Popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has been the subject of extreme fluctuations yearly. For many, this can be very surprising. Imagine buying Bitcoin at a specific price, then in some months, the price has increased suddenly. Sometimes, these increases or drops are subject to several factors. Understanding these factors that affect Bitcoin price is important for those who are interested in cryptocurrency. Let’s explore the factors that influence Bitcoin’s price, so investors can make more informed decisions.
Market Adoption
Like every currency or commodity, supply and demand is a crucial part of determining Bitcoin’s price. Since more people are embracing Bitcoin for investments, transactions, or simply storing them for value, the demand for the cryptocurrency increases which in turn drives up the price. On the other hand, when the need for Bitcoin reduces, the price might likely wane.
Understanding how market adoption affects Bitcoin price is important for those who are interested in cryptocurrency. You can even keep track of the current conversion rates using a reliable BTC to USD converter, helping you assess the value of your investments in real-time
Bitcoin Mining and Halving
Bitcoin has a total supply of 21 million, which means this is a finite number of available coins. Individuals can generate new bitcoins via mining, but the process becomes increasingly hard as time goes by. There is also a Bitcoin halving event that occurs every four years. In the event, the number of mined coins is reduced by half. These factors add to supply limitation that influences bitcoin price.
News and Public Opinion
They also help shape market sentiment and influence Bitcoin’s price. For instance, positive news like the adoption of cryptocurrency by large corporations or even favorable regulation development could help increase the price. On the other hand, negative news like disadvantageous regulations, and security breaches could lead to a sell-off which drives the price down.
Institutional Interest in Bitcoin
When top institutions such as hedge funds, banks, and other financial entities show interest in Bitcoin, it could affect its price. When these institutions show increased investment in adopting and investing in Bitcoin, the price could rise due to increased demand and more importantly credibility.
Regulatory Environment
Regulatory bodies and governments have a crucial role in shaping cryptocurrencies. When there is a positive regulation like the creation of clear guidelines or the legalization of Bitcoin, it could encourage adoption while also increasing its price. Additionally, outright bans or strict regulations could also stifle its growth and negatively affect its price.
Other Cryptocurrencies
As more cryptocurrencies known as altcoins are created and introduced into the cryptocurrency world, they could affect Bitcoin’s price. Some of these cryptocurrencies might draw attention from Bitcoin through their unique use case or features. However, Bitcoin, known as the first and most popular cryptocurrency, could also gain benefits, since it usually acts as the entryway for investors into the crypto market.
Geopolitical events
Events like global tensions, political instability, or economic crises could influence Bitcoin’s price. In such uncertain times, investors and individuals might seek Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset which potentially drives its value. On the other hand, when global events result in cryptocurrency regulations or increased inspection, it could negatively affect Bitcoin price.
Endnote
Cryptocurrency is affected by several external factors, and a major reason for this is that it hasn’t yet been integrated and adopted into the global financial system. As a relatively emerging and new asset class, its value is still very volatile and therefore subject to news and market sentiment than other established institutional assets. Cryptocurrency is also usually subject to policy decisions and regulations by financial institutions and the government.
