Public companies are continuing to buy up **large stashes of Bitcoin** near the top.

**Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA)**, a leading Bitcoin miner, announced on Tuesday that it acquired **11,774 Bitcoin for $1.1 billion**, averaging **$96,000 per coin**. This purchase follows Bitcoin's recent **all-time high of $103,607**, although it has since cooled off to around **$96,300**.

MARA now holds a total of **40,435 Bitcoin**, valued at nearly **$3.9 billion**. Despite this, the company's stock saw a **4% drop** today, trading at around **$23**, but has increased by **18% over the past six months**.

MARA continues to follow the model of **MicroStrategy**, which has raised funds through private offerings to increase its Bitcoin holdings. Currently, MARA stands as the **second-largest publicly traded holder** of Bitcoin, with MicroStrategy leading the way with **423,650 coins worth over $40 billion**.

### What Are Bitcoin Miners?
Bitcoin miners like MARA operate by processing transactions on the blockchain, earning Bitcoin as a reward. These operations typically require substantial electricity and infrastructure investment, but they play a crucial role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

American Bitcoin miner MARA announced Tuesday that it bought 11,774 BTC for $1.1 billion, and now holds nearly $4 billion worth in total.

MARA's Massive Bitcoin Acquisition: $1.1 Billion and Counting!

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing a **decline** as the holiday season commences. Many investors are taking a step back from their usual spending and investment activities, leading to a temporary lull in the market. However, this slowdown is expected to be short-lived, with renewed investor interest anticipated as the new year approaches.

### Key Cryptocurrencies to Watch

#### Bitcoin (BTC)
Recently, Bitcoin reached an **all-time high of $108,135**, marking a significant milestone for the leading cryptocurrency. Since then, it has seen a sharp decline of over **12%**, currently trading at **$94,873**, reflecting an **8.8% drop** in the past week. Factors contributing to this downturn include the **Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rate cuts** and **substantial outflows from Bitcoin ETFs**. This bearish trend may continue through the holiday season but could change in the new year with a potential crypto-friendly leadership shift in the U.S.

![Bitcoin](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/21216b4e9d998690a33858235e380fae.jpg)

#### Bitget (BGB)
Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, reported a remarkable **683% monthly growth** in Gen Z users in November 2024. They have also introduced **Solana limit order functionality**, allowing traders to set automated orders at desired price levels. The native cryptocurrency, **Bitget Token (BGB)**, has increased by **23%** in a week, currently trading around **$4**.

![Bitget](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/851a541188a1997f04c836300c99d3ec.jpg)

#### Dogecoin (DOGE)
The popular memecoin Dogecoin has shown notable upward momentum this year. Influenced by **Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump**, Dogecoin continues to draw attention, currently trading at **$0.30**, with a **22% decline** in the past week.

![Dogecoin](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/96dec570c31c84a494f2810bfc7f4a96.jpg)

#### Solana (SOL)
Solana has emerged as a strong competitor to Ethereum, known for its high-speed transaction processing. Currently trading at **$183**, Solana has seen a **15% decline** in a week while maintaining its status as a popular platform for decentralized applications.

![Solana](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/77460f2fc24493b2bfa7931cb888bec3.jpg)

#### Sui (SUI)
Sui, the cryptocurrency of the SUI Layer-1 blockchain, is designed for high transaction speeds. Recently gaining popularity, Sui is currently trading at **$4.2**, reflecting a decline of over **10%**.

![Sui](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/f70b4989f9dfff0c3a97aefb34719c95.jpg)

The cryptocurrency market is declining as the holiday season starts, but this will likely change soon

This Week's Crypto Spotlight: Bitcoin, Bitget, Dogecoin, Solana & More!

### Key Takeaways
- Analysts from **Bitwise**, **Standard Chartered**, and **VanEck** predict Bitcoin could soar to between **$180,000 and $200,000** in **2025**.
- Increased demand from **spot Bitcoin ETFs** is expected to match 2024's impressive inflows.
- A potential **U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve** could provide additional price support.

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) has experienced a remarkable **2024**, surpassing significant price milestones, including **$100,000**. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors:
- The introduction of **spot Bitcoin ETFs** in January.
- Anticipation surrounding the upcoming **halving**, which will reduce the supply of new Bitcoin.
- Hopes for **crypto-friendly policies** following Donald Trump's re-election.

Despite recent uncertainties in the crypto markets due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate projections, many analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's future. They caution, however, that volatility may be on the horizon.

