Bitcoin surpasses $98,000 as investors anticipate regulatory changes under Trump

Bitcoin prices surged past $98,000 for the first time during European trading, rising about 4% on Thursday. This increase follows investor optimism regarding a more favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies under President-elect Donald Trump. Since Trump's election, Bitcoin's value has more than doubled, gaining approximately 40% in just two weeks. Over $4 billion has flowed into U.S. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds since the election, indicating strong investor interest. Crypto-related stocks also experienced significant gains, with shares of bitcoin miner MARA Holdings rising nearly 14% and MicroStrategy increasing by 10%. Investors are hopeful that the new administration will provide the regulatory clarity the crypto community seeks.