Bitcoin prices surged above $82,000 for the first time as traders speculated on Donald Trump’s potential support for the cryptocurrency upon his return to the White House.

Bitcoin hit a record high of $82,413 before dipping by approximately 2.8% to around $82,000 on Monday. The price has more than doubled from about $37,000 a year ago.

While Trump had previously criticized Bitcoin, he appeared to shift his stance during the US presidential campaign, engaging with the crypto community and attending industry events. This shift raised hopes of relaxed regulations for individual investors looking to enter the cryptocurrency market, although specific policies have not been announced by President Trump.

Following Trump’s anticipated victory, Trump trading has impacted global markets with a strengthening of the dollar as investors await significant government spending in the US.

In China, investors brace for increased tariffs as Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 1.5% on Monday in response to what some view as an insufficient reaction to China’s recent stimulus measures.

Despite China’s debt exchange programs worth approximately 10 trillion yuan (£1.1 trillion), Deutsche Bank economists note a lack of direct fiscal stimulus or housing enhancements, leading to market disappointment.

The values of alternative cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Dogecoin have also risen in the wake of the election. Dogecoin, previously supported by Elon Musk, saw a significant increase in value, fueling further interest in digital assets.

Trump’s open support for his family’s cryptocurrency venture and potential deregulation of digital assets could raise concerns over conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in cryptocurrencies as an alternative to traditional banking systems.

Efforts to deregulate digital assets may expose Trump to criticism over potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning his family’s cryptocurrency venture. His son, Donald Trump Jr., has advocated for cryptocurrencies as a conservative-friendly alternative to traditional banking systems.

In anticipation of potential policy changes, publicly traded crypto companies like Coinbase and MicroStrategy have seen significant increases in their stock prices.

Market analysts suggest that Bitcoin price fluctuations are closely linked to the prevailing market sentiment, including investors’ reactions to political developments like the election results and potential policy changes under a new administration.

As Bitcoin’s price surge continues, interest in cryptocurrencies is on the rise. Online searches for “Bitcoin” have reached their highest levels in months, indicating growing curiosity and market activity in the digital asset space.