Close Menu
  • Crypto News
    • News
    • Bitcoin
    • Blockchain
    • BNB
    • Dogecoin
    • Ethereum
    • Litecoin
    • Meme Coins
    • Solana
    • Toncoin
    • XRP
  • Business
  • Markets
  • Regulation
  • Guides
  • Press Release
What's Hot

Metaplanet’s $5 Billion Capital Fuels Bitcoin Strategy

June 27, 2025

The COIN Act: Can This Bill Stop Trump’s Digital Cash Flow?

June 27, 2025

Polymarket NYC Mayor Betting Sees Big Jump As Scandals Unfold

June 27, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
X (Twitter) Telegram
Crypto Junction
  • Crypto News
    • News
    • Bitcoin
    • Blockchain
    • BNB
    • Dogecoin
    • Ethereum
    • Litecoin
    • Meme Coins
    • Solana
    • Toncoin
    • XRP
  • Business
  • Markets
  • Regulation
  • Guides
  • Press Release
Crypto Junction
Home » Unpacking the Cryptocurrency Boom: What’s Driving Bitcoin & Ethereum’s Price Surge?
Bitcoin Crypto Uncategorized

Unpacking the Cryptocurrency Boom: What’s Driving Bitcoin & Ethereum’s Price Surge?

Karly MarieBy Karly MarieSeptember 28, 2017Updated:March 8, 20255 Mins Read
Twitter Telegram Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Facebook Reddit
Share
Twitter Telegram Facebook Pinterest Copy Link

Cryptocurrency has dominated financial conversations in 2017, with Bitcoin and Ethereum experiencing record-breaking growth. As of September 23, the market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies surpassed $131 billion, with Bitcoin leading at over $62 billion and Ethereum at $26 billion. The returns have been staggering—Bitcoin surged by 358%, while Ethereum skyrocketed by an astonishing 4000%.

To put this into perspective, Money magazine reported that a $10,000 investment in Bitcoin on September 1, 2016, would have been worth over $85,000 just a year later. This exponential growth has fueled a surge of new investors, but it has also drawn skepticism from financial giants like Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, and Jamie Dimon, the latter even calling Bitcoin a “fraud.”

So, what’s behind this massive price surge? Is it merely speculative hype, or are there deeper forces at play?

1. The Ease of Access Driving Mass Adoption

One of the biggest factors contributing to cryptocurrency’s explosive growth is how easy it has become to purchase digital assets. Today, thousands of Bitcoin ATMs exist worldwide, allowing users to buy Bitcoin almost instantly. Online exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken have further simplified the process, making it accessible to everyday investors.

This ease of entry, combined with extensive media coverage, has led to a flood of new, less experienced buyers entering the market, further driving up demand.

2. Public Awareness and the Power of Network Effects

Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche subject—mainstream awareness has skyrocketed. From Netflix documentaries to Khan Academy courses, blockchain technology is being widely discussed, increasing public familiarity.

The rise of investment platforms like eToro’s “Crypto CopyFund” and Hargreaves Lansdown’s exchange-traded notes on Bitcoin have also contributed to the digital currency’s growing credibility. Additionally, celebrity endorsements from figures like Jamie Foxx and Floyd Mayweather have boosted interest in initial coin offerings (ICOs), further fueling market speculation.

What’s happening is a classic network effect—the more people adopt and talk about cryptocurrency, the more valuable it becomes. Investors hold Bitcoin because merchants accept it, and merchants accept it because investors hold it, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

3. Cryptocurrency’s Appeal for Anonymity and Criminal Activity

Beyond mainstream adoption, another driving force behind Bitcoin’s price surge is its use in anonymous transactions, often linked to illegal activities. Bitcoin remains a preferred medium for cybercriminals, with its untraceable nature making it the “currency of choice” for hackers, money launderers, and dark web transactions.

A University of Florida study even suggested that cryptocurrencies could become the ultimate “super tax havens,” allowing for large-scale tax evasion. Regulatory crackdowns are increasing, with the SEC suspending trading in certain blockchain-related companies and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) investigating fraudulent ICOs.

While the extent to which criminal activities contribute to Bitcoin’s price rise is debatable, its role as an anonymous currency undeniably fuels its demand.

4. The ICO Boom and Its Role in Driving Bitcoin and Ethereum Prices

The initial coin offering (ICO) market has played a crucial role in Bitcoin and Ethereum’s price explosion. Startups are raising billions by issuing digital tokens, which often require Bitcoin or Ethereum for purchase.

With over $1.2 billion raised in ICOs in 2017 alone, the demand for these leading cryptocurrencies has surged. As more companies enter the ICO space, Bitcoin and Ethereum benefit from increased buying pressure, further pushing their prices upward.

5. A Deepening Distrust in Traditional Banking

The 2008 financial crisis left lasting scars on global finance, and many individuals remain skeptical of traditional banking systems. Cryptocurrencies, with their decentralized nature, offer an alternative financial system free from institutional control.

