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Bitcoin Slides Below $100,000: Powell's Rejection and Market Uncertainties

Wesley ParkFriday, Dec 20, 2024 6:36 pm ET
5min read


Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, has experienced a significant price drop, falling below the $100,000 mark. This recent decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including regulatory uncertainties, profit-taking by new investors, and outflows from Bitcoin ETFs. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's rejection of Bitcoin as a reserve currency has also contributed to the cryptocurrency's price volatility.

Regulatory uncertainties have played a significant role in Bitcoin's price fluctuations. Powell's comments, along with profit-taking by new investors and outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, have contributed to the cryptocurrency's price volatility. Despite these challenges, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term potential, citing its attractiveness as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty.

Institutional investors have significantly influenced Bitcoin's recent price fluctuations. Companies like MicroStrategy, Marathon Digital, and Semler Scientific have been purchasing Bitcoin, potentially propping up prices in the near term. Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs, which hold Bitcoin and need to purchase it as more investors pour money into these products, have seen large inflows since Election Day. However, Monday saw the third-largest day of outflows from Bitcoin ETFs on record, with $435.3 million exiting the category. This selling pressure, combined with profit-taking by relatively new investors who bought above $56,000, contributed to Bitcoin's slide below $100,000.

Geopolitical events and macroeconomic factors have also contributed to Bitcoin's price drop. Profit-taking by relatively new investors, who bought in above $56,000, has contributed to the sell-off. Additionally, strong outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, totaling $435.3 million on Monday, indicate investor uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, such as those surrounding the U.S. election and regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies, have also played a role in the price volatility. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve's rejection of Bitcoin as a reserve currency and the potential impact of rising interest rates on tech stocks may have influenced investor sentiment towards cryptocurrencies.

Powell's rejection of Bitcoin as a reserve currency may dampen institutional investors' confidence, as it signals a lack of official endorsement. However, Bitcoin's recent slide below $100,000 is primarily due to profit-taking by new investors and outflows from Bitcoin ETFs. Despite Powell's stance, companies continue to purchase Bitcoin, which could prop up prices in the near term.

Powell's rejection underscores the cryptocurrency's current limitations in global financial systems. Bitcoin's volatility and lack of regulatory clarity make it unsuitable for central bank reserves, as highlighted by Powell. However, this doesn't negate Bitcoin's potential as a store of value or a hedge against inflation. As more companies adopt Bitcoin, its integration into the financial system may evolve, but it's unlikely to replace traditional currencies in the near term.

Powell's comments may exacerbate Bitcoin's volatility in the short term. As the Fed Chair dismissed Bitcoin as a reserve currency, investors may perceive it as a negative signal, leading to increased selling pressure. This could result in a temporary decline in Bitcoin's price, as seen in the recent dip below $100,000. However, Bitcoin's long-term prospects remain intact, with its store of value thesis and hedge against global volatility still attractive to investors.




In conclusion, Bitcoin's recent slide below $100,000 can be attributed to a combination of factors, including regulatory uncertainties, profit-taking by new investors, and outflows from Bitcoin ETFs. Powell's rejection of Bitcoin as a reserve currency has contributed to the cryptocurrency's price volatility. Despite these challenges, Bitcoin's long-term potential as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty remains attractive to investors. As the cryptocurrency continues to evolve and gain wider acceptance, its role in global financial systems may expand, but it's unlikely to replace traditional currencies in the near term.
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