Why Bitcoin Hit a One-Year Low: Competition from Governments

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Videos

Things have been relatively quiet on the cryptocurrency front for a number of months.

Since September, bitcoin (BTC) has been hovering around the $6,250–$6,750 range.

Wednesday brought a significant crash however, with 12% wiped off the currency in a day.

At time of writing BTC is trading at $5560.48, and seems to have halted its slide for now.

Source: coindesk.com

Free Report: The crypto revolution is just beginning and the biggest gains could actually be available right now. Learn more.

Lagarde indicates support for digital currencies

In a move that could lead to greater competition in the cryptocurrency scene, Christine Lagarde, managing director and chairwoman of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), indicated support for central bank backed digital currencies.

She remarked that:

‘I believe we should consider the possibility to issue digital currency. There may be a role for the state to supply money to the digital economy.’

She continued:

‘This setup would be good for users, bad for criminals, and better for the state, relative to cash. Of course, challenges remain. My goal, at this point, is to encourage exploration.’

This could be monumental news, if true.

Central banks want to force cryptocurrencies out

Central bankers have long been sceptical of cryptocurrency, seeing it as a platform for money laundering and speculation.

And yet, they realise the potential that it has, if only they could control it the same way they have controlled fiat currency.

Competition from government sources would naturally be a dampening factor on cryptocurrency prices as they would have the marketing capacity to get less tech savvy users on board.

Long-term, and this is speculative, there could be a schism whereby cryptocurrency users could be forced to convert their currency into a central bank backed digital currency.

For the moment though, such a scenario may be a long way off.

Regards,

Lachlann Tierney,
For Money Morning

PS: Crypto expert reveals the five things you must know to profit from the coming crypto revolution. Get the free report now.

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Lachlann Tierney

Lachlann Tierney is an Analyst for Money Morning and has been investing for nearly a decade. With a Masters of Science from the London School of Economics, he brings a sound understanding of global markets to his writing. Lachlann is interested in emerging technologies, energy solutions and helping people invest their money wisely. Recently he has been working with Ryan Dinse. Lachlann is involved in two publications:

Money Morning Australia