From Mid 2016 Bitcoin has been forming higher highs and higher lows every month making the market overtly trendy. With Yuan devaluation helping the cause, Bitcoin prices were soaring high with ample opportunities for investing. The continuous rise in prices and reasonably acceptable volatility made Bitcoin one of the best performing assets of 2016. Perceivably, majority of the people believed that China was responsible for the steady increase in prices. But was that really the case? Apart from the visible factors, there were other global drivers of adoption that helped the cause. Let’s dive into what we believe are two major factors that pulled in the volumes:
Indian Demonetization:
Prime Minister Modi sought to fight corruption, a widespread problem in India, by pulling out higher denomination bills from circulation. Considering the country’s largely unbanked population, it was a brave move. During this phase, the government tried actively to pursue a cashless society while pushing for digital wallets and transactions. Many Bitcoin startups including Unocoin, Zebay and Buyucoin have experienced a surge in their transactions owing to the policy. This has set up the stage for the growth of Fintech startups in India and has put Bitcoin into motion. The transactions from the subcontinent contributed heavily to the boost Bitcoin has received towards the fag end of 2016.
Venezuela’s inflation:
Venezuela is one country that has received a knockout blow from the economic crisis of 2008 followed by the oil slum of 2014. The once prosperous oil-rich country is now struggling to provide citizens with the most basic needs of life. The 100-bolívar note is worthless because it is worth less than $0.03 outside of the government’s pricing system. Most people have in fact started weighing the notes instead of counting them to barter for its worth. Owing to this and to introduce higher currency notes that would have value and power of purchase, government is all set to withdraw 100 bolivar notes. This transition was the opening Bitcoin needed to etch its place in the heart of Venezuela’s economy.
How Bitcoin gained:
Both demonetization in India and hyperinflation in Venezuela had a serious side effect on the population. It undermined public confidence in national currencies as store of wealth. As in the case of any hyperinflation cycle, public has resorted to holding foreign currencies that are stable. While they have an array of varied options, Gold and Bitcoin stood out as safe assets. While Gold cannot be handled with ease, owing to Bitcoins ease of use, the currency saw inflow of funds from different phases that ended up powering the bull run.