Crypto

Bitcoin halving 2024 - Will this be the next big hype in crypto?

January 19, 2024

Following the recent launch of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States, attention in the crypto market is now focusing on another significant phenomenon: the 2024 Bitcoin halving. This article explores the concept of Bitcoin halving, the historical impact on the price, and the potential implications for the crypto market.‍‍

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What is the Bitcoin halving?

‍TheBitcoin halving is a built-in rule within the Bitcoin protocol, where approximately every four years, or after every 210,000 blocks, the reward for miners halves. This mechanism serves to limit Bitcoin's inflation and increase its rarity. Previous halvings took place in 2012, 2016 and 2020, and the next is expected in April 2024.

Below is an overview of the rewards over the years:

  • In 2009, when Bitcoin was created, the reward was 50 BTC.
  • In 2012, this reward was halved to 25 BTC.
  • Then, in 2016, the reward fell further to 12.5 BTC.
  • The most recent halving in 2020 brought the reward to 6.25 BTC.
  • The next expected halving in 2024 will lower the reward to 3,125 BTC.

Historical perspective

‍Historicaldata show that Bitcoin halvings have significant impact on the price of Bitcoin. After the halving in 2012, the price of Bitcoin rose from about $12 to over $1,000 the following year. The 2016 halving resulted in a price increase from about $650 to nearly $20,000 at the end of 2017. This data fuels speculation that the halving in 2024 may trigger another significant price increase.

‍‍Themain reason Bitcoin halving affects the price is the law of supply and demand. A decrease in new Bitcoins entering the market, combined with increasing demand, can lead to price increases. Bitcoin's increasing rarity can stimulate demand, resulting in a potential price increase.

Possible scenarios for Bitcoin halving in 2024

‍The2024 Bitcoin halving may have several implications for the crypto market:

Positive scenarios:
  • Increasing scarcity and price increase: As in previous halvings, the decreasing supply of new Bitcoins can lead to increased scarcity and potentially a significant price increase. This scenario is based on the principle of supply and demand, where less supply for equal or increasing demand can lead to higher prices.
  • Increased investor interest: The halving may attract the attention of new and existing investors, leading to an influx of capital into the market. This can happen particularly if the halving coincides with other positive developments in the crypto world.
  • Increased confidence and adoption: The halving may increase confidence in Bitcoin as a sustainable and value-retaining asset. This may lead to wider adoption of Bitcoin by both individual investors and institutional parties.

Negative scenarios:
  • Impact on mining profitability: With the halving of rewards, miners' revenues may come under pressure, especially if the Bitcoin price does not increase significantly. This could lead to a decrease in hashrate, which could affect the security and stability of the network.
  • Market volatility: The run-up to the halving can lead to speculative trading, which can increase volatility in the market. This can trigger both positive and negative price fluctuations.
  • Disappointing price performance: There is a possibility that the market has already priced in the halving, which may result in less spectacular price increases than expected or even a decline after the halving.

In conclusion

It is important to note that these scenarios are speculative and the actual outcome depends on a range of factors, including the overall health of the global economy, technological developments in the blockchain industry, and changes in regulatory policies. As always when investing in cryptocurrencies, it is advisable to do thorough research and take a diversified approach.

‍‍The2024 Bitcoin halving is viewed with great interest in the crypto world. Although previous halvings show trends of supply and demand, and technological developments, caution is warranted given the unpredictability of the crypto market.

Disclaimer

This article is purely informational and should not be construed as financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk and should be done based on careful research and personal considerations. Historical data does not guarantee future results.