On December 5, 2024, a historic moment unfolded in the financial world as Bitcoin surged past the $100,000 mark**, reaching an all-time high of **$103,400 per coin. The milestone reflects a single-day gain of 7.81%, pushing Bitcoin’s total market capitalization beyond **$2 trillion**. This explosive rally caps a year of relentless momentum, with Bitcoin posting nearly **140% growth in 2024 alone**. From its starting point of $68,000 on November 4, the digital asset vaulted to six figures in just one month—underscoring the accelerating confidence from institutional investors and shifting global regulatory landscapes.
The Institutional Onslaught: ETFs Fuel Unprecedented Demand
A major catalyst behind Bitcoin’s meteoric rise has been the explosive growth of Bitcoin spot ETFs. Since their U.S. debut on January 10, 2024, the first 11 approved ETFs have seen assets under management swell from $28 billion to approximately **$82 billion**—a near tripling in under a year.
Leading the charge is BlackRock’s IBIT, now the largest Bitcoin ETF by assets. It recently recorded a record-breaking $4.1 billion in daily trading volume**, followed by an unprecedented **$1.1 billion net inflow the next day—the highest single-day capital infusion in the product’s history.
This surge signals a structural shift: institutional capital is no longer merely observing the crypto market—it’s actively reshaping it.
👉 Discover how institutional adoption is redefining digital asset markets.
Corporate Exodus: Meitu Cashes Out with $57 Million Profit
In a strategic move timed just before the $100,000 breakout, **Meitu Company (01357.HK)** announced the full liquidation of its cryptocurrency holdings. As of December 4, 2024, Meitu had sold all **940 Bitcoins and 31,000 Ether**, securing a net profit of approximately **$79.6 million (RMB 571 million)**.
The company originally invested $100 million in Bitcoin and Ether during March and April 2021. Its decision to exit now marks a pivot toward core business development—particularly its subscription-based imaging and design software.
Notably, Meitu plans to return roughly 80% of the profit as a special dividend, amounting to HKD 0.109 per share, with the remainder allocated to operational expansion.
This move highlights a growing trend: companies are treating crypto not as long-term treasury reserves but as strategic investment vehicles with clear exit timelines.
Global Leaders Weigh In: Bitcoin as Digital Gold
At the DealBook Summit on December 4, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered a rare high-level perspective on cryptocurrency:
“Bitcoin’s real competitor is gold, not the dollar. It’s like gold—but virtual.”
Powell emphasized that while Bitcoin lacks stability for daily payments or reliable value storage due to its volatility, it occupies a niche similar to precious metals—a speculative store of value rather than a currency disruptor.
This framing aligns with growing institutional narratives positioning Bitcoin as “digital gold”—a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty and currency devaluation.
Geopolitical Endorsement: Putin Embraces Crypto Amid Sanctions
In a striking shift, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly endorsed cryptocurrencies during a recent investment forum, questioning the reliability of traditional foreign reserves:
“A reasonable question is: if foreign reserves can be seized so easily, why accumulate them at all?”
Referencing the $300 billion in Russian reserves frozen by Western nations since 2022, Putin argued that such actions undermine trust in the U.S. dollar as a global reserve currency. He pointed to Bitcoin as a viable alternative:
“For example, Bitcoin. Who can ban it? No one.”
This marks a dramatic reversal from Russia’s earlier stance. Once considering a total crypto ban in 2022, the country now recognizes digital assets as legal property under a new law signed in November 2024—set to take effect January 1, 2025. The legislation establishes a comprehensive tax framework for crypto transactions and mining, signaling full regulatory integration.
Putin also reiterated his call for BRICS nations to build an alternative payment system to SWIFT—a move that could further erode dollar dominance and boost demand for decentralized financial infrastructure.
Market Outlook: Analysts Forecast $225,000 by 2026
Bullish sentiment is mounting among top financial analysts. Mark Palmer, Senior Analyst at The Benchmark Company, predicts Bitcoin could reach $225,000 by the end of 2026, driven primarily by institutional adoption.
He noted:
“Institutional interest in Bitcoin is not peaking—it’s just beginning. Over the next few years, we’ll see more pension funds, endowments, and asset managers allocating capital to crypto.”
Other forecasts are similarly optimistic:
- Year-end 2024 target: $125,000
- 2025 projection: $200,000
These estimates hinge on continued regulatory clarity, macroeconomic instability, and expanding use cases in treasury management and cross-border finance.
Hidden Exposure: When Crypto Holdings Outweigh Company Value
Not all corporate crypto exposure is intentional. Boya Interactive (HK00434), a Hong Kong-listed gaming company with a market cap of just $230 million, holds **2,641 Bitcoins and 15,400 Ether**—worth approximately **$226 million** at current prices.
With an average BTC cost basis of $54,000 and ETH at $2,756, Boya’s digital asset portfolio now nearly matches its entire market valuation—a striking example of how crypto investments can redefine corporate balance sheets.
Risks and Realities: Volatility and Leverage Concerns
Despite the euphoria, experts warn of significant risks.
Yu Jianning, Co-Chair of the Blockchain Committee at China Communications Industry Association, cautions:
“The combination of high volatility and leveraged trading remains one of the biggest dangers in crypto markets.”
During bullish runs, traders often increase leverage to amplify gains. But any sharp reversal can trigger cascading liquidations—potentially leading to mass sell-offs and market panic.
Feng Wei, Senior Researcher at OKX Intelligence Institute, adds:
“While momentum is strong, sustainability depends on how quickly markets absorb news and how central banks adjust monetary policy. Short-term corrections are highly likely.”
👉 Explore risk management strategies in volatile digital asset markets.
FAQ: Your Key Questions Answered
Q: Why did Bitcoin break $100,000 now?
A: A confluence of factors—including spot ETF inflows, institutional adoption, geopolitical shifts favoring decentralized assets, and macroeconomic uncertainty—created perfect bullish conditions.
Q: Is Bitcoin really competing with gold?
A: Yes—many investors and officials like Powell view Bitcoin as a modern alternative to gold: scarce, durable, and independent of government control.
Q: What does Meitu’s exit mean for the market?
A: It signals that even early corporate adopters see crypto as a tactical investment. Their profit-taking doesn’t indicate bearishness but rather strategic capital reallocation.
Q: Could government regulation crash Bitcoin?
A: While regulation can cause short-term dips, global divergence—such as Russia embracing crypto while others restrict it—actually strengthens Bitcoin’s appeal as a neutral asset.
Q: How high can Bitcoin go by 2025?
A: Projections range from $150,000 to $200,000, depending on adoption speed, macro trends, and technological developments like Layer-2 scaling.
Q: Is now too late to invest?
A: Timing the market is risky. Many analysts suggest dollar-cost averaging into Bitcoin over time rather than making lump-sum bets at peak prices.
👉 Learn how to navigate entry strategies in mature bull markets.
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The journey past $100,000 is not just a price point—it’s a paradigm shift. As governments redefine monetary sovereignty and institutions embrace digital scarcity, Bitcoin stands at the center of a new financial era. Whether it sustains this momentum will depend on adoption depth, regulatory balance, and global trust in decentralized systems.