Why Are Digital Assets Booming After Trump’s Assassination Attempt?

The recent weeks have witnessed a substantial influx of investment into digital asset products, particularly Bitcoin, following an attempted assassination on former US President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. CoinShares Research reported that the past week saw the fifth-largest weekly inflow ever for digital asset investment products, totaling $1.44 billion. This surge occurred despite a broader market correction, showcasing investor optimism as they viewed the dip as a buying opportunity rather than a deterrent. Year-to-date inflows have now reached an impressive $17.8 billion, overshadowing the $10.6 billion recorded in 2021, demonstrating a robust confidence in the digital asset market.

Notably, the United States contributed substantially to this surge with a staggering $1.3 billion in inflows. Other significant contributions also came from international markets like Hong Kong ($55 million), Canada ($24 million), and Switzerland ($58 million). Bitcoin alone garnered an impressive $1.35 billion, marking its fifth-largest weekly inflow. On the other hand, short-Bitcoin products experienced their most considerable weekly outflows since April, at $8.6 million. CoinShares’ strategist James Butterfill attributed this behavior among investors to several factors, including German government Bitcoin sales and improved sentiment resulting from lower-than-expected US CPI data.

Impact of SEC Approvals and ETF Inflows

One of the pivotal moments contributing to this boom was the January approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These products have accumulated an astounding $15.8 billion in net inflows to date, and projections by JPM Securities estimate these ETFs could attract $220 billion by 2027. The approval was a significant milestone that instilled greater confidence among institutional investors and provided a more accessible entry point for retail investors. The move by the SEC was seen as a legitimizing factor for Bitcoin, further fueling inflows into the digital asset space.

Furthermore, Ethereum also saw significant inflows at $72 million, the largest since March, potentially driven by the anticipated approval of a US-based Ether ETF. The optimistic atmosphere extended beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, as other altcoins such as Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink also experienced inflows of $4.4 million, $2 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. These developments underscore the broad-based enthusiasm that has permeated the digital asset market, broadening the scope of investment beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Investors are clearly looking for diversified exposure to the rapidly evolving digital assets landscape.

Socio-Political Factors and Market Responses

Recent weeks have seen a significant surge in investment in digital asset products, especially Bitcoin, following an attempted assassination on former US President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. CoinShares Research reported that digital asset investment products experienced the fifth-largest weekly inflow on record, totaling $1.44 billion. This increase came even amid a broader market correction, reflecting investors’ optimism as they perceived the dip as a buying opportunity rather than a setback. Year-to-date inflows now stand at $17.8 billion, surpassing the $10.6 billion recorded in 2021, indicating strong confidence in the digital asset market.

The United States played a crucial role in this surge, contributing an astounding $1.3 billion. Other notable contributions came from international markets such as Hong Kong ($55 million), Canada ($24 million), and Switzerland ($58 million). Bitcoin alone attracted $1.35 billion, marking its fifth-largest weekly inflow. Conversely, short-Bitcoin products saw their most significant weekly outflows since April, at $8.6 million. CoinShares’ strategist James Butterfill attributed these trends to factors like German government Bitcoin sales and improved sentiment due to lower-than-expected US CPI data.

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