Crypto

Bitcoin Plunges Following Jim Cramer's Endorsement

Published January 3, 2024

Bitcoin recently fell sharply by 8 percent, a significant volatility that comes on the heels of television personality Jim Cramer's surprising endorsement. Known for his role as the host of CNBC's 'Mad Money,' Cramer has long been an outspoken critic of the digital currency. However, in a surprising turn, he hailed Bitcoin as a 'technological marvel' that is 'here to stay' right as it was experiencing a market rally to a high of $45,000.

Investors' Reaction to Cramer's Praise

Cramer's newfound admiration for Bitcoin sparked immediate concern amongst investors, given his notorious reputation for making market predictions that savvy investors often take with a grain of salt - to the point where an investment fund named 'Inverse Cramer' has been formed with the strategy to take contrary positions to Cramer’s advice.

The Fall and the Factors Behind It

Following Cramer's remarks, the price of Bitcoin dramatically dropped to around $41,000. This quick descent led to a cascade of forced sell-offs, or 'liquidations,' totaling about $400 million. It's unclear how much Cramer's commentary directly influenced the market correction, as Bitcoin is known for its price volatility and quick recoveries. Nonetheless, his timing was ironic, if not uncanny.

The decrease in Bitcoin's value may also be attributed to the uncertainty surrounding regulatory decisions on the approval of several Bitcoin spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Hopes were initially high for these ETFs, which would allow investors to track Bitcoin's price without owning the actual asset. Nevertheless, the circulation of a report suggesting that the approval of these ETFs might be denied has contributed to investors' wariness and the resulting drop in price.

Whether due to Cramer's influence or regulatory apprehension, Bitcoin's decline serves as a reminder of the cryptocurrency's unpredictable nature and the broader financial market's sensitivity to multiple external factors.

Bitcoin, Cramer, Volatility