Just a few years ago, Bitcoin ( BTC 1.21% ) reaching $100,000 seemed like a long shot -- but it happened. And now, the next potential target investors have their eyes on is $200,000. While I did predict Bitcoin would reach $100,000 in 2024, the reality is that no one knows exactly what will happen. We like to think markets are rational, but they aren't -- they're irrational. And adding to the complexity of prediction, this is crypto, so anything can happen. But that's not what you came here for. Admittedly, making price predictions for Bitcoin is inherently speculative, but hey, it's fun. To keep things grounded while examining the possibilities for Bitcoin in 2025, I'm going to analyze three key data points. The cyclical nature of Bitcoin Bitcoin has followed a remarkably consistent four-year cycle during the past 16 years, and so far, 2025 seems to be aligning with historical patterns. These cycles typically begin with a bear market (think 2022), where long-term believers accumulate Bitcoin at discounted prices. Next comes a year of modest recovery as momentum builds (2023). Then, the halving comes and reduces Bitcoin's issuance rate, sparking greater scarcity and catalyzing major gains (2024). Finally, the post-halving year (which would be 2025) sees widespread attention return to Bitcoin, with new investors piling in, often driving parabolic price increases. In 2024, Bitcoin has done exactly what it has in previous cycles -- recovered from its lows and rallied after the halving. This consistency suggests that 2025 may be no different. While assumptions based on historical patterns can be risky, they provide a solid base case until contrary evidence emerges. Evaluating post-halving performance Since it appears that Bitcoin is following its cyclical pattern, we can take a look at how Bitcoin fares in years after it undergoes a halving. As it turns out, post-halving years have historically been Bitcoin's strongest. On average, Bitcoin's price has jumped more than 400% during these years. If history repeats, a 400% gain from Bitcoin's price of about $100,000 would put it at roughly $500,000 by the end of 2025. I'll be the first to say this might be a bit tough for Bitcoin to reach. The crypto's price movements are less susceptible to giant gains as its market has grown. In other words, it takes more money to move Bitcoin 5% with its market cap of $2 trillion today, compared to when it was just $500 billion a few years ago. As a result of this dynamic, Bitcoin has a tendency to produce diminishing returns with each cycle that passes. The first cycle was the most explosive, and every cycle since has lost a little steam. There's no exact pattern to determine how much less each cycle will return, but a conservative estimate might be half the returns of the previous cycle. At this reduced rate, when measuring from its cycle bottom in November 2022, Bitcoin could reach $210,000. The game changer: Spot Bitcoin ETFs Admittedly, a $210,000 price tag sounds almost absurd. However, there's one significant development that could help it reach this lofty milestone -- spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) . These financial instruments got the green light for approval in January 2024 and let investors add Bitcoin exposure to pension funds, hedge funds, and 401(k)s via the stock market in an accessible and familiar way. This might not sound like a big deal, but the demand for these ETFs has been astonishing, especially when considering they aren't even a year old. In early 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs were purchasing Bitcoin at rates over 10 times the daily issuance rate. This appetite for Bitcoin was a primary driver behind the crypto reaching a new all-time high before the halving, something it had never done before . Consider this: BlackRock 's iShares Bitcoin Trust became the fastest ETF in history to surpass $50 billion in assets under management (AUM), far outpacing the previous record holder. Combined, the 11 Bitcoin ETFs now collectively hold more Bitcoin than any individual entity, cementing their influence on the market. These ETFs represent a new X factor that could fundamentally alter Bitcoin's traditional cyclical dynamics. Their near-constant demand could provide a floor price for Bitcoin while amplifying upside potential during bull markets. What's the takeaway? Bitcoin's history provides compelling evidence that 2025 could be another banner year. Its cyclical nature suggests significant price appreciation in post-halving years, with a baseline estimate of about $100,000 and potential highs well above that if historical patterns hold true. Spot Bitcoin ETFs add a new layer of optimism, potentially supercharging demand. Unlike previous cycles, this influx of institutional money could make 2025 an outlier, where returns don't diminish as expected. As previously mentioned, predicting Bitcoin's price is always speculative. Yet with historical patterns aligning and institutional demand rising, the case for Bitcoin reaching $200,000 might be stronger than ever. But, like always, only time will tell.top 5 online casino 。

