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Bitcoin's surge beyond $66,000 coincides with inflation worries, attracting institutional investors. Bakkt notes rising demand for crypto custody, while CME Group's entry expands Wall Street's access to the market.
Bitcoin stole the show this week, breaching the $66,000 mark. This surge comes amidst news on the US inflation front, with figures showing a slowdown compared to previous months. Some analysts are suggesting this could be fuelling Bitcoin’s appeal as a potential hedge against inflation.
Bitcoin’s limited supply and decentralized nature have long positioned it as a potential inflation hedge to some people. When traditional currencies lose purchasing power due to inflation, some investors may turn to assets with a capped supply, like Bitcoin, to preserve value.
The recent price increase has triggered a wave of excitement, with some analysts predicting a “summer of easing” for Bitcoin. However, others urge caution, highlighting Bitcoin’s inherent volatility.
Within the wider market surge is a predicted rise of institutional participation. Bakkt, a digital asset custody platform catering to institutions, recently released a report highlighting a coming wave of institutional investors entering the crypto trading space.
This surge in institutional interest could be attributed to several factors, according to their report:
- Maturing Market: The crypto market has evolved significantly in recent years, with more established regulations and infrastructure, potentially making it more attractive to institutional investors.-
- Potential for Higher Returns: Bitcoin’s impressive rally and the overall growth of the crypto market may have captured the attention of institutions.
- Evolving Investment Strategies: Traditional asset managers are increasingly recognizing the potential of crypto assets and are developing strategies to incorporate them into their portfolios.
Bakkt’s prediction is backed by their own observations. They’re claiming to have witnessed a growing demand from institutions for their custody services, indicating a rising appetite for secure crypto asset management solutions.
CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, is set to launch Bitcoin trading. They claim this move caters to the rising demand from Wall Street seeking exposure to crypto.
The impact of CME Group’s launch is yet to be fully realized, but it could continue to open the door for a wider range of institutional investors to participate, potentially fuelling mainstream adoption and long-term growth.
As of this bulletin at 11:25 BST on 16th May 2024, Bitcoin is trading at $66,342, up +4.5% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum is currently at $4,821, up +2.2% in the last 24 hours. Notable movers in the wider alts market include: Solana +12.6% and Cadano +4.78%, in the last 24 hours.
Source: blockchain.com