The **nomination of Scott Bessent** as Treasury Secretary has created a more supportive environment for cryptocurrencies.

### Insightful Discussions

In a recent video discussion, Stockhouse representatives **Michael Succurro** and **Adam O’Brien**, Founder and CEO of **Bitcoin Well**, delve into the factors propelling this surge. They provide valuable insights into the current crypto landscape, discussing the implications of these developments on the market.

Stay tuned for more updates and discussions about the crypto market by visiting **Stockhouse.com**. For those interested in further engaging with the community, check out the **Bullboard investor discussion forums** to join the conversation on REITs and other investment topics.

Is the surge of crypto going to continue? Lyndsay Malchuk, Michael Succurro, and Adam O&#39;Brien chat about the why, what, and who behind it.

Unpacking the Crypto Surge: What's Driving Bitcoin's Record Highs?

### The Bitcoin Surge
All eyes are on **Bitcoin** (CRYPTO: BTC) as it recently broke the **$100,000** mark. Some investors feel it's too late to invest, but **Cathie Wood**, a renowned growth investor, believes the best is yet to come.

### The Crypto ETF Opportunity
Wood highlights a **crypto ETF** that she believes holds **over 1,500% potential upside** in the coming years. While directly buying Bitcoin is often seen as the best route for exposure, many investors may find it challenging. To simplify this, several ETFs have been launched to track Bitcoin's price performance. These ETFs typically hold Bitcoin, making it easier for investors to gain exposure without purchasing the cryptocurrency directly.

### The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF
The **iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF** (NASDAQ: IBIT) stands out as the largest Bitcoin ETF, boasting over **$48 billion** in total assets. Launched in early 2024, it has already appreciated by about **115%**. With an expense ratio of **0.12%**, it is relatively low compared to other ETFs, offering a simplified tax process compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership.

### Cathie Wood's Bold Prediction
Despite the rising prices, Wood asserts it’s not too late to invest in Bitcoin. She predicts Bitcoin could hit **$650,000** by **2030**, and under favorable conditions, it could soar to **$1.5 million**, indicating at least **1,500%** additional upside potential.

### The Bullish Outlook
Wood's optimism stems from the increasing regulatory clarity that drives institutional adoption of Bitcoin. As its price rises, more investors are becoming aware of Bitcoin's **diversification benefits**. She believes we are still in the early stages of Bitcoin's global adoption cycle.

### Institutional Investment as a Catalyst
Institutional investments are seen as a significant tailwind for Bitcoin's value. Moreover, Wood suggests that Bitcoin's future value could ultimately be gauged against the **market cap of gold**, further emphasizing its potential as a store of value.

In fact, one crypto ETF tracks an investment of hers that Wood believes has more than 1,500% in potential upside over the next few years.  When it comes to Bitcoin ETFs, the giant in the room is the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ: IBIT).  The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF does charge an expense ratio of 0.12%, but that's fairly low for ETFs in general.

Cathie Wood Predicts Bitcoin ETF Could Surge 1,500%: Here's Why You Should Pay Attention!

Not long after buying and publicly consuming a **$6.2m banana** as part of an artworld stunt, Chinese crypto entrepreneur **Justin Sun** made another eye-catching purchase, investing **$30m** into a cryptocurrency firm called **World Liberty Financial**. This company had struggled since its October launch, but it offered a potentially enticing feature: the chance to do business with a firm promoted by none other than **Donald Trump**.

Mr. Sun's investment allowed the president-elect to begin profiting from the venture, positioning Trump and his family to collect roughly **$20m** and potentially much more. However, Mr. Sun, currently facing fraud charges in the US, did not clarify his interest in the tokens, which cannot be traded. This situation raised alarm among **government ethics experts**, who view it as a sign that Trump's expanding business ventures facilitate monetary influence on US policy.

> "The conflicts have grown substantially with the scope of his business empire," said **Richard Painter**, a former White House chief ethics lawyer.

In response to concerns, Trump's team stated that during his first term, he distanced himself from his multi-billion-dollar real estate empire and forewent his government salary. They emphasized that Trump is passionate about serving the American people rather than pursuing profit.

### New Opportunities

Trump has previously faced questions about **conflicts of interest**. His **Trump International Hotel** in Washington, DC, became a hub for lobbyists and foreign diplomats, raising accusations of profiting indirectly from his office.

Experts argue that the growth of Trump's business empire, now including a publicly traded social media company and ties to a golf league backed by Saudi Arabia, allows for more discreet financial influence. **Michael Ohlrogge**, a law professor, noted that the scale and ease of moving money have increased significantly.

