Bitcoin's surge to over $15,000 makes cryptocurrency top asset of 2020

Escalating pandemic, a weak dollar and looser monetary policy will drive more gains, say experts

Sceptics argue cryptocurrency markets have a history of wild swings and are merely riding a tide of liquidity. Reuters  

Bitcoin’s surge during US election week has pulled cryptocurrency performance further ahead of major asset classes this year.

The Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index of digital currencies, including Bitcoin, is up about 120 per cent in 2020, exceeding gold’s near 30 per cent jump. The crypto index has rallied some 11 per cent during a three-day streak since the US presidential election day, a period when the dollar fell to a 2018 low.

Crypto believers say an escalating pandemic and sliding greenback amid ever looser monetary policy will spur more gains as investors seek stores of value. Sceptics argue crypto markets have a history of wild swings and are merely riding a tide of liquidity.

Democratic nominee Joe Biden appears on the verge of claiming the presidency from Donald Trump, who has questioned the credibility of the election.

A tight Senate race could leave the chamber in Republican control, setting up a divided government that diminishes the odds of huge fiscal stimulus and heaps pressure on the Federal Reserve to loosen monetary policy even more.

“Gold, silver and Bitcoin have worked like a dream in the weak US dollar environment and has attracted huge client interest,” Chris Weston, head of research with Pepperstone Group, wrote in a note to clients. Further substantial dollar weakness would encourage “an even more constructive view” on gold and Bitcoin, according to Mr Weston.

Bitcoin breached $15,000 this week and climbed 2.1 per cent as of 2pm in Tokyo. The Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index advanced 3.1 per cent.