Published on: 09/04/2024
In an intriguing new turn in the ever-evolving world of digital currency, consumer trust in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been rising, according to a recent survey report by Deutsche Bank. This growth in confidence is noteworthy, particularly considering the notorious volatility of cryptocurrency prices.
The Deutsche Bank survey, carried out in April, polled more than 3,600 consumers and demonstrated a drop in skepticism towards Bitcoin compared to previous similar studies. Only a third of respondents still expect a precipitous drop in the Bitcoin price by 2024. In fact, slightly more than half agreed that cryptocurrencies as a whole would soon be significant in the realms of asset class and payment transactions. The finding denotes a stark change in sentiments from the September 2023 survey when less than 40% of participants showed such confidence. The perception of crypto as a transient trend is also dwindling as less than 1% of respondents now hold this belief.
Moreover, the survey explored further into the price of Bitcoin in anticipation of its forthcoming halving. Analysts from Deutsche Bank project price support, guided by regulatory rules, central bank rate cuts, and the potential approval of a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Such anticipation and optimism could explain why only 10% of participants are expecting Bitcoin to exceed the $75,000 mark by the year-end, whilst a third forecast it to dip below the $20,000 level by 2024.
This survey’s findings are even more intriguing given recent developments around Bitcoin since 2024 began. In January, the SEC gave its approval to the first US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs, with staggering daily net inflows of $1 billion recorded on March 12. Plus, Bitcoin achieved a new all-time high of $73,794 in mid-March and analysts anticipate an even higher spike after the upcoming halving event, which is predicted to occur around April 20.
Some experts project a colossal 160% increase post-halving, potentially pushing Bitcoin prices to touch the $150,000 mark. This expectation has led to bullish sentiment amongst certain analysts, attributing their optimism to the elevated overall demand and other macroeconomic factors that could potentially drive up the price.
In conclusion, the recent Deutsche Bank survey highlights a shift in consumer and investor sentiment towards digital currencies. This change, coupled with pivotal developments in the cryptocurrency market, could indeed alter the trajectory of Bitcoin and lead to an exciting rest of the year. From an investors point of view, keeping a close eye on this evolving segment seems prudent, both from a participation and understanding risk perspective.