### His Pro-Crypto Stance

Trump's involvement in the **crypto industry** is particularly notable. He has expressed intentions for regulatory rollbacks and even a **national Bitcoin reserve**. With his active role in the crypto market, his financial interests could be directly affected by how the industry is regulated.

**Nik Bhatia**, founder of Bitcoin Layer, suggested that while Trump's pro-crypto stance may reflect the electorate's interests, it also poses potential conflicts of interest benefiting his company.

This week, Trump announced plans to nominate **Paul Atkins**, a crypto lobbyist, to lead the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**, which could lead to a reduction in enforcement actions against firms like Trump Media, further complicating the ethical landscape.

### Fewer Guardrails

US law imposes few limits on conflicts of interest for presidents. While the Constitution bars presidents from accepting gifts from foreign governments, previous lawsuits against Trump regarding conflicts of interest have been dismissed. As Trump prepares for a potential second term, he has yet to outline an ethics plan and continues to profit from his business ventures.

Ethics experts express concern that Trump's approach might set a precedent for future presidents, suggesting that he has demonstrated that significant ethical boundaries can be disregarded.

Trump's expanding business ventures have made it easier than ever for those hoping to influence US policy to steer money his way.

Is Trump's Crypto Empire a Conflict of Interest? Experts Weigh In

### Bitcoin Mining Meets Renewable Energy

In a remarkable move, a **Bitcoin miner** has acquired a **112-megawatt wind farm** in Texas to power its mining operations. This strategic decision not only highlights the growing intersection between **cryptocurrency** and **renewable energy** but also underscores the increasing importance of sustainability in the mining sector.

### Why Texas?

Texas has emerged as a **hub for cryptocurrency mining**, thanks to its **abundant energy resources** and favorable regulatory environment. The state's wind energy potential is among the highest in the United States, making it an ideal location for miners seeking to reduce costs and environmental impact.

### Benefits of Renewable Energy for Mining

Utilizing renewable energy sources like wind power offers several advantages for Bitcoin miners:
- **Cost Efficiency**: Wind energy can significantly lower electricity costs, which are one of the largest expenses in mining operations.
- **Sustainability**: By relying on renewable resources, miners can enhance their environmental credentials and appeal to eco-conscious investors.
- **Energy Independence**: Owning a wind farm allows miners to stabilize their energy supply and mitigate risks associated with fluctuating energy prices.

### The Future of Bitcoin Mining

As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, the integration of renewable energy sources is likely to become more prevalent. This acquisition could serve as a blueprint for other miners looking to embrace **sustainable practices** while maintaining profitability. The move aligns with global trends towards **greener energy solutions**, positioning Bitcoin mining as a more responsible industry.

![Texas Wind Farm](https://www.chron.com/img/logos/black/logo.svg)

Texas Wind Farm Powers Bitcoin Mining: A Game Changer for Renewable Energy

## Cryptocurrency Prices Surge in 2024

The prices of **cryptocurrencies** have soared in **2024**, hitting remarkable gains and reaching new all-time highs shortly after the **2024 presidential election**.

## XRP Token's Performance

Among the most notable performers is the **XRP Token** from **Ripple**, which has seen an impressive **279%** increase year-to-date. It has recently achieved new one-month and one-year highs, raising speculation on whether it can continue its upward trajectory and challenge its all-time highs from **2018**.

With **XRP ETFs** filed and the potential for a more crypto-friendly administration, the sentiment around XRP remains bullish. Benzinga recently conducted a poll to gauge opinions on whether XRP will outperform other major cryptocurrencies in **2025**.

## Poll Results: XRP vs. Other Cryptos

Benzinga asked readers: **"Do you think any of these cryptos will outperform XRP in 2025?"** Here’s how respondents voted:
- **Bitcoin (BTC)**: **28%**
- **Solana (SOL)**: **15%**
- **Dogecoin (DOGE)**: **13%**
- **Ethereum (ETH)**: **10%**
- **Shiba Inu (SHIB)**: **10%**
- **Hedera (HBAR)**: **1%**
- **None of the Above**: **24%**

**Bitcoin** topped the poll with **28%**, followed by the **None of the Above** option, where **24%** believe XRP will be the top performer.

