Bitcoin $100,973 recently surged to an unprecedented $111,980, briefly touching a historical peak. This remarkable rise was spearheaded by institutional investors based in the United States. The stage is shared among Wall Street giants and pro-crypto politicians, indicating a broader digital power struggle between the U.S. and China, which goes beyond mere market growth.
U.S. Takes the Lead in Bitcoin Holdings
According to data from the blockchain analysis platform CryptoQuant, U.S.-based banks, exchanges, and investment funds now hold a significant portion of Bitcoin worldwide. This accumulation places upward pressure on the cryptocurrency‘s price, coinciding with a technical pattern known as the “golden cross,” often a precursor to substantial price increases.
Historically, the emergence of this signal has heralded robust rallies in Bitcoin prices, and we may be facing a similar scenario now. The United States’ aggressive Bitcoin acquisitions not only influence prices but also impact the global crypto ecosystem balance. Companies like MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Semler Scientific have made noteworthy Bitcoin investments. Currently, the U.S. controls around 207,189 BTC, with a value of approximately $22.99 billion at current prices.
Furthermore, the clarification of the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies in the U.S. boosts investor confidence. New regulations strengthen America’s leadership not just in finance, but also on a political level in the crypto domain.
China’s Hidden Yet Strategic Involvement
While the U.S. appears to be leading, China remains a formidable player in the Bitcoin market. Despite its officially cautious stance towards cryptocurrencies, Chinese mining operations and indirect investment methods continue to underpin its market influence. Although China seems passive, it plays a significant role behind the scenes.
China currently holds about 194,000 BTC, valued at roughly $21.53 billion. The gap with the U.S. is minimal, allowing China opportunities to bridge it with strategic maneuvers. In terms of cryptocurrency mining, China remains one of the global leaders.
On the other hand, America’s political support and efforts to establish a solid legal framework present challenges for China. Former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Bitcoin mining highlights the U.S.’s ambition for global leadership in this area. However, historical trends remind us that price surges are not always permanent. CryptoQuant cautions that similar chart patterns have in the past reversed into a “death cross,” often leading to sharp declines.