It has more than tripled in value over the past year, with its most recent rise attributed to strong demand in Japan
(LONDON) — Bitcoin surged to an all-time high above $1,400 on Tuesday, after more than tripling in value over the past year, with its most recent rise attributed to strong demand in Japan, where the digital currency has been deemed a legal means of payment.
Cryptocompare, a data website that analyses bitcoin trading across dozens of exchanges globally, said around 50 percent of trading volume over the past 24 hours had been on the bitcoin/Japanese yen exchange rate.
«The Japanese have recently warmed their approach towards bitcoin by treating it legally as a form of payment — a ratification and bringing into the regulatory fold, » said Charles Hayter, the website’s founder.
«China’s clampdown on exchanges can also be seen as a positive move for the industry too, » he added.
