Markets

Bitcoin hits record high amid US shutdown

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Two High Court judgments have now reached different conclusions on whether cryptocurrency can constitute “money” or “capital” for exchange control purposes.
Two High Court judgments have now reached different conclusions on whether cryptocurrency can constitute “money” or “capital” for exchange control purposes. (24-k Production/ Getty Images)

US president Donald Trump’s embrace of digital assets has reversed years of US government scepticism towards the crypto industry under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, with the US House of Representatives passing three landmark cryptocurrency bills in July..

 Bitcoin reached a new record high on Sunday, rising above the $125 000 mark.

The cryptocurrency reached $125 689, shooting above its previous August record of around $124 500.

Bitcoin has enjoyed a strong upward momentum with investors cautious about the US government shutdown.

Gains in US shares have also supported bitcoin's rise, while investors have looked to safe haven assets while US lawmakers negotiate over funding the federal government, Bloomberg News said.

US President Donald Trump and his family have also been big promoters of cryptocurrencies and are involved in various crypto endeavours that have inflated his wealth.

Trump's embrace of digital assets has reversed years of US government scepticism towards the crypto industry under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, with the US House of Representatives passing three landmark cryptocurrency bills in July.

These regulatory changes have seen the value of bitcoin soar.

"With many assets including equities, gold and even collectibles like Pokemon cards hitting all time highs, it's no surprise Bitcoin is benefiting from the dollar debasement narrative," Joshua Lim, co-head of markets at crypto prime brokerage firm FalconX, was quoted by Bloomberg News as saying.

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