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The Executive Council of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in its 10th EXCO on Monday approved the sum of N995 million for the procurement of over 1,000 laptops for senior secondary schools. The FCT Executive Council also approved 250 tonnes of assorted fertilisers for FCT farmers to boost food production. Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Council presided over by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Mandate Secretary FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo said the digital equipment will help in preparing senior secondary school students better for WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations. He said it was high time the students to embraced more of digital learning as well as digital teaching skills than the manual. According to him, the initiative will assist FCT schools move from normal classroom teaching to media education system of learning. Hayyo said: “The Executive Council of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has approved the procurement and distribution of over 1,000 laptops to senior secondary schools. “FCT schools will now transform into the digital education system, we will now move from normal teaching and learning classroom to media education system of learning.” On his part, the Mandate Secretary for FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, ARDS, Lawan Geidam, disclosed that the Council approved for the procurement and distribution of 250 metric tons of assorted fertiliser to farmers in FCT. He said the tonnes will include NPK and Urea with tonnes of liquid fertilizer to be distributed to farmers across the six area councils for dry season farming. The Council meeting was attended by FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Chief of Staff to the minister, all mandate secretaries and other political appointees. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE FCTA workers to receive N70,000 minimum wage Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowPatriots safety Jabrill Peppers, accused of domestic violence, cleared to practice and playWinners of 3 straight, UTEP takes aim at short-handed LouisvilleXos general counsel sells $80,004 in stock

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Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”Calif. to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sitesBy Mike London mike.london@salisburypost.com SALISBURY —Patricia DuBois Proctor Rendleman, known as Patsy, died on Dec. 6 at 97. She was a legend of Rowan County golf. She and her husband, Richard Rendleman, who passed away in 2002, were a dynamic duo in local golf for a long time, piling up championships at the Country Club of Salisbury. Both are in the Catawba Sports Hall of Fame, Richard for his strong playing career with the Indians, while Patsy was inducted in 2023 for her service to Catawba athletics, especially to women’s golf. She was instrumental in getting that program started in 1999. She was born in 1927, graduated from Boyden High in 1943 and was only 20 when she graduated from Catawba College with the Class of 1947. She was a majorette, an actress and a math major. She married Richard that sameyear. He was a little older and had been a standout golfer at Catawba (1938-41) before serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II. After the war, Richard was still swinging smoothly enough to qualify for the U.S. Open Championship in 1948, and he advanced to the third round of U.S. Amateur in 1951. He made 11 career holes-in-one and was a six-time Labor Day 4-Ball Champion and a five-time club champion at the Country Club of Salisbury. He also won club championships at Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Elk River. Patsy attacked golf seriously in 1946, taking lessons at the Country Club of Salisbury from pro Don Bush. She could hit it straight off the tee, she was an outstanding putter, and she was a tough competitor. Bush could see she had some talent for the game. In 1948, she won the Piedmont Women’s Golf Association Tournament held in Greensboro. That was a handicap tournament. She shot 85, but her handicap was 15 then, so that score was adjusted to a 70. She would get a lot more efficient with her strokes in the years ahead. In 1950, she was the Handicap Champion at the Country Club of Salisbury. She was down a hole going to No. 16, but she took 16 and 18 to win the event, 1-up. Par for the ladies was 76 at the Country Club of Salisbury in those days. Rendleman was challenging 76 by 1951 when she won the club championship in Salisbury for the first time. She was 1-over on the front nine and was 2-under on the back when she closed out the championship match, 4 and 3, on the 15th hole. Bush announced to the Post after that tournament that Patsy was “ready for bigger and better tournaments.” She won the Country Club of Salisbury club championship for the second time in 1954. She overwhelmed her opponent in the final, 8 and 7. In 1956, Rendleman threatened the course record for women at the Country Club of Salisbury. She shot a career-best 71, one off the course record. She won her third club championship that year. She won the two-day 1957 Piedmont Women’s Golf Tournament held at Sedgefield, beating a stout field by shooting 79 and 81. She added club championships in Salisbury in 1958 and 1959. In the 1959 championship match, she shot 2-under on the front nine and closed out the match, 5 and 4, on the 14th. That was her fifth club title and gave her some bragging rights at the dinner table. Her husband had won four club titles at that point. Rendleman added more club championships at the Country Club of Salisbury in 1960 and 1961, making it four in a row and seven in a decade. She won again in 1962 and made it six in a row in 1963. In 1962, she also won the Piedmont Women’s Golf Association Tournament held in Salisbury with a 79. In all, she would win 20 club championships, including 11 in Salisbury. She won a half-dozen club championships at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville. She won there in 1974, 1975, 1980, 1983, 1987 and 1989. In 1990, a year in which she turned 63, she had what she called the finest victory of her career in the Linville Golf Club Invitational. She shot 75 in the championship match and won on a playoff hole. The field for that tournament included top golfers from many different states. She made two holes-in-one in her career and played six times for the Women’s Carolinas team, which included the best amateur players from North and South Carolina. They competed against the best from Virginia and West Virginia. She was involved in the community, served with distinction on numerous boards of directors during an active life, established the First Tee program in Salisbury and served a term as president of the Women’s Carolinas Golf Association. Catawba College annually honors both Rendlemans with golf tournaments. The Catawba women and many of their rivals play in the Patsy Rendleman Invitational at the Country Club of Salisbury every fall.