Venture capitalist Rick Yang has noted that fintech’s rise stems from a “massive distrust of existing financial services.”Bitcoin’s growing popularity reflects this sentiment, positioning it as a digital financial alternative resistant to manipulation by governments and banks.

As The Guardian put it, Bitcoin represents a “rival value system” to traditional banking—one that operates beyond the reach of central authorities.

6. Bitcoin as a Global Safe Haven Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

In countries experiencing economic instability, Bitcoin has emerged as a potential hedge against currency devaluation. Venezuela, for example, has seen a rise in cryptocurrency mining as a way for citizens to escape hyperinflation.

Some analysts now compare Bitcoin to “digital gold”—a fixed-supply asset used as a hedge in times of crisis. Financial experts like Naeem Aslam suggest that investors are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a “safe-haven asset”, similar to gold or the U.S. dollar.

The Road Ahead: A Bubble or the Future of Finance?

As cryptocurrency continues its meteoric rise, the debate rages on: Is this a financial bubble, or are we witnessing the birth of a revolutionary financial system?

Yale economist Robert Shiller likens Bitcoin’s rise to past speculative bubbles, arguing that “stories, not fundamentals”are driving the price surge. Yet, even if Bitcoin experiences a dramatic crash, its underlying blockchain technology is likely here to stay—much like the internet boom of the late 1990s, which ultimately gave rise to today’s digital economy.

Former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt Jr. believes that cryptocurrency is “here to stay”, and given the global instability and growing distrust in traditional financial systems, digital assets may remain a crucial part of the financial landscape for years to come.

The question is no longer if cryptocurrencies will survive, but in what form they will shape the future of global finance.

Bitcoin Blockchain Crypto Investment Cryptocurrency Digital Currency Ethereum Financial Technology ICO Market Trends
Share. Telegram Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Facebook Reddit Copy Link
Karly Marie
Karly Marie

Related Posts

Ethereum Price Drop Triggers Biggest ETF Outflow Yet

June 25, 2025

CoinMarketCap Security Breach Triggers Wallet Scam Alert

June 25, 2025

Nakamoto Bitcoin Treasury Expansion Hits Record $51.5M

June 25, 2025

Bloomberg Altcoin ETF Approvals Soar To 90% Odds

June 25, 2025
Trending Posts

Pump Fun Founder’s Twitter Account Blocked by X

June 17, 2025

Trump’s Crypto Czar David Sacks Denies ‘Dumping’ Bitcoin and Ethereum, Says Ethics Rules Forced Divestment

March 21, 2025

Stablecoins on the Rise: Benefits, Risks, and the Future of Digital Payments

September 20, 2019

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest sports news from SportsSite about soccer, football and tennis.

Crypto Junction, founded in 2014, is one of the original and most trusted sources for cryptocurrency news and blockchain insights. We provide accurate, unbiased, and timely coverage of digital assets, market trends, and industry developments.

All content on Crypto Junction is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and carry risks. Always conduct your own research before making financial decisions.

We're social. Connect with us:

X (Twitter) Telegram
Top Insights

Metaplanet’s $5 Billion Capital Fuels Bitcoin Strategy

June 27, 2025

The COIN Act: Can This Bill Stop Trump’s Digital Cash Flow?

June 27, 2025

Polymarket NYC Mayor Betting Sees Big Jump As Scandals Unfold

June 27, 2025
ABOUT
  • About Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Investment Disclaimer
  • Press and Media Kit
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest crypto news and updates direct to your inbox - we don't spam

X (Twitter) Telegram
  • Altcoin News
  • Bitcoin News
  • Dogecoin News
  • Ethereum News
  • Litecoin News
  • Meme Coin News
  • Solana News
  • XRP News
© 2025 Crypto Junction

