Bitcoin Surges Above $70K, Weekly Gains Nearing 9% Ahead of Halving

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is poised for an 8.8% weekly gain, recovering losses and reaching $70,000. The rise follows a bullish start to the week, stability after a volatile period, and anticipation of the upcoming halving event, supported by positive analyst sentiment and the belief that it could drive price increases.

Bitcoin Soars: Weekly Gains Approach 9% as Halving Event Looms

In a week marked by steady recovery, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) emerged as an indomitable force, surging 8.8% and reclaiming the $70,000 mark. After a week of intense volatility, the oldest digital currency initiated the week on a bullish trajectory, soaring to $69.9K. Since then, it has maintained relative stability, shrugging off the cautious sentiment that had gripped the market ahead of next month's highly anticipated halving event.

On Thursday, BTC hovered near its record high, coincidentally the same day former cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced for his role in the FTX scandal. Despite the legal turmoil surrounding the crypto industry, Bitcoin's resilience stood firm.

"The recent adjustment of Bitcoin price is nearing completion. The profit-taking was temporary, and investors continue to buy the dips, remaining optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term prospects, particularly in anticipation of the halving event in April," said Lucy Hu, senior analyst at Metalpha, a wealth management company specializing in digital assets.

Hu believes the halving event could propel Bitcoin (BTC-USD) to new heights, further buoying its value. BTC had a remarkable first quarter, appreciating approximately 60%. This surge was attributed to spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the upcoming halving event, and an overall increase in risk appetite within the financial market, according to Canaccord.

"While the macroeconomic outlook and timing of potential rate cuts remain uncertain, the upcoming halving event could amplify the ETF tailwinds for Bitcoin. Activity levels across the ecosystem continue to rebound from the 2023 lows," Canaccord added.

Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan Bitcoin, observed that Bitcoin often mirrors liquidity conditions. "Bitcoin responded favorably to the Fed's indication that monetary policy will likely ease in the near future," Klippsten said.

Notable Developments

• The London Stock Exchange will list cryptocurrency exchange-traded notes (ETNs) starting May 28, subject to approval from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.
• Coinbase Global (COIN) shares declined 2.6% during Wednesday morning trading after a US judge ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission's lawsuit against the cryptocurrency exchange could proceed.
• MicroStrategy (MSTR) Executive Chairman Michael Saylor disclosed the sale of 5,000 shares of the company, worth approximately $8.8 million, in an SEC filing.
• Binance announced it would discontinue support for USCoin (USDC-USD) deposits and withdrawals on the Tron (TRC20) network on April 5, 2024, following Circle Internet's decision to cease USDC support on that network.
• Marathon Digital (MARA) unveiled a two-phase immersion cooling system that "has the potential to not just benefit Marathon's own Bitcoin mining operations, but to transform data centers in multiple industries," according to Chairman and CEO Fred Thiel.

Current Market Prices

As of Friday 1:32 pm, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) declined 1.9% to $69.4K, while Ether (ETH-USD) dipped 1.7% to $3.5K.

The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, marked by both challenges and opportunities. Despite regulatory scrutiny and the occasional downturn, Bitcoin's resilience and its potential in the evolving financial landscape remain undeniable. As the halving event approaches, the cryptocurrency community anticipates a new chapter for Bitcoin, poised to unlock further growth and solidifying its position as a transformative force in the global economy.