Bitcoin's surge over the last week has many talking, with enthusiasts hoping for record highs. Get insights on this as well as NGPF resources to help you answer your students' questions about cryptocurrency. 

Bitcoin Surges

The price of Bitcoin topped $63,000 on Wednesday, the original cryptocurrency's first time above that level since the peak of the last bull market in November 2021. Its value fell to less than $16,000 in late 2022 and early 2023. Just a few days ago, its price was below $51,000. (Coindesk)

>> Check out our Cryptocurrency mini-unit for lessons and activities to teach your students about digital currency. 

The upsurge stems primarily from an explosion of investment in Bitcoin ETFs, a novel investment vehicle approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission last month. A Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund) allows investors to buy into an asset that tracks the price movement of Bitcoin, while avoiding the inconvenience and risk of purchasing the cryptocurrency coin itself. (ABC News)

>> Watch FinCap Friday: Bitcoin ETFs Debut

It appears that crypto traders and investors are in a buying frenzy as the next “halving” event is expected to occur in the weeks ahead. A halving happens roughly every four years and when they do occur, it means that Bitcoin miners see their block rewards reduced. (Fast Company)

>> Want to learn more about Bitcoin? Complete the On-Demand Module, Basics of Bitcoin, on your own time.

In Other News

Despite data that the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial tend to underperform on Leap Day (MarketWatch), U.S. stocks rallied to close out the best February for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite in nearly a decade. (Yahoo Finance)

>> Watch FinCap Friday: The S&P 500 Hits 5,000

With Women's History Month kicking off today, a recent study reveals increased financial independence among women, however, many still express uneasiness about their financial planning and retirement readiness. (U.S. News & World Report)

>> View our Women's History Month resources

Fast food joint Wendy's announced they will begin testing dynamic pricing in 2025, causing some consumers to flip out. (Axios)

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.