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Braintree, Massachusetts, police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. “Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable for us,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said after the arrest. “With that being said, I do think that Jabrill has to go through the system, has to continue to go through due process. We’ll see how that works out.” A 2017 first-round draft choice by Cleveland, Peppers spent two seasons with the Browns and three with the New York Giants before coming to New England in 2022. He was signed to an extension this summer. He played in the first four games of the season and missed one with a shoulder injury before going on the exempt list, which allows NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to place a player on paid leave while reviewing his case. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press

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Braves homegrown two-time All-Star predicted to shun Atlanta in favor of Orioles | Sporting NewsSome Pennsylvanians say they have received mysterious $100 checks that appear to be from Elon Musk's America PAC, which helped power the ground game for President-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. In the days since the Inquirer's first reported on two Pennsylvanians receiving an unsolicited and unexplained $100 check, eight more Pennsylvanians told the Inquirer they, too, had received the money without having signed the super PAC's First and Second Amendment petition, which was denoted as a necessary step for Pennsylvania's registered voters to cash in on the "special offer." Recipients of the checks reside across the state, ranging from Philadelphia to Luzerne, York and Northumberland counties, for example. Images provided to the Inquirer show the checks are adorned with one of several dates: Oct. 29, Nov. 1, Nov. 2. or Nov. 4. Some recipients said they received the money in the mail the day before Election Day, while others received it the days after. The checks also include an address from "United States of America Inc.," which is the name of a holding company Musk established in early October. America PAC did not respond to requests for comment about the legitimacy of the checks. Frank Tuplin, a retired lawyer from Philadelphia and a Democrat, said in addition to never signing the petition, he contributed twice to Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. He received the $100 check shortly before Election Day. "I remember being surprised by it being so close to the election," Tuplin said. "I had already voted by mail so didn't understand its intent." Patricia Domyan, 64, a registered nurse practitioner from Allentown, was a Republican until around the 2016 election when she registered with the Democratic Party. But that didn't prevent her from receiving five $100 checks after Election Day, two of which she received Friday. "I received not one, not two, not three, not four, but [five] ... count them ... [five] $100 checks from the PAC which I did not sign nor had I heard of until the checks started rolling in," Domyan said. "I do not plan on cashing them. There is no such thing as 'free money.' What a bunch of hooey." Domyan and most of the other Pennsylvanians who approached the Inquirer said they would never cash the check, serving as a protest to Musk's relentless efforts to help deliver Pennsylvania for Trump, a feat he's credited for by some Pennsylvania Republicans. But Lesley Geyer, a self-proclaimed "lifelong Democrat" from Luzerne County, said she successfully deposited the check on Nov. 13 with the intention of donating the proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is preparing to fight Trump's agenda in court. America PAC said it would verify the accuracy of information of recipients of their cash prizes, but that wasn't the case for many recipients of the check including Steve Anderson, of Northumberland County. "Like the others, I'm a registered Democratic voter, I did NOT sign any petition, and I certainly didn't 'verify' anything," Anderson said in an email. And now it seems the checks have traveled beyond the scope of the Democratic Party. Austin Gwiazdowski, a Democrat from Grays Ferry who received his own unwarranted check, said his aunt, a Republican who said she does not recall signing the petition, was also given the $100. People who did sign the petition are expected to receive their cash prizes by Nov. 30, according to the America PAC website. The petition was one of several efforts spearheaded by Musk to rack up support for Trump in Pennsylvania. He held several town halls throughout the state and donated millions of dollars to the PAC. His work, which Trump often commended him for on the campaign trail, was rewarded with access to Trump's inner circle and conversations with world leaders and a position to co-lead the proposed "Department of Government Efficiency." Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is among those calling for an investigation of Elon Musk, after the billionaire promised at a pro-Trump rally this weekend to give away $1 million each day until the U.S. election on Nov. 5. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Posing on red carpet at film premiere, Gray after another trip in taxpayer funded limo