Bitcoin Price Breaks $100,000: What Is Bitcoin, How to Buy, and Key Market Insights

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Bitcoin has made history by surging past the $100,000 milestone, reaching an all-time high of $103,992 and settling around $102,472 — marking a nearly 6% gain in a single day. Ethereum also saw momentum, climbing close to $3,862 with a 4% increase. This unprecedented rally comes amid growing optimism surrounding U.S. regulatory shifts and macroeconomic expectations.

The surge follows former President Donald Trump’s announcement of nominating Paul Atkins, a known pro-crypto figure, as the next chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), replacing outgoing chair Gary Gensler. Market sentiment suggests that Atkins’ leadership could usher in lighter enforcement and reduced penalties for crypto-related violations, fueling investor confidence.

With Bitcoin now valued at over $2 trillion in market capitalization, it ranks as the 7th largest asset globally — surpassing entire national bond markets like those of Spain and Brazil, and nearing the total market cap of the UK’s FTSE 100 index.

👉 Discover how global policy shifts are reshaping digital asset markets — explore real-time insights here.

Why Is Bitcoin Surging?

Trump’s Pro-Crypto Agenda Sparks Optimism

Since Trump’s election victory on November 5, Bitcoin has rallied approximately 50%. Investors anticipate a more favorable regulatory environment under his administration. Beyond the SEC nomination, discussions are underway within Trump’s transition team about creating a dedicated White House role for digital assets — informally dubbed the “crypto czar.”

Trump has previously pledged to make the United States the global hub for cryptocurrency innovation and endorsed the idea of a national Bitcoin strategic reserve, further amplifying bullish sentiment across the market.

Strategic Reserve: Vision or Rhetoric?

While politically appealing, the feasibility of a Bitcoin strategic reserve remains debated. TD Cowen analyst Jaret Seiberg argues that such a move contradicts Trump’s long-standing support for the U.S. dollar as the world’s dominant reserve currency. He suggests that while Trump may continue promoting the idea publicly, actual implementation would require significant political capital — making it more symbolic than imminent.

Still, even speculative policy talk can move markets, especially when combined with structural demand drivers.

ETF Inflows Add Fuel to the Rally

Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen record inflows. Bloomberg data shows $6.5 billion flowed into Bitcoin ETFs in November alone, with Ethereum ETFs attracting $1.1 billion — totaling $7.6 billion ($59.3 billion HKD) for the month. Notably, Ethereum ETFs hit a new single-day inflow record on November 29.

This institutional adoption reflects growing legitimacy and accessibility for retail and professional investors alike.

What Are the Price Predictions for Bitcoin?

$250,000 by Next Year?

Research firm Metafide forecasts that Bitcoin will not only sustain its $100,000 level but could exceed **$250,000 by 2025 and reach $500,000 by 2027**. The projection is rooted in anticipated regulatory easing, continued ETF success, and increasing global demand for decentralized assets.

$1 Million Long-Term Target

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, presents an even more aggressive outlook in his essay “Black or White.” He predicts Bitcoin could hit $1 million per coin, driven by weakening U.S. dollar policies under Trump, which would push investors toward hard assets like Bitcoin. As fiat money supply expands globally, Hayes believes capital from the U.S., China, Japan, and Western Europe will increasingly flow into scarce digital assets.

Short-Term Pullback Warning

Despite bullish forecasts, billionaire crypto investor Michael Novogratz cautions that Bitcoin may experience a short-term correction of up to 20% after breaking $100,000. He advises investors to prepare for volatility and avoid emotional trading during pullbacks.

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What Is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency and the most recognized cryptocurrency in the world. Launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto — whose true identity remains unknown — Bitcoin operates without central authority or intermediaries.

How Does Bitcoin Mining Work?

Bitcoin mining involves bundling transactions into blocks and solving complex cryptographic puzzles to validate them. Miners use powerful computers to compete in generating a valid hash for the next block. The first to succeed adds the block to the blockchain and receives newly minted Bitcoin as a reward.

This process secures the network and controls the issuance of new coins.

What Is the Bitcoin Halving?

The Bitcoin halving is a programmed event that cuts mining rewards in half approximately every four years — or every 210,000 blocks mined. It ensures scarcity by slowing down new supply growth, aligning with Bitcoin’s hard cap of 21 million coins.

The most recent halving occurred on April 20, 2024 — the fourth in Bitcoin’s history. The next is expected around 2028. The final Bitcoin is projected to be mined by 2140, after which miners will rely solely on transaction fees.

Four Key Features of Bitcoin

  1. Decentralization: Operates on a peer-to-peer network without banks or governments.
  2. Scarcity: Capped supply of 21 million coins creates deflationary pressure.
  3. Pseudonymity: Transactions are transparent and immutable on the blockchain, but users remain anonymous.
  4. Global Utility: Programmable and transferable worldwide; increasingly accepted as legal tender in various jurisdictions.

How to Buy Bitcoin

Investors can purchase Bitcoin through licensed cryptocurrency exchanges by funding accounts via bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. Platforms match buyers and sellers directly in a C2C (consumer-to-consumer) model.

Alternatively, peer-to-peer (P2P) trading via crypto wallets allows direct transfers but carries risks such as fraud or scams during face-to-face exchanges.

You don’t need to buy one whole Bitcoin — fractional purchases like 0.1 or 0.01 BTC are common and accessible.

In Hong Kong, regulated platforms include:

Bitcoin ETFs: A Beginner-Friendly Option

For those unfamiliar with crypto exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer a simpler entry point through traditional brokerage accounts. There are two main types:

ETFs provide exposure without managing private keys or wallets — ideal for conservative or novice investors.

Hong Kong-Listed Bitcoin-Related Stocks

On December 5, several Hong Kong-listed crypto-related stocks surged:

Notably, Boya Interactive recently swapped 14,200 ETH for approximately 515 BTC ($49.48 million), bringing its total holdings to 3,183 BTC at an average cost of $57,724 per coin. At $100,000 BTC price, this positions their portfolio value at **$318 million USD ($2.48 billion HKD)**.

Crypto-focused ETFs also rallied:

U.S.-Listed Cryptocurrency Stocks

Major U.S.-traded crypto-related equities include:

These companies either mine Bitcoin directly or provide infrastructure and trading services — making them key barometers of market sentiment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy less than one Bitcoin?
A: Yes. You can purchase fractions of a Bitcoin — such as 0.1 or 0.01 BTC — making it accessible even at high prices.

Q: When will all Bitcoins be mined?
A: The final Bitcoin is expected to be mined around the year 2140 due to the halving mechanism reducing block rewards over time.

Q: Is Bitcoin legal in Hong Kong?
A: Yes. Hong Kong regulates crypto exchanges under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), allowing retail trading on licensed platforms.

Q: What drives Bitcoin’s price?
A: Key factors include macroeconomic trends, regulatory developments, institutional adoption (like ETFs), supply constraints (halvings), and investor sentiment.

Q: Are Bitcoin ETFs safe for beginners?
A: Yes. Spot Bitcoin ETFs offer regulated exposure without requiring wallet management, making them suitable for new investors seeking simplicity and security.

Q: Could government policies affect Bitcoin’s future?
A: Absolutely. National stances on regulation, taxation, and potential reserves significantly influence market confidence and long-term valuation.

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