## Current Prices and Performance

Here are the current prices and year-to-date returns for the cryptocurrencies in question:
- **Bitcoin**: $99,758.18, **+125.7%**
- **Solana**: $239.25, **+129.7%**
- **Dogecoin**: $0.4369, **+375.1%**
- **Ethereum**: $4,039.69, **+71.3%**
- **Shiba Inu**: $0.00003095, **+198.0%**
- **Hedera**: $0.2932, **+238.4%**
- **XRP**: $2.39, **+279.1%**

Among these, **Dogecoin** has shown the best performance, followed closely by **XRP** and **Hedera**. Notably, only **Bitcoin** and **Solana** have reached new all-time highs recently.

## All-Time Highs Comparison

Here’s a look at the all-time highs for the cryptocurrencies:
- **XRP**: $3.84 (May 2018)
- **Dogecoin**: $0.7376 (May 2021)
- **Ethereum**: $4,891.70 (November 2021)
- **Shiba Inu**: $0.00008845 (October 2021)
- **Hedera**: $0.5701 (September 2021)

## Market Sentiment

As we approach **2025**, it will be intriguing to observe which cryptocurrencies will achieve new highs and become the top performers. A recent Benzinga poll indicated that **41%** of readers are not interested in buying XRP, while **28%** feel they missed the opportunity to invest in it. 

With the new year around the corner, the crypto landscape remains dynamic and full of potential.

The prices of cryptocurrencies have soared in 2024, specifically hitting huge gains and some hitting new all-time highs shortly after the 2024 presidential election.

Will XRP Maintain Its Lead in 2025? Insights from the Latest Cryptocurrency Poll

### Bitcoin: The New 'Digital Gold'

The latest **US Treasury report** has dubbed **Bitcoin** as **"digital gold"**, recognizing its role as a **store of value**, similar to how gold is utilized to hedge against **inflation** and **financial crises**. ![US Treasury calls Bitcoin as “Digital Gold”](https://www.cryptotimes.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/US-Treasury-calls-Bitcoin-as-Digital-Gold-633x484.png)

According to the [official report](https://208.87.240.67/system/files/221/CombinedChargesforArchivesQ42024.pdf?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9ob21lLnRyZWFzdXJ5Lmdvdg), **digital assets** like Bitcoin, **Ethereum**, and **stablecoins** are rapidly gaining attention, although they still represent a small fraction of the overall market compared to traditional assets such as **U.S. government bonds**.

The report highlights that the majority of individuals and businesses are primarily using **digital currencies** for **investment purposes**, anticipating future value increases. Consequently, cryptocurrencies are not poised to replace established financial instruments like U.S. Treasury Bonds, which continue to see robust demand.

### Bitcoin's Role in the Financial System

Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a **primary alternative** for wealth storage akin to gold. However, a significant portion of its market growth is driven by **speculation** on its price.

The digital asset market remains in its **infancy**, and there are ongoing initiatives to leverage **blockchain technology** and **distributed ledger technology (DLT)** to enhance financial processes, making transactions faster and more efficient.

In summary, while Bitcoin is gaining traction as an investment option, its role within the broader financial ecosystem is still evolving.

A U.S. Treasury report calls Bitcoin "digital gold" recognizing its value as a store of wealth and exploring blockchain's potential to enhance financial systems

US Treasury Declares Bitcoin as 'Digital Gold': What This Means for Investors

Silicon Valley poured more than **$394.1 million** into the US presidential election this year, according to a Guardian analysis, with **Elon Musk** contributing a staggering **$243 million** to **Donald Trump**’s campaign. This analysis highlights the **growing influence of the tech industry** in US elections, particularly as advocates of **cryptocurrency** mobilize to prevent regulation.

### Major Donors from the Tech World
The donations came from major tech players like **Google**, **WhatsApp**, **LinkedIn**, and **Netflix**. Here are some notable contributions:
- **$242.6 million** from **Elon Musk** (Tesla, SpaceX, X)
- **$5.5 million** from **Marc Andreessen** (Andreessen Horowitz)
- **$5.1 million** from **Jan Koum** (WhatsApp founder)

In contrast, **Kamala Harris** received a total of **$120.9 million**, with significant donations including:
- **$51.1 million** from **Dustin Moskovitz** (Facebook co-founder)
- **$17 million** from **Reid Hoffman** (LinkedIn co-founder)
- **$11.7 million** from **Chris Larsen** (Ripple chair)

### The Mechanics of Political Donations
The FEC filings provide a glimpse of the millions tech is pouring into Washington. The **Citizens United v FEC** ruling made it easier for wealthy individuals and corporations to contribute to campaigns, leading to the rise of **Super PACs** that can spend unlimited amounts on political advertising.

