Bitcoin tops $50,000, stirs forecast of run towards record high

Bitcoin topped $50,000 for the first time since May as crypto prices continued an ongoing recovery from a disorderly rout just three months ago. The largest virtual coin advanced 3.8 per cent to $50,272 as of 6:53 am in New York, with other tokens including Ether and Cardano’s ADA also rising. The revival in virtual currencies has excited the animal spirits of the crypto faithful, putting predictions of $100,000 or more for Bitcoin back in vogue. Others see the volatile asset carving out a wider trading range for now. “We’re seeing some very bullish signs here,” said Vijay Ayyar, head of Asia-pacific with crypto exchange Luno in Singapore. Bitcoin could “test all-time highs again” after pushing past levels that some had seen as major challenges. Market sentiment also benefited from Paypal Inc.’s announcement that it will allow UK customers to make crypto transactions. It’s the first international expansion of Paypal’s crypto service beyond the US, and another hint at wider adoption of the industry.

In April, Bitcoin hit a record of almost $65,000, driven by a tide of liquidity, fast-money bets and optimism about growing demand from institutional investors. Supportive views from billionaire Elon Musk and the direct listing of digital-currency platform Coinbase Global also fueled optimism.