Bitcoin, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency, demonstrated 120 per cent growth in 2024, outperforming most asset classes. However, its record-breaking run slowed at the end of 2024 and into the New Year 2025, leading to the token’s first monthly drop since August 2024, according to a Bloomberg report.

Bitcoin slipped 3.2 per cent in December as investors began cashing profits following the sustained rally in the lead-up to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. 

Bitcoin Outperformed Gold, Equities

The Trump-backed crypto fever pushed Bitcoin to an all-time high of $108,315 mid-December before US Federal Reserve decisions cooled the high. Still, the cryptocurrency has notched a 120 per cent gain through 2024, outperforming gold and global equities, as per the report. Bitcoin has also more than doubled in 2023 in a “comeback,” the report added. Interestingly, cocoa was among the few assets that beat even the crypto comeback.

And while investors and market watchers largely dipped into the Bitcoin pie, other crypto tokens also saw an influx. Meme-favourite Dogecoin rose 253 per cent—for example, a $10,000 investment in the token would have netted one $35,345 in return.

New All-time Highs?

• Edul Patel, CEO and co-founder, Mudrex, told Livemint that the outlook for 2025 is “even more promising” than 2024 due to the pro-crypto leadership at the SEC, CFTC, and the US White House working towards crypto-friendly regulations. “With better regulatory clarity from the US, the institutional interest in crypto is set to get stronger, bringing in higher inflows into the ETFs. On the other hand, countries like China, Canada, EU nations, and the Middle East are easing restrictions, creating a healthy environment for wider crypto adoption. These developments create a strong pipeline for the crypto industry, making 2025 a critical year in taking crypto investing mainstream. As adoption increases and the market matures, Bitcoin could potentially reach $150,000 by the end of the year, creating new milestones for the industry,” he added.
• Dr Sujata Seshadrinathan, Director of IT and Process, Basiz Fund Services, told Livemint she sees expectations from analysts for Bitcoin reaching life-time highs of $190,000-$200,000 in 2025. The Indian markets, she felt will see some large crypto trading platforms re-entering with due compliance to relevant government regulations. “Overall, 2025 could see regulatory clarity and protocols being established for the use of cryptocurrencies. This will mean moderation and controlled fluctuations in prices, with investor protection and institutional adoption moving well ahead on an upward trajectory,” Dr Seshadrinathan said.
• Kumar Gaurav, founder of Cashaa, speaking to Livemint echoed sentiments of Bitcoin surpassing the $150,000 level. “In 2025, I expect Bitcoin to conservatively surpass at least $150,000, fueled by increased institutional adoption, the approval of spot ETFs, and its strengthening role as a hedge against economic uncertainties,” he said. Gaurav also anticipates growth in the broader crypto markets and an increase in real-world applications. “I believe 2025 will mark a transformative year for crypto, positioning it as a cornerstone of the global financial system and accelerating mass adoption,” he stated.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.