In a video update, CryptoNewsAlert host Justin Verrengia speculates on a substantial Bitcoin investment by the Saudi Arabian and Qatari governments, possibly to be revealed next week.
Sovereign Wealth Funds at Play
Rumors suggest both governments aim to secure approximately one million BTC using their sovereign wealth funds, a figure comparable to the Bitcoin holdings of Satoshi Nakamoto, the cryptocurrency's mysterious creator.
Max Keiser Sparks Speculation
Bitcoin maximalist Max Keiser initiated the speculation, asserting that the Saudi and Qatari investment in Bitcoin will surpass previous commitments by giants like BlackRock and MicroStrategy. The speculation gained mainstream attention after Keiser's tweet.
Islamic Acceptance Fuels Interest
The shift towards Bitcoin gained momentum following a declaration by a Saudi cleric, confirming Bitcoin's acceptability under Islamic principles. Additionally, a report highlighted a collaboration between Saudi oil giant Aramco and SBI Holdings in the digital asset space, further indicating potential benefits for Bitcoin.
Qatari Government's $500 Billion Plan
Simultaneously, reports suggest that the Qatari government is considering allocating approximately $500 billion from its sovereign wealth fund into Bitcoin. This mirrors sentiments surrounding the recent launch of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States.
ETF Launch Institutionalizes Bitcoin
The January 11 launch of the Bitcoin ETF in the U.S., after years of regulatory delays, marked a turning point, institutionalizing Bitcoin as a mainstream investment asset. Despite sustained interest, Bitcoin's market performance has faced challenges.
Market Volatility Post-ETF Approval
Following the ETF approval, Bitcoin surged to $48K but experienced a significant drop, reaching lows of $40K. Presently, Bitcoin is priced at $40,735 according to CoinMarketCap data.
Despite Growing Interest, Bitcoin Faces Market Challenges
While interest in Bitcoin continues, its market performance has been marked by volatility, with prices fluctuating from recent highs to current levels around $40,735. This underscores the challenges faced by the cryptocurrency despite institutional recognition and investment interest.