Bitcoin rises 14%: Where next for the cryptocurrency?

The Bitcoin price has risen 14% in just 24 hours. Will it go higher?

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The rollercoaster ride that is the Bitcoin price has continued on Tuesday with the cryptocurrency recovering some of its weekend declines.

At the time of writing the Bitcoin price is fetching US$6,646 a coin, according to CoinDesk, up over 14% since this time yesterday.

What happened?

Over the weekend the Bitcoin price crashed lower after digital currency developers disagreed on its future and cancelled the SegWit2x upgrade which was schedule to take place this week.

This upgrade was due to be undertaken in order to improve Bitcoin's transaction speed and cost by increasing the size of the blocks passed regularly around the network and stored in the blockchain from 1 MB to 2 MB.

But as the upgrade date drew closer, support for the upgrade softened amongst developers, ultimately leading to its cancellation.

However, there is speculation in cryptocurrency circles that SegWit2x has not be cancelled, but merely postponed and will go ahead in the not so distant future once a few issues are resolved. This speculation may have been the catalyst for its rebound overnight.

Where next for Bitcoin?

I suspect the Bitcoin price will be heading for a new record-high again over the coming weeks as traders return in their droves.

However, I wouldn't necessarily be in a rush to invest unless you could limit it to just a very small portion of your portfolio.

While I do see positives in Bitcoin such as its lack of correlation to other asset classes and therefore the diversification it brings portfolios, it is a highly speculative and risky investment.

Investors may ultimately be better off skipping the cryptocurrency and considering tech shares such as Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and XERO FPO NZX (ASX: XRO) instead.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Altium and Xero. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »