In a striking surge that has captured global financial attention, Bitcoin has surpassed the $90,000 mark, marking a new milestone in the evolution of digital assets. While traditional stock markets outside the U.S. struggle with stagnation and the U.S. dollar strengthens, weakening many global currencies, cryptocurrencies have defied the odds—rising steadily over recent weeks.
According to data from the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, Bitcoin briefly climbed above $90,000 on the 13th. Though it later pulled back, it was trading at **$87,272 by mid-afternoon—still representing a remarkable 38.9% increase over the past month and a 17.5% jump in just one week. The momentum isn’t limited to Bitcoin alone. Major altcoins like Ethereum and Solana have also surged, rising 23.1% and 36.4%** respectively over the same period.
The "Trump Trade" Effect on Crypto Markets
A significant driver behind this rally is growing optimism surrounding a potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a pro-crypto leader. Market participants have dubbed this phenomenon the "Trump trade", reflecting increased confidence that a Trump-led administration would adopt favorable regulations for the crypto industry.
Trump’s vocal support for digital currencies—along with the election of several crypto-friendly lawmakers to Congress—has fueled expectations of regulatory easing from U.S. financial authorities. Analysts believe this could unlock long-delayed innovation and institutional adoption across the blockchain ecosystem.
Kim Min-seok, head of research at Korbit, stated: "With pro-crypto voices gaining influence in both the Senate and House, we’re likely to see rapid deregulation. This could be the catalyst that revitalizes the entire digital asset sector."
International financial institutions share this bullish outlook. Jeff Kendrick, an analyst at Standard Chartered, declared, "The bull run has only just begun." He forecasts Bitcoin could reach $125,000 by year-end** and potentially soar to **$200,000 by the end of 2025, driven by macroeconomic tailwinds and increasing mainstream acceptance.
Altcoin Surge: Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Shine
While Bitcoin leads the charge, alternative cryptocurrencies are experiencing explosive growth. Dogecoin, popularized by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, surged 222.7% in the past month despite a minor dip on the 13th. Similarly, Shiba Inu rose 35.0%, signaling strong retail investor interest in meme-inspired tokens.
Notably, in South Korea’s domestic market, Dogecoin’s trading volume has overtaken Bitcoin’s on major exchanges like Upbit. On the 13th alone, Dogecoin accounted for 33% of Upbit’s total trading volume, more than four times that of Bitcoin.
Experts attribute this to two key factors:
- Bitcoin's high price per unit limits accessibility for small investors.
- Altcoins like Dogecoin offer higher volatility—and thus perceived profit potential—for speculative traders.
However, analysts caution that such investments carry significant risk. "The allure of quick gains can mask extreme volatility," warns one Seoul-based market strategist. "Retail investors should approach altcoins with clear risk management strategies."
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Crypto’s Ripple Effect on Traditional Markets
The crypto boom isn’t confined to digital assets—it’s spilling over into traditional financial instruments. South Korean crypto exchange-related stocks have seen dramatic gains in both public and private markets.
On the non-listed stock platform "Securities+", shares of Dunamu, operator of Upbit, surged 30.7% in one week. Bithumb’s private shares rose 26.5% during the same period. Publicly traded firms with crypto exposure also benefited:
- Hanhwa Investment & Securities (a Dunamu shareholder): +6.6%
- Com2us Holdings (second-largest Coinone shareholder): +8.8%
These movements reflect growing investor confidence in the broader digital asset economy—even among traditionally conservative market participants.
Bitcoin’s Influence on Real Estate: A New Market Link?
In a groundbreaking academic study, Professor Yoo Jeong-seok from Dankook University explored the interconnectedness between real estate, stock markets, and cryptocurrencies in his paper titled “Analysis of Price Volatility Spillover Effects Among Real Estate, Virtual Assets, and Stock Markets.” This is among the first studies to examine how digital asset fluctuations impact South Korea’s housing market.
Using data from October 2014 to October 2023—including weekly KB Apartment Price Index, Bitcoin returns, KOSPI, and KOSDAQ indices—Yoo found evidence of short-term capital flow from crypto gains into real estate investments.
"When Bitcoin prices surged in 2023, we observed some investors reallocating profits into property markets," Yoo explained in an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper. "While there's no long-term causal link between crypto and real estate,江南区 (Gangnam District) apartments showed heightened sensitivity to price movements in both Bitcoin and KOSDAQ."
This suggests that high-net-worth individuals and speculative investors may be using crypto profits to enter premium real estate markets—particularly in Seoul’s most coveted neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Bitcoin rising while other markets are down?
Bitcoin often behaves as a counter-cyclical asset during periods of global economic uncertainty. With weakening currencies outside the U.S. and stagnant equity markets, investors are turning to decentralized digital assets as an alternative store of value.
Is the "Trump trade" really affecting crypto prices?
Yes. Trump’s pro-crypto stance—combined with anticipated regulatory shifts—has boosted market sentiment. Investors expect fewer restrictions under a potential second Trump administration, increasing confidence in long-term crypto growth.
Are Dogecoin and Shiba Inu good investments?
While they’ve delivered massive short-term gains, both are highly volatile and driven largely by speculation and social media trends. They should be approached with caution and only as part of a diversified portfolio.
How are crypto exchanges benefiting from this rally?
Increased trading volumes directly boost exchange revenues. Additionally, investor enthusiasm lifts the valuation of both listed and non-listed exchange stocks, creating wealth effects across related financial instruments.
Can Bitcoin really reach $200,000?
Some analysts believe so. Factors like halving cycles, institutional adoption, macroeconomic instability, and favorable regulation could collectively drive Bitcoin toward six figures by 2025—if momentum holds.
Does crypto really affect real estate prices?
Not directly or consistently. However, short-term capital transfers from crypto profits into luxury real estate—especially in high-demand areas like Gangnam—can create localized price pressures during bull runs.
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Final Thoughts
The current rally in Bitcoin and broader digital assets reflects more than just price speculation—it signals a structural shift in how investors view value in a digital-first economy. From geopolitical influences like U.S. elections to cross-market impacts on equities and even real estate, cryptocurrencies are increasingly embedded in global financial systems.
As regulatory clarity improves and adoption widens, assets like Bitcoin may continue their ascent—not just as speculative instruments but as foundational components of modern portfolios.
Whether you're tracking price swings or studying macroeconomic ripple effects, one thing is clear: digital assets are no longer fringe players—they’re central to the future of finance.
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