Bitcoin (BTC) has achieved a historic milestone, crossing the $100,000 threshold for the first time and hitting an all-time high of $104,000, according to Bitfinex Alpha. This is a significant increase of 111% compared to the summer low of $50,000. However, the cryptocurrency experienced a sharp correction of 14.84%, including a sharp 10% drop in just 8 minutes, triggering liquidations of over $1.1 billion and $419 million in Bitcoin long positions, which contributed to the market’s high Leverage was highlighted.
Market stability and economic indicators
Despite the volatility, there are signs of market stability. The Realized Profits Index, which had peaked at $10.5 billion per day, fell to $2.5 billion, easing selling pressure. As futures contract interest rates normalized, speculative leverage appeared to have decreased. Although ETF inflows slowed slightly last week, they remain an important source of support as long-term holders continue to cash out profits. With Bitcoin stabilizing around $100,000, the medium-term outlook remains optimistic following continued ETF inflows.
Recent U.S. economic data offers mixed results but generally indicates an economic recovery. The country added 227,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations despite disruption from the October storms. However, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2%, suggesting that labor migration continues. Job postings jumped to 7.74 million in October, reflecting strong labor demand, but actual hiring slowed, suggesting employers are taking caution due to economic uncertainty. The services sector recorded its 51st consecutive month of growth in November, albeit at a slower pace, driven by strong consumer spending and rising wages. Inflation pressures persist, but easing supply chain bottlenecks and strong year-end expectations suggest stability.
Geopolitical Impact and Future Outlook
In Korea, after President Yoon Seok-yeol declared martial law, cryptocurrency trading surged, with $34 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions recorded in 24 hours on major exchanges. Political instability has led to panic selling and platform outages, further heightening the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the bankrupt exchange Mt. Gox transferred $2.4 billion worth of Bitcoin to new wallets as Bitcoin surpassed $100,000. Grayscale’s entry into the race to launch the Solana ETF through its Solana Trust conversion application highlights the dynamic interplay of political, regulatory and historical factors shaping the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
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