{[{item.pair.split("_")[0]}]}

${[{item.price.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 4})}]}

{[{item.change24}]}% Vol {[{ item.volume.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]} USDT

+{[{item.change24}]}% Vol {[{ item.volume.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]} USDT

Interactivecrypto does not accept users from your country (Israel)

This Week in Bitcoin: BTC Surges as Pro-Crypto Policies Loom on the Horizon

Bitcoin price chart showing a sharp upward trajectory with golden coins and a futuristic background symbolizing technological innovation and financial growth.

January 18, 2025 | 

98 Views | 

Joan Marcelo | 

Get Into Cryptocurrency Trading Today

Bitcoin took investors on an exhilarating journey this week, plummeting below $90,000 before rebounding dramatically to surpass $105,000. This surge, coming just days before Donald Trump’s highly anticipated second inauguration as U.S. President, has set the stage for a potentially transformative era for cryptocurrencies. Let’s delve into the week’s most impactful developments, offering insights for both seasoned and new crypto enthusiasts.


A Tumultuous Start Turns into a Triumphant Finish

Bitcoin began the week under pressure, trading at a two-month low amid investor uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve policies. Concerns about potential interest rate hikes dominated early market sentiment, dampening trading activity. However, Wednesday brought a game-changing catalyst: inflation data revealed a 2.9% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months ending December. This signaled the possibility of a Federal Reserve rate cut—a move that historically favors Bitcoin’s performance.

As confidence returned, Bitcoin quickly breached $99,000, powered through the $100,000 mark, and climbed to an impressive $105,000. This rapid turnaround underscores Bitcoin’s resilience and its increasing correlation with macroeconomic trends.


ETF Investments Drive the Bitcoin Rally

Institutional interest played a pivotal role in Bitcoin’s resurgence. Early in the week, uncertainty led to significant outflows from Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with investors pulling hundreds of millions from the market. However, optimism returned mid-week, driven by the inflation data and rate cut speculation.

On Wednesday alone, ETFs saw inflows of $755 million, marking a major shift in sentiment. This momentum continued into Thursday, with $626 million pouring into the funds, culminating in Friday’s record-breaking inflows. These investments highlight the growing role of institutional investors in shaping Bitcoin’s price movements and market perception.


Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Reaches Record Highs

Amid the price surge, Bitcoin’s mining difficulty also set a new milestone, reaching 110.45 trillion. Mining difficulty reflects the computational power required to validate transactions and secure the network. Higher difficulty levels indicate increased competition among miners, a sign of a robust and secure blockchain.

This development is particularly significant as it demonstrates the network’s health and the continued commitment of miners, even as profitability fluctuates. For newcomers to Bitcoin, understanding mining difficulty is key to appreciating the intricate mechanics that sustain the cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature.


Bitfinex Hack Recovery Sparks Debate

The infamous 2016 Bitfinex hack resurfaced this week with the U.S. Department of Justice announcing plans to return nearly 90,000 recovered Bitcoin to the exchange. Worth over $12 billion today, these funds are at the center of a heated debate. Bitfinex claims it has already compensated users through a repayment program, but some customers argue that Bitcoin’s meteoric rise since the hack entitles them to a share of the windfall.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with centralized exchanges and the importance of securing digital assets. It also highlights the evolving role of law enforcement in addressing crypto-related crimes.


Regulatory Changes and Bitcoin’s Future

As the crypto world braces for a shift in U.S. regulatory leadership, outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler made headlines with his comments on Bitcoin. While maintaining his hardline stance on most cryptocurrencies, Gensler acknowledged Bitcoin as a potential commodity akin to gold. His remarks signal a possible shift in how Bitcoin is perceived and regulated, setting it apart from other digital assets.

The incoming administration, led by a pro-crypto president, has promised reforms aimed at fostering innovation in the blockchain space. Reports suggest that a crypto-focused executive order may be issued on the president’s first day in office, potentially creating a unified regulatory framework. This development is eagerly anticipated by industry stakeholders and could catalyze Bitcoin’s next growth phase.


Coinbase Revives Bitcoin-Backed Loans

In a move reflecting growing confidence in Bitcoin’s utility, Coinbase has reintroduced Bitcoin-backed loans. This service allows users to borrow up to $100,000 in USDC stablecoin, using their Bitcoin holdings as collateral. Powered by the Morpho lending protocol on Coinbase’s Base network, this initiative offers a new layer of financial flexibility for Bitcoin investors.

For those unfamiliar with Bitcoin-backed loans, the concept is straightforward: users can leverage their Bitcoin without selling it, maintaining their exposure to potential price appreciation. This feature makes it an attractive option for long-term holders seeking liquidity.


The Road Ahead for Bitcoin and Crypto

Bitcoin’s performance this week underscores its role as both a speculative asset and a hedge against traditional financial instability. With pro-crypto policies potentially on the horizon, the cryptocurrency is poised for an exciting future. However, challenges remain, including regulatory uncertainty and the inherent volatility of the market.

As the world watches the new administration’s approach to crypto, one thing is clear: Bitcoin is no longer on the fringes. It has firmly established itself as a major player in the financial ecosystem, drawing attention from institutional investors, regulators, and everyday traders alike.

Buy & Sell Cryptocurrency Instantly

Did you like this article?

NEWS

COMMENTS (0)

Manage your own Watchlist

Access all education lessons

Converse with other crypto enthusiasts

Be a part of the Interactive Crypto Community

LIVE RATES

ALL

Trending

Total Market Cap The Total Market Capitalization (Market Cap) is an indicator that measures the size of all the cryptocurrencies.It’s the total market value of all the cryptocurrencies' circulating supply: so it’s the total value of all the coins that have been mined.

{[{ marketcap }]} {[{ marketcapchange.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits:2}) }]}% (24H) {[{ marketcapchange.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits:2}) }]}% (24H)

Symbol

Price Cryptocurrency prices are volatile, and the prices change all the time. We are collecting all the data from several exchanges to provide the most accurate price available.

24H Cryptocurrency prices are volatile… The 24h % change is the difference between the current price and the price24 hours ago.

Trade

{[{ item.name }]}
   {[{ index + $index}]}     {[{ item.pair.split('_')[0] }]}

Ƀ{[{item.price.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 5}) }]} ${[{item.price.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 5}) }]}

{[{ item.change24.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]}%

{[{ item.change24.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]}%

TRADE

Showing {[{ showing }]}

Symbol

Price Cryptocurrency prices are volatile, and the prices change all the time. We are collecting allthe data fromseveral exchanges to provide the most accurate price available.

24H Cryptocurrency prices are volatile… The 24h % change is the difference between the current priceand the price24 hours ago.

Trade

{[{ item.name }]}
   {[{ index + $index}]}     {[{ item.pair.split('_')[0] }]}

Ƀ{[{item.price.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 5}) }]} ${[{item.price.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 5}) }]}

{[{ item.change24.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]}%

{[{ item.change24.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }]}%

TRADE

Showing {[{ showing_trend }]}

WHAT'S NEW

NEWS

REVIEWS

BROKERS

WALLET