Bitcoin just hit $100,000

The top cryptocurrency's extraordinary journey started at zero in 2009, reached $1 in 2011, and has now crossed the $100,000 mark

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Illustration: Francesco Carta fotografo (Getty Images)

One Bitcoin is now worth $100,000—a monumental achievement for the cryptocurrency industry. The leading cryptocurrency reached $101,250 on the night of Wednesday, December 4, and then hit an all-time high of $103,679 on Dec. 5 as investors continue to pour money into the spot Bitcoin ETFs. According to Farside, Bitcoin ETFs saw net inflows of $676 million on December 3, highlighting renewed investor interest in the cryptocurrency market.

From its humble beginnings in 2009 to just $1 in 2011 and to this groundbreaking milestone in 2024, Bitcoin’s journey is a testament to the disruptive power of innovation.

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In just 12 years, Bitcoin has evolved from an experimental digital currency to a multifaceted financial phenomenon. It has established itself as an alternative to traditional fiat currencies like the dollar, a financial asset rivaling stocks, and a store of value comparable in some ways to gold. Beyond its own success, Bitcoin has been the cornerstone of a rapidly expanding cryptocurrency ecosystem.

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This ascent has catalyzed the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), popularized blockchain technology, and sparked numerous developments within the health and education sectors that are reshaping industries well beyond finance. Bitcoin’s $100,000 milestone is not just a triumph for the crypto community—it’s a moment that underscores the profound impact of this digital revolution on the global economy.

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The growth alone this year was 120%

Had someone invested $1,000 as recently as January 2024, they would have witnessed a 120% growth in their investment this year alone. This scenario highlights the explosive potential of the cryptocurrency market in 2024, rewarding those who invested early.

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Moreover, if someone had invested $1,000 in Bitcoin in early 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they would have witnessed an astonishing 1,220% growth over these years. This price surge occurred during a period of unprecedented market volatility.

And, if someone had invested $1,000 in Bitcoin back in 2013, they would have experienced an astonishing growth of 146,714%, turning their investment into over $1.4 million—precisely $1,468,140—today.

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This incredible growth reflects not only the resilience of the financial markets but also the immense opportunities that can arise, even in times of global uncertainty. It serves as a powerful reminder of how strategic investments can thrive, even amid challenging circumstances, and how crypto has emerged as a widely known alternative to traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate.