Bitcoin hits $100,000 on Trump SEC cheer, Powell comments

Investing.com-- Bitcoin crossed the coveted $100,000 mark on Thursday amid increased optimism over friendly regulations under President-elect Donald Trump, while Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also compared the crypto to gold. 

Bitcoin rose 5.9% to a record high of $101,438.9 in Asian hours. The $100,000 level is viewed as psychologically important for Bitcoin, and could herald more strength in the crypto.

Gains in the world’s biggest cryptocurrency came as Trump chose Paul Atkins to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is a former SEC Commissioner and is largely pro-crypto.

Traders cheered Atkins’ nomination, given that he will replace incumbent SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Gensler has led a high-profile crackdown against crypto over the past two years. 

Bitcoin was also boosted by comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell comparing the crypto to gold rather than an alternative to the dollar. Powell called the crypto a vehicle for speculation. 

Bitcoin is trading up around 140% so far in 2024, with a bulk of its gains coming in November after Trump’s election victory. The President-elect had promised to enact crypto-friendly regulations, vowing to make America the “crypto capital” of the world.