Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high breaking through $20,000. The volatile virtual currency has gained more than 170% this year amid stock market turmoil.
The world’s most prominent digital currency broke through the $20,000 level around 8:30 a.m. EST, CoinDesk figures show. The cryptocurrency rose to as much as $20,817.80 at roughly 9:15 a.m., additional CoinDesk data reveals.
On Wednesday Bitcoin jumped 4.5% to as much as $20,440 buoyed by demand from large investors keen on its potential for quick profits.
There are also expectations that it may gain more widespread traction as a payment method from the likes of Starbucks and Microsoft.
But it has been a bumpy ride for investors, with the cryptocurrency passing $19,000 in November before dropping sharply.
A previously rally in 2017 saw it come close to breaking through the $20,000 level. But it has also hit extreme lows and has fallen below $3,300 previously.