### Analysts See More Room to Run for Bitcoin
Before the recent market fluctuations, **Bitwise** forecasted Bitcoin could exceed **$200,000** for the first time in **2025**. This figure could rise to **$500,000** if the government adopts Senator **Cynthia Lummis'** proposal to purchase **1 million Bitcoin** for a strategic reserve.

Former President Trump has backed the idea of a **Bitcoin strategic reserve**, although the details regarding the amount of Bitcoin the government could hold remain unclear.

**Standard Chartered** aligns with Bitwise's optimistic outlook, expecting continued strong inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, which have already seen over **$36 billion** in net inflows this year.

**VanEck** analysts predict a more conservative peak of **$180,000** in 2025, anticipating a **30% decline** after reaching new highs, followed by a consolidation period.

Currently, Bitcoin trades around **$95,000**, with the total cryptocurrency market cap estimated at **$3.26 trillion**.

Analysts are bullish that demand from spot bitcoin ETFs and the possible adoption of a U.S. bitcoin reserve could help bitcoin to new highs in 2025.

Bitcoin's Bold Future: Analysts Predict Prices Up to $200,000 by 2025

### Trump Fuels Bitcoin Surge

Donald Trump, the **U.S. president-elect**, has dramatically influenced the **bitcoin price**, which has soared to record highs this year—**crossing the $100,000 mark**—following his announcement of plans to establish a **U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve**. This move is seen as a catalyst for a **capital markets renaissance**, with predictions that it could **unlock trillions in wealth**.

### The Vision for a Bitcoin Reserve

**Michael Saylor**, founder of MicroStrategy, has pitched the idea that a strategic digital asset policy could enhance the **U.S. dollar**, mitigate national debt, and position the United States as a leader in the **21st-century digital economy**. His proposal outlines the potential for a U.S. bitcoin reserve to generate between **$16 trillion and $81 trillion**, which would significantly help offset the national debt, currently over **$36 trillion**.

![Trump Bitcoin](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/673ebee12e1dea797d41da32/Trump--Donald-Trump--bitcoin--bitcoin-price--bitcoin-reserve--Michael-Saylor--image/960x0.jpg?cropX1=569&cropX2=2876&cropY1=0&cropY2=1545)

### Appointments and Policy Changes

In a recent update, Trump has appointed **Bo Hines** as the executive director of a new **presidential council of advisers for digital assets**. This council aims to foster innovation and support industry leaders in the digital asset space. Additionally, **Stephan Miran**, a pro-bitcoin former Treasury official, will chair the **Council of Economic Advisors**, advocating for crypto regulation in the U.S.

### The Market Impact

As the **bitcoin market** continues to boom, it is expected to create massive demand for **U.S. Treasuries** and expand global digital capital markets from **$2 trillion to $280 trillion**, with U.S. investors capturing a significant portion of this wealth. Notably, **Tether**, a stablecoin issuer, has significantly contributed to this trend, recording profits of **$10 billion in 2024**.

### Future Predictions

Senator **Cynthia Lummis** has proposed a bill for the U.S. Treasury to purchase **200,000 bitcoins annually** until a reserve of **1 million bitcoins** is achieved. This ambitious strategy is part of a broader vision to enhance the U.S.'s position in the global digital finance landscape.

![Bitcoin Price Chart](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6767e20243f39e48a697a5f1/Trump--Donald-Trump--bitcoin--bitcoin-price--bitcoin-reserve--Michael-Saylor--chart/960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

In summary, Trump's strategic embrace of **bitcoin** could redefine the financial landscape, creating unprecedented opportunities for investors and significantly impacting the U.S. economy.

Donald Trump has been pitched a "capital markets renaissance fueled" by bitcoin to "unlock trillions in wealth"...

Trump's Bitcoin Strategy: A $280 Trillion Opportunity for Investors

## SEALSQ's Quantum-Resistant Technology

Geneva, Switzerland, Dec. 23, 2024 – SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES), a leader in **semiconductors, PKI**, and **post-quantum technology**, is at the forefront of addressing the potential threats posed by **quantum computing** to Bitcoin and other blockchain systems. Through its **QUASARS project**, SEALSQ is innovating in the field of **Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)**, developing hybrid solutions and **quantum-resistant hardware** aimed at securing critical infrastructures like the **Internet of Things (IoT)** and blockchain networks.

