Bitcoin: The Undisputed Champion of 2017 Currencies

Estimated read time 2 min read

Bitcoin’s Unmatched Performance

It’s no secret that Bitcoin is flexing its muscles in the finance arena, outperforming every traditional and fiat currency on its way to the top. This year, it has surpassed the US dollar by an astonishing 50%, leaving the Mexican Peso, Gold, and even Silver in its rearview mirror. Talk about a power move!

Confidence Shines Bright

In a clear indication of growing confidence, Barry Silbert’s Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT) decided to double its IPO amount to a whopping $1 billion. This is a huge vote of confidence from investors, especially as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) re-evaluates whether to give Bitcoin ETFs the green light.

When Fiat and Precious Metals Bow Out

A chart shared by data analyst SG Kinsmann reveals Bitcoin’s domination over not just fiat currencies but also traditional safe-haven assets. With Bitcoin soaring to new heights, gold and silver are barely scraping by, achieving a mere 12% change against the US dollar this year. What a turn of events!

Ethereum: The Rise of the Altcoins

Meanwhile, altcoins like Ethereum have also experienced meteoric success. In just a short span, Ethereum’s market cap skyrocketed to $5 billion, a remarkable feat considering it started the year under $1 billion. The secret sauce? The formation of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and an ever-growing developer community, including big players from various industries. Talk about a fairy tale!

Legislative Moves and Opportunities

This year was a turning point for Bitcoin’s ecosystem. Countries like the Philippines and Japan have legalized Bitcoin, while India is considering regulatory frameworks. Japan’s retail giants, such as Bic Camera, are now accepting Bitcoin payments, paving the way for mainstream adoption!

Scaling Issues: The Final Frontier

Despite Bitcoin’s stellar performance, scalability issues loom large over its future. The one MB cap on block sizes is causing a backlog and soaring transaction fees. However, solutions like Segregated Witness (SegWit) and Andrew Lee’s Extension Blocks are on the table. If these solutions tackle the scalability woes, Bitcoin’s price could accelerate significantly.

The Road Ahead: Pitfalls and Potential

The journey isn’t without its bumps. April 26 saw Bitcoin break its previous all-time high at $1,300, but the volatility remains a concern due to banking issues at leading exchanges. If these conflicts can be resolved and if mainstream adoption continues, Bitcoin could very well sustain its exponential growth in the months and years to come.

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