Categories
Business & Society

Traditional Finance Bows to Bitcoin’s Momentum

In short, the crypto market is gaining significant momentum, and traditional finance seems to be relenting in its attempts to impede Bitcoin. Here's my analysis of the ongoing situation and what might occur next.

"You can't kill it," declared Jim Cramer on January 3, 2024. He's a former hedge fund manager and the host of CNBC's Mad Money, and he was referring to Bitcoin. Cramer's surprising shift from being highly critical of crypto to celebrating Bitcoin as a 'technological marvel' is noteworthy. His changed perspective highlights Bitcoin's unwavering resilience and underscores its potential impact within the financial sphere. While his show's viewership might be lower in today's declining traditional TV landscape, his change in stance serves as a metaphor for the shifting attitudes in traditional media and what's on the horizon. Historic developments are unfolding in the realm of crypto, with Spot Bitcoin ETFs on the horizon.

A Spot Bitcoin ETF aims to grant investors direct exposure to Bitcoin's current market price, similar to how the introduction of a gold ETF in 2004 revolutionized gold investments. This is why it's historic.

So, what exactly is a Spot Bitcoin ETF? It's a type of investment tool accessible in the stock market that enables easy investment in Bitcoin's current price movements. This opens the possibility for people to buy Bitcoin on Wall Street, and the anticipation within the crypto space for this is significant.

This groundbreaking financial instrument is on the brink of securing official approvals, as anticipated by Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Seyffart, scheduled between January 8 and 10, 2024. People are buying! No, this is not investment advice. I am only giving you the overall feel of the market as I hear and understand things.

The overall vibe in the crypto space suggests an imminent shift in the investment landscape that could greatly influence investor sentiment and spur significant market interest. Yes, speculation is buzzing right now. Presently, only eight countries—Canada, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Guernsey, and the Cayman Islands—have embraced Spot Bitcoin ETFs, and when the USA joins the team, substantial capital is expected to enter the market. Beyond mere price fluctuations, I've considered the potential societal implications if/when Spot Bitcoin ETFs gain approval.

This move is likely to act as a catalyst for broader institutional involvement in the cryptocurrency sector. The idea of having a regulated and easily accessible method to invest in Bitcoin, supported by the security and familiarity of traditional financial instruments, has attracted the attention of both institutional and retail investors. It signifies the maturing nature of the cryptocurrency market.

The crypto landscape is becoming sophisticated and mainstream. I've heard that major US players in traditional finance have purchased advertising space on television to promote Bitcoin. This holds significance as North America holds a substantial share of the global cryptocurrency market. According to a Chainalysis report, North America accounted for 24.4% of the total on-chain value received between July 2022 and June 2023, tallying approximately $1.2 trillion in global crypto transactions.

This is a significant moment, indicating a new era where cryptocurrencies are viewed as a serious and reliable investment option. The focus on Spot Bitcoin ETFs and North America's influential position in the crypto sphere signifies that more people are beginning to embrace and have faith in cryptocurrencies. I'd say cryptocurrencies are getting a stamp of approval. Moreover, as society increasingly acknowledges cryptocurrencies as credible assets, it could inspire businesses and industries to delve into utilizing blockchain technology for purposes extending beyond finance.