Crypto update: Bitcoin (BTC) storms past US$10,000

The bitcoin (BTC) price has raced past US$10,000 during trade overnight. Here's what you need to know…

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Overnight a good week just got even better for cryptocurrency traders after the top 20 cryptos continued their push higher.

So much so, an additional US$30 billion was added to the market over the last 24 hours. At present the cryptocurrency market has a combined value of US$480 billion according to Coin Market Cap.

The bitcoin (BTC) price has arguably been the star performer through this period. As I predicted yesterday, the crypto giant has smashed through the US$10,000 mark and is up almost 10% to US$10,200 per token. This gives bitcoin a market capitalisation of US$172.1 billion, equating to a 35.7% share of the market.

Ethereum (ETH) is up 2.5% since this time yesterday to US$934 per token. The cryptocurrency now has a market capitalisation of US$91.2 billion.

Popular altcoin Ripple (XRP) has seen its price rise almost 6% over the last 24 hours to US$1.15. Ripple's market capitalisation has climbed to US$45 billion. The third-largest cryptocurrency was given a boost this week when foreign exchange giant Western Union confirmed that its money transfer business is testing its technology.

The Bitcoin Cash (BCH) price is up 4% over the period to US$1,394, giving the bitcoin spin-off a market capitalisation of US$23.7 billion.

The Litecoin (LTC) price has continued its strong run and is 6% higher over the last 24 hours to US$220.80. Litecoin's market capitalisation has ballooned to US$12.2 billion ahead of its hard fork plans next week. This hard fork will create Litecoin Cash, a more efficient version of Litecoin designed to attract real world use.

Elsewhere, the Cardano (ADA), Stellar Lumens (XLM), and NEO (NEO) prices have all pushed higher since this time yesterday. Cardano has been the pick of the three altcoins, rising 5% to 40.7 U.S. cents.

Why is the market booming again?

Trader sentiment has been improving greatly thanks to reports that both U.S. and South Korean officials will not ban cryptocurrency exchanges, but rather make them safer. This has gone down well with traders, leading to a high level of fund inflows over the last few days.

But thing can change very quickly in the crypto world, so time will tell how long sentiment remains positive.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »