Recent Poll: Almost 50% of People Believe Bitcoin Will be Worth Over $500 by 2016
Expert analysis suggests that Bitcoin’s price potential for next year will surpass its highest points during 2014 and 2015. It has been forecasted that the digital currency’s value will end at around $500 this year.
Based on a recent poll by CoinDesk, it revealed that almost half of the respondents (48%) believe that Bitcoins will be valued at more than $400 by next year. But, some 33% were also hopeful to see it rise to around $501-$1,000 before the end of this year.
From January’s depreciation to below $200, the price of Bitcoin trading jumped by more than $410 this month. It is notable, but still far from its historical high of around $1,150.
More reasons for Bitcoin’s increased value
The same report also noted some of the main reasons for the possible increase in value of the virtual currency. Here are the top reasons for Bitcoin’s increased value in 2016:
• Surge in capital control in China
• A slew of positive news stories from the mainstream media
• Switching interest from Blockchain to Bitcoin
• Continued investments and adoption from industry companies
• Exemption from value-added tax (VAT) especially in Europe
• Launch of Bitcoin exchange Gemini in New York
However, some 27.4 % also said they are not certain what had caused the price movement or the recent increase in the price of Bitcoin. Economist Brendan O’Connor mentioned in an interview with CNBC that he felt the rumors about “international rings of traders teaming up to drive up the exchange rate,” could have substance although he was unable to confirm the rumor was 100% true.
Going mainstream?
Bitcoin is now gaining strong traction from consumers and businesses alike. Big brands such as Dell Computers and The United Way have integrated the digital currency in to their business payment processes.
Slowly but surely, Bitcoin is going mainstream, yet it still remains in a decentralized currency status. No single entity, corporation, or government holds or affects the virtual currency’s price.
Contrary to most assumptions and rumors, it seems unlikely that Bitcoin will replace physical currencies or lead to its extinction.
“History shows that it’s unlikely that more traditional physical forms of currency will disappear as humans have shown a fundamental desire for a physical means of trade,” as written on FXCM’s The History of Currency. “But at the same time, developments have shown that individuals and societies will seek ever-widening definitions for the concept of “currency” to increase the economic efficiency and advantages obtained from trading.”
Though, Bitcoin is still seeing growth worldwide. Although there are other digital currencies being used for trade and exchange, they are not all accepted by merchants and nowhere near as popular as Bitcoin.
Bitcoin ATM worldwide
There are a growing number of Bitcoin ATMs in operation worldwide (more than 400 operating terminals), helping drive its popularity and use of the digital currency. But a financial software strategist believes that the trend is ‘unlikely to last in its current form.’
Devon Watson, vice president of global software company, said that these ATM terminals have relied so far on a ‘flawed distribution model.’ The current Bitcoin ATMs are said to offer advantages to small markets, but are unlikely to succeed in a competitive one.
“[Bitcoin ATMs] provide only one benefit to the customer, whereas the majority of ATMs have a number of different possible transactions and meet a number of needs,” said Watson in an interview this year.
Watson’s company is still investigating the full capability of Bitcoin ATMs in the consumer market. Should the need arise in the future, he believes providers will be able to cope up with the demand. However, currently they are still assessing “when it might make sense and how.”
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