### Ideological Shifts in Silicon Valley
The trend of tech billionaires supporting Trump, despite years of criticism, reflects a significant **ideological shift** within Silicon Valley. Industries like **crypto** and **AI** are increasingly engaging in politics to stave off regulation. Notably, Trump's recent nomination of **Paul Atkins**, a crypto-friendly CEO, as head of the **Securities and Exchange Commission** indicates a warming relationship with the industry.

### Cryptocurrency's Political Impact
The **crypto lobby** is rapidly becoming a significant political force, outspending traditional industries. Their influence was evident in congressional elections, where they spent **$40 million** against incumbent Democrats. Even Trump, who once called crypto a **“scam,”** has embraced the industry, launching his own cryptocurrency and accepting donations in **Bitcoin**.

### Conclusion: The Future of Tech and Politics
With tech giants and billionaires playing both sides, the political landscape is evolving. The analysis also hints at the **dark money** influencing elections, as seen with donations from figures like **Bill Gates**, who contributed **$50 million** through non-profit channels, obscuring the transparency of political donations.

For a deeper dive into the **methodology** behind these findings, see the detailed explanation provided in the article.

FEC filings offer only a glimpse of the money tech is pouring into Washington as it seeks to influence government

The $394 Million Tech Influence: How Silicon Valley's Billionaires are Shaping US Politics

After **surpassing the $100,000 milestone**, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced its **largest retrace** in the past month before bouncing back. Analysts are closely monitoring key levels that could dictate the next phase of BTC’s rally.

### Bitcoin Rally To Continue Above $100,000
On Thursday, Bitcoin hit its latest **all-time high (ATH)** of **$103,600**, marking an **8% daily increase**. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization broke out of a one-month **bullish pennant**, crossing the $100,000 barrier for the first time in history.

Following this impressive surge, BTC retraced to the **$98,000 mark** and briefly dipped to the **$90,000 support zone**, representing a **13% correction**. This marked the largest drop since the post-election rally began a month ago, resulting in around **$1 billion in liquidations**.

However, Bitcoin quickly regained the **$97,000-$98,000 price range**, followed by a retest of the previous ATH around **$99,000** on Friday morning. Renowned crypto analyst **Ali Martinez** indicated that BTC’s rally seems dependent on a critical support level.

Martinez identified the most significant support zone for Bitcoin at **$96,870**, where over **1.45 million addresses** bought **1.42 million BTC**. He stated, “As long as this demand zone holds, there is a good probability that BTC will continue marching higher.”

Additionally, he highlighted that the local Bitcoin top is not yet established, usually occurring around the **Short-Term Holder Cost Basis +1 standard deviation**, which stood at **$112,926** at the time of reporting. This suggests BTC could potentially rise another **13%** before facing its first major retrace.

### Will BTC Repeat Its 2017 Move?
Crypto analyst **Jelle** noted that Bitcoin is closely mirroring the **Q4 2023 fractal**, despite the recent dip. He believes that now that the flagship crypto has “taken out the liquidity on both sides,” it is poised to push back towards the **$100,000 milestone**.

Jelle predicts that BTC will range until **Christmas**, expecting a “true breakout” to occur if it continues following last year’s trajectory. He also mentioned that the recent **$100,000 candle** resembles BTC’s performance when it first surpassed the **$10,000 mark**.

In November 2017, Bitcoin rallied to **$10,000** for the first time, reaching the **$11,000 range** before dropping to **$8,500**. The following day, it recovered and retested the **$10,000 barrier**, turning it into support on the third day. Subsequently, Bitcoin surged around **90%** over the next few weeks, hitting the **$19,000** ATH of 2017.

Based on this historical context, Jelle suggests that the recent price volatility is “totally normal” and that a significant upward movement is imminent if history repeats itself. After recovering, BTC effectively retested the **bullish pennant**, setting the stage for a six-figure price “once and for all,” with targets set towards **$130,000**.

As of this writing, Bitcoin trades at **$101,050**, reflecting a **4.7% increase** over the weekly timeframe.

After surpassing its $100,000 milestone, Bitcoin (BTC) recorded its largest retrace in the past month before recovering. Amid the flagship crypto’s performance, some analysts have suggested the levels to watch and the next stops for BTC’s rally.Bitcoin Rally To Continue Above $100,000On Thursday, B…

Unpacking the Crypto Surge: What's Driving Bitcoin's Record Highs?

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Bitcoin's Remarkable Surge

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