Bitcoin remains steady near the $100,000 milestone as the crypto market absorbs fresh optimism. This week brings some economic updates and encouraging developments for crypto enthusiasts.

Market Overview

On Sunday, November 24, U.S. equity futures saw modest gains across all three major indices, each rising by over 0.4%. Crude oil remained stable around $70 per barrel, while gold adjusted slightly to $2,696 per ounce.

With Thanksgiving week in the United States, major market updates will be sparse. Noteworthy events include the Federal Reserve's minutes from its November meeting, inflation reports from the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, and a revised Q3 GDP report expected to remain unchanged.

Bitcoin continued to hover near $98,000. While most major altcoins saw slight corrections, weekly charts show steady upward trends. The total crypto market capitalization slightly dipped to $3.49 trillion.

Last week, BTC edged close to the highly anticipated $100,000 mark but failed to cross it. This psychological level could trigger significant profit-taking, but the current price action allows for consolidation and historical price-setting. Altcoins may benefit from BTC's sideways movement, creating room for notable gains.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. attracted $3.35 billion in inflows over the past week, underscoring strong institutional demand. With limited supply on OTC markets, these inflows could trigger a supply shock, pushing BTC prices higher.

Meanwhile, MicroStrategy raised an impressive $9.6 billion to purchase Bitcoin in November alone—surpassing the combined inflows of all Bitcoin spot ETFs during the same period.

Has Bitcoin Reached Its Peak?

Bitcoin has posted three consecutive months of gains since September, with November showing a remarkable 38% increase even before month-end. The rapid rally has prompted questions about whether BTC has already reached its cycle peak.

Insights from CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju

Ki Young Ju suggests that BTC has yet to hit its cycle peak. He compares the current market to previous cycles in 2017 and 2020.

In the charts, the green line represents support levels, while the red line indicates the realized cap (a metric for calculating market peaks).

• 2017 Cycle: BTC reached its peak when prices touched the red line.
• 2020 Cycle: Prices touched the red line three times, marking smaller peaks before the final cycle high.
• Current Market: BTC prices remain far from the red line, suggesting room for further growth.

Ki Young Ju estimates Bitcoin's potential to rise to $141,000 based on the current realized market cap, which continues to increase steadily.

Market Expectations for BTC's Peak

Market participants remain divided on whether Bitcoin's four-year cycle remains valid. Historical patterns suggest a peak in 2025, but changes in macroeconomic conditions could influence this timeline.

Several high-profile predictions for Bitcoin's next peak include:

• VanEck: $180,000
• Tim Draper: $250,000
• Robert Kiyosaki: $500,000
  While speculation abounds, many investors, including myself, focus on accumulating Bitcoin at undervalued levels rather than timing the exact peak.

Cantor Fitzgerald Acquires 5% Stake in Tether

Cantor Fitzgerald, a prominent financial services firm, recently agreed to purchase a 5% stake in Tether for $600 million. This move underscores the growing institutional interest in stablecoins and crypto infrastructure.

Cantor Fitzgerald plays a critical role in maintaining Tether's $134 billion reserves, primarily composed of short-term U.S. Treasury bonds.

The Role of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, recently appointed U.S. Commerce Secretary by President-elect Donald Trump, plans to leverage Tether’s resources for a $2 billion lending initiative. This program aims to offer USD loans backed by Bitcoin, with a long-term vision of scaling to tens of billions of dollars.

Why Lutnick’s Appointment Matters

As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will represent American businesses within the presidential cabinet, create job opportunities, and drive economic growth. His dual role as a government official and crypto advocate could significantly enhance Tether's position amid regulatory challenges.

This partnership could alleviate investor concerns and strengthen relationships between crypto companies and the U.S. government. With such developments, 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year for crypto, marked by policy changes and deepening institutional involvement.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Market

The evolving relationship between private companies, crypto-focused institutions, and government officials signals a maturing market. Institutional moves, like Cantor Fitzgerald’s investment in Tether, suggest that crypto is no longer a fringe asset class but a critical component of the global financial system.

Additionally, the steady growth in BTC ETFs and increasing acceptance of Bitcoin-backed financial products point to a future where crypto plays a more integrated role in traditional finance.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risks. Always conduct thorough research and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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