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

bitcoin
Bitcoin (BTC) $ 107,303.75
ethereum
Ethereum (ETH) $ 2,420.95
tether
Tether (USDT) $ 1.00
xrp
XRP (XRP) $ 2.18
bnb
BNB (BNB) $ 644.82
solana
Solana (SOL) $ 143.31
usd-coin
USDC (USDC) $ 1.00
tron
TRON (TRX) $ 0.273152
dogecoin
Dogecoin (DOGE) $ 0.162033
staked-ether
Lido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,418.83
cardano
Cardano (ADA) $ 0.560181
wrapped-bitcoin
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) $ 107,251.74
hyperliquid
Hyperliquid (HYPE) $ 36.73
bitcoin-cash
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) $ 499.04
wrapped-steth
Wrapped stETH (WSTETH) $ 2,915.10
sui
Sui (SUI) $ 2.70
chainlink
Chainlink (LINK) $ 13.16
leo-token
LEO Token (LEO) $ 9.08
avalanche-2
Avalanche (AVAX) $ 17.59
stellar
Stellar (XLM) $ 0.237453
usds
USDS (USDS) $ 0.999899
the-open-network
Toncoin (TON) $ 2.85
shiba-inu
Shiba Inu (SHIB) $ 0.000011
whitebit
WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) $ 46.34
weth
WETH (WETH) $ 2,419.05
litecoin
Litecoin (LTC) $ 85.20
wrapped-eeth
Wrapped eETH (WEETH) $ 2,590.66
binance-bridged-usdt-bnb-smart-chain
Binance Bridged USDT (BNB Smart Chain) (BSC-USD) $ 1.00
hedera-hashgraph
Hedera (HBAR) $ 0.145974
monero
Monero (XMR) $ 309.56
bitget-token
Bitget Token (BGB) $ 4.69
ethena-usde
Ethena USDe (USDE) $ 1.00
polkadot
Polkadot (DOT) $ 3.36
coinbase-wrapped-btc
Coinbase Wrapped BTC (CBBTC) $ 107,299.75
pi-network
Pi Network (PI) $ 0.553447
uniswap
Uniswap (UNI) $ 6.86
aave
Aave (AAVE) $ 256.63
pepe
Pepe (PEPE) $ 0.000009
dai
Dai (DAI) $ 1.00
ethena-staked-usde
Ethena Staked USDe (SUSDE) $ 1.18
aptos
Aptos (APT) $ 4.82
okb
OKB (OKB) $ 50.25
bittensor
Bittensor (TAO) $ 323.50
blackrock-usd-institutional-digital-liquidity-fund
BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) $ 1.00
near
NEAR Protocol (NEAR) $ 2.11
jito-staked-sol
Jito Staked SOL (JITOSOL) $ 173.63
internet-computer
Internet Computer (ICP) $ 4.74
crypto-com-chain
Cronos (CRO) $ 0.080592
ethereum-classic
Ethereum Classic (ETC) $ 16.12
susds
sUSDS (SUSDS) $ 1.06
ondo-finance
Ondo (ONDO) $ 0.746035
tokenize-xchange
Tokenize Xchange (TKX) $ 27.71
usd1-wlfi
USD1 (USD1) $ 0.999706
mantle
Mantle (MNT) $ 0.595433
kaspa
Kaspa (KAS) $ 0.074676
fasttoken
Fasttoken (FTN) $ 4.41
gatechain-token
Gate (GT) $ 15.52
official-trump
Official Trump (TRUMP) $ 9.01
cosmos
Cosmos Hub (ATOM) $ 3.94
vechain
VeChain (VET) $ 0.020458
fetch-ai
Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) $ 0.669014
lombard-staked-btc
Lombard Staked BTC (LBTC) $ 107,310.75
sky
Sky (SKY) $ 0.079168
render-token
Render (RENDER) $ 3.20
sei-network
Sei (SEI) $ 0.292211
polygon-ecosystem-token
POL (ex-MATIC) (POL) $ 0.174965
ethena
Ethena (ENA) $ 0.252765
algorand
Algorand (ALGO) $ 0.17462
arbitrum
Arbitrum (ARB) $ 0.302682
jupiter-perpetuals-liquidity-provider-token
Jupiter Perpetuals Liquidity Provider Token (JLP) $ 4.38
filecoin
Filecoin (FIL) $ 2.20
first-digital-usd
First Digital USD (FDUSD) $ 0.999102
binance-peg-weth
Binance-Peg WETH (WETH) $ 2,420.00
worldcoin-wld
Worldcoin (WLD) $ 0.874844
usdtb
USDtb (USDTB) $ 1.00
kucoin-shares
KuCoin (KCS) $ 11.11
binance-staked-sol
Binance Staked SOL (BNSOL) $ 151.87
usdt0
USDT0 (USDT0) $ 1.00
jupiter-exchange-solana
Jupiter (JUP) $ 0.410853
nexo
NEXO (NEXO) $ 1.20
flare-networks
Flare (FLR) $ 0.017109
rocket-pool-eth
Rocket Pool ETH (RETH) $ 2,755.55
kelp-dao-restaked-eth
Kelp DAO Restaked ETH (RSETH) $ 2,533.87
spx6900
SPX6900 (SPX) $ 1.18
bonk
Bonk (BONK) $ 0.000013
polygon-bridged-usdt-polygon
Polygon Bridged USDT (Polygon) (USDT) $ 1.00
injective-protocol
Injective (INJ) $ 10.52
fartcoin
Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) $ 1.02
kaia
Kaia (KAIA) $ 0.174392
blockstack
Stacks (STX) $ 0.656866
binance-bridged-usdc-bnb-smart-chain
Binance Bridged USDC (BNB Smart Chain) (USDC) $ 1.00
celestia
Celestia (TIA) $ 1.45
sonic-3
Sonic (S) $ 0.304879
paypal-usd
PayPal USD (PYUSD) $ 0.999954
xdce-crowd-sale
XDC Network (XDC) $ 0.059578
virtual-protocol
Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) $ 1.45
optimism
Optimism (OP) $ 0.535664
solv-btc
Solv Protocol BTC (SOLVBTC) $ 107,148.71
pax-gold
PAX Gold (PAXG) $ 3,295.49
mantle-staked-ether
Mantle Staked Ether (METH) $ 2,589.16