## Understanding Quantum Computing Risks to Bitcoin

As quantum computing technology advances, it poses significant risks to blockchain systems, particularly Bitcoin. The security of Bitcoin relies on cryptographic principles that could be compromised by sufficiently powerful quantum computers. **Key vulnerabilities** include:

1. **p2pk and Reused p2pkh Addresses**: These expose public keys, enabling quantum computers to derive private keys and potentially steal funds.
2. **Unspendable Bitcoins**: Many Bitcoins in vulnerable addresses are at risk due to lost private keys, which could be exploited by quantum computing advancements.

## Mitigating Bitcoin’s Quantum Vulnerabilities

To protect Bitcoin from these emerging quantum threats, several actions can be taken:
- **Transfer Funds to New p2pkh Addresses**: Bitcoins in unused p2pkh addresses are safer as their public keys are not exposed. This transfer can mitigate immediate risks.
- **Consensus-Driven Ultimatums**: The Bitcoin community could establish ultimatums requiring funds to be moved to secure addresses, rendering coins in unsafe addresses unusable after a set period. This approach necessitates broad consensus to avoid unintended consequences.

## Ensuring Bitcoin's Long-Term Resilience

Even with secure vulnerable Bitcoins, blockchain systems face risks during transactions:
- Public keys are exposed when funds are moved, creating opportunities for quantum attackers to derive private keys.
- Currently, Bitcoin's network requires about 10 minutes to mine a block. Quantum computers would need to derive private keys quicker than this to exploit the system. Estimates suggest it takes approximately 30 minutes for quantum computers to hack a Bitcoin signature, providing temporary resistance. However, rapid advancements in quantum technology could jeopardize this security.

## SEALSQ's Commitment to a Quantum-Secure Future

SEALSQ is taking proactive measures to develop **quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions**. Their advancements in hybrid post-quantum hardware and software are designed to ensure critical systems, including Bitcoin and IoT networks, remain resilient in a quantum future. SEALSQ empowers organizations to transition securely into a reality where quantum computing is prevalent.

With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to cybersecurity, SEALSQ is leading the charge in creating a secure digital future that withstands even the most advanced threats.

## About SEALSQ

SEALSQ is a pioneering innovator in **Post-Quantum Technology** hardware and software solutions, integrating **semiconductors, PKI**, and provisioning services. They focus on developing state-of-the-art **quantum-resistant cryptography** and semiconductors to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers evolve, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and ECC become increasingly vulnerable.

SEALSQ is committed to creating **Post-Quantum Semiconductors** that offer robust protection for sensitive data across various applications, ensuring organizations remain protected against quantum threats. Their products enhance resilience and security across multiple industries.

For more information on their Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, visit [SEALSQ's website](https://www.sealsq.com).

Geneva, Switzerland , Dec.  23, 2024  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --   SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) (

How SEALSQ is Pioneering Quantum-Resistant Solutions for Bitcoin's Future

### A Banner Year for Bitcoin ETFs

Spot **bitcoin exchange-traded funds** (ETFs) have made headlines, surpassing **$100 billion in assets** under management as of early December. This marks a significant milestone in the world of cryptocurrency, with major asset managers now offering products that hold the flagship digital currency.

![Bitcoin on Screen](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/108066362-1732206217070-gettyimages-2185249409-20090101241121-99-105444.jpeg?v=1733422262&w=1858&h=1045&vtcrop=y)
*Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez | Picture Alliance | Getty Images*

The **U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission** approved the first spot bitcoin ETFs in January, leading to a remarkable collective asset growth. These ETFs have been described as a **“traditional way to buy an untraditional asset”** by Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner.

### Current Market Landscape

Despite recent volatility, the price of **bitcoin** has surged nearly **120% year-to-date**, partially driven by pro-crypto policies from President-elect **Donald Trump**. However, this surge comes with a caveat; there is **significant volatility** compared to traditional investments.

### Caution from Financial Advisors

Many financial advisors remain **cautious** about recommending bitcoin ETFs. According to a survey, **59%** of advisors do not currently discuss cryptocurrency with their clients. 

### Recommendations for Investors

If you're considering investing in bitcoin ETFs, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

- **Rebalancing Policy**: Keep your allocation small, ideally around **2% to 3%** of your portfolio. Regularly rebalance to avoid excessive risk exposure.
- **Investment Timeline**: Like traditional stocks, it's advisable to hold bitcoin for **at least 10 years** due to its inherent volatility. This is not suitable for short-term savings goals like a house down payment.

“**It’s good to rebalance** on a regular schedule, quarterly at a minimum, or even monthly for volatile assets such as bitcoin,” Amy Arnott suggests. 

### Conclusion

As interest in bitcoin ETFs grows, it’s crucial to approach these investments with a clear strategy and an understanding of the risks involved.

Spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds surpassed $100 billion in assets under management in early December. Here's what to know before buying these ETFs.

Unlocking Bitcoin ETFs: What You Need to Know About This Game-Changing Investment

### The Rise of Shiba Inu
Few assets have demonstrated more **millionaire-maker potential** than **Shiba Inu (SHIB)**, a controversial cryptocurrency that **soared by 45,278,000% in 2021**. However, this unprecedented rally was driven by hype rather than sustainable fundamentals, leading to significant losses by mid-2022.

### A Speculative Bet on Crypto
**Meme coins**, which began with the launch of **Dogecoin** in 2013, are generally considered less serious investments. Shiba Inu, created in 2020 as an alternative to Dogecoin, mimics its predecessor's branding. These coins often lack real-world utility and are susceptible to **exit scams**, where developers abandon projects after cashing out.

### Can Meme Coins Graduate?
While no cryptocurrency currently has substantial real-world utility, there is potential for meme coins like Shiba Inu to gain acceptance. As they achieve mainstream recognition, they might evolve into viable alternatives to more established coins.

### Political Optimism and Market Movements
Shiba Inu prices have recently surged by **92%**, partly fueled by **political optimism** surrounding the cryptocurrency industry. President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises to ease regulations may encourage institutional ownership, benefiting established coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum more than meme coins like Shiba Inu.

### Is Shiba Inu a Good Investment?
Currently, bullish factors for Shiba Inu are linked to the broader cryptocurrency market rather than the token itself. It lacks distinct fundamental advantages compared to thousands of competing projects. Investors may find safer options in established coins while waiting for Shiba Inu to potentially shed its **meme-coin stigma**.

Few assets have demonstrated more millionaire-maker potential than Shiba Inu (SHIB -0.50%), a controversial cryptocurrency that soared by 45,278,000% in 2021. But this unprecedented rally was based on hype instead of sustainable fundamentals, and the token gave back most of its gains by mid-2022.

Can Shiba Inu Transform into Your Next Millionaire-Maker Cryptocurrency?

### Key Takeaways
- **MicroStrategy shares** have gained more than **400%** this year, driven by investor **optimism** regarding its strategy of acquiring **bitcoin** as the cryptocurrency hits record highs.
- The stock's performance significantly **outpaces** bitcoin's gains, which are around **125%** this year, but both exhibit **extreme volatility**.
- The company's strategy involves using **leverage** to acquire more bitcoin, funding these purchases through the issuance of additional shares or debt.
- Analysts remain **bullish** on MicroStrategy due to a positive outlook on bitcoin, although concerns exist over the sustainability of the stock's performance.

### MicroStrategy's Rise to Prominence
MicroStrategy, previously an obscure software firm, has risen to prominence following its massive bet on **bitcoin**. This year, as bitcoin surged above **$100,000**, the company’s stock soared, making it a notable player in the **Nasdaq 100 Index** alongside giants like **Nvidia**, **Apple**, and **Tesla**. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking this index are now required to adjust their portfolios to include MicroStrategy.

### The Leverage Strategy
MicroStrategy's approach involves leveraging its existing bitcoin reserves to issue **debt**, allowing it to buy larger amounts of bitcoin. In a recent interview, Chairman **Michael Saylor** described the company as a **bitcoin treasury operations** entity. Since 2020, MicroStrategy has accumulated **439,000 BTC**, representing over **2%** of the total bitcoin supply.

### Bitcoin Yield and Stock Performance
The company evaluates its success through a metric known as **bitcoin yield**, which measures the change in bitcoin ownership per share. As of December 15, the ratio stood at **1.57**, indicating a **72.4%** year-over-year increase in yield.

### Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
Despite the bullish sentiment, not all investors share the same optimism. Some analysts predict a potential **correction** in MicroStrategy's stock, especially given the leverage involved. **Citron Research** has opened a short position against the stock, citing concerns about its overheated status and disconnection from bitcoin fundamentals.

### Conclusion
MicroStrategy's stock has become a **leveraged play on bitcoin**, with analysts at **Bernstein** raising their price target significantly as the company continues to capitalize on its bitcoin holdings. However, the risks associated with leverage and market volatility remain a point of contention among investors.

MicroStrategy was an obscure software company until its massive bet on bitcoin helped send its stock soaring this year. Here's what you need to know about the company as it gets included in the Nasdaq 100.

MARA's Massive Bitcoin Acquisition: $1.1 Billion and Counting!

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What Are Bitcoin Miners?

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