An updated edition of the April 24, 2025 article.
Bitcoin’s Rising Value
Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has seen significant price growth thanks to its growing acceptance as a non-sovereign asset, alongside increased institutional and corporate investments. The digital currency reached an all-time high of $112,000 on May 22, benefiting from reduced trade tensions between the United States and China, along with the downgrade of U.S. sovereign debt by Moody’s, highlighting Bitcoin’s emergence as a reliable store of value. As of April 28, over 70 publicly traded companies, including MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Marathon Digital (MARA), collectively hold 720,728 bitcoins valued at $68.5 billion.
Current Trading Status
As of now, Bitcoin is priced above $105,000, slightly below its peak but significantly higher than the $76,000 recorded in early April. Policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, which favor Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, contribute positively to the market. An executive order by the president establishing a working group to evaluate cryptocurrency regulations is seen as a positive move for enthusiasts. In March, Trump launched a crypto reserve that includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, which looks promising for miners like BIT Mining Limited (BTCM) and exchanges such as CME Group (CME).
Blockchain Technology’s Role
Cryptocurrencies operate on blockchain technology, which utilizes sophisticated cryptographic techniques and software to create a tamper-proof, decentralized database. This technology offers enhanced security for its users by maintaining a secure record of transactions and tracking ownership, significantly contributing to the rise in cryptocurrency popularity.
Corporate Involvement in Blockchain
Tech giants like International Business Machines (IBM) and Amazon are harnessing blockchain technology to fuel their growth. According to Gartner, the business value generated by blockchain is expected to reach $176 billion by 2025 and $3.1 trillion by 2030. Zacks’ Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain Screen serves as an essential tool for identifying promising crypto and blockchain stocks.
Performance of CME Group
CME Group, the largest global futures exchange by trading volume, is experiencing unprecedented growth in volume. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported an average daily trading volume of 29.8 million contracts, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year, driven by robust growth across all asset classes. The commodity sector saw a 19% rise, while financial products grew by 12%.
Marathon Digital’s Strategic Moves
Marathon Digital, also a Zacks Rank #3 company, held 47,531 bitcoins at the end of Q1 2025. The company is focused on scaling its operations and improving efficiencies. In 2024, Marathon acquired seven new sites across the U.S. and significantly expanded its mining capacity. The company’s strategic initiatives include the development of a facility in Ohio, which will increase its overall capacity and reduce dependence on third-party suppliers.
MicroStrategy’s Growth Strategy
MicroStrategy, ranked #3 by Zacks, leads as the world’s largest Bitcoin treasury company, holding 580,250 bitcoins as of May 25, 2025. The company is on track to achieve a bitcoin yield target of 25% this year, with plans to raise significant funds through equity and fixed-income securities. The firm is also leveraging its flagship Strategy One platform amid growing cloud demand while utilizing generative AI for deployment in enterprise applications, maintaining strong partnerships with major players like Amazon Web Services and Google.
