The Bitcoin halving event, comparable to the Olympics for cryptocurrencies, took place at 12 a.m. GMT on Saturday. This significant update to the Bitcoin software has an immediate effect on mining companies within the digital currency sphere. The halving marks the end of a coded process that occurs every four years, allowing the network to mine approximately 210,000 blocks.
Mechanics of Bitcoin Halving
Based on the information from the report, this year’s Bitcoin halving – the fourth one in the sequence – seems to have been carried out by the mining pool ViaBTC. They received an extra 37.6256 BTC ($2,401,399) as transaction fees for validating 3,050 blocks. Previously, there were three such events in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
After the halving event, the primary consequence is that the Bitcoin reward for miners is cut in half. This programmed adjustment serves to keep a limit of 21 million Bitcoins in circulation and control inflation within the digital currency market.
The initial reward for mining a single Bitcoin block in 2012 was 50 Bitcoins, but this reward is gradually cut in half every few years. As a result, today’s miners receive approximately 3.125 Bitcoins per mined block. This mechanism was pre-set by Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.
Bitcoins supporters believe that the halving, which cuts in half the reward for mining new coins, will boost the market due to decreased supply versus increasing demand. However, some analysts argue that this event was already factored into Bitcoin’s price. Although the halving could positively influence the market, external factors like the Federal Reserve’s actions and geopolitical tensions might limit initial bullishness.
Impact of Bitcoin Halving Event 2024
Bitcoin mining companies are expected to experience substantial financial consequences from the upcoming halving event. This could result in the elimination of billions of dollars in yearly revenue for these companies. In preparation for this year’s halving, analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) have identified challenges for miners. These include rising production costs, reduced income due to fewer bitcoins being generated, and growing concerns over electricity expenses.
Prior to the Bitcoin halving, various mining companies explored eco-friendly mining practices in collaboration with Giga Energy, a Bitcoin mining company based in Texas. They joined forces with Argentinian firms for this purpose. With consolidation on the horizon in this sector, publicly traded Bitcoin miners are anticipated to increase their market presence. They will do so by taking advantage of easier access to financing and equity offerings.
Previously, bitcoin’s halving process has taken place without causing any disruptions to the network. As the rewards for mining continue to decrease, miners will need to depend more on transaction fees as their primary income source. It is projected that there will be approximately 64 such events before the total supply of 21 million bitcoins is reached around 2140, at which point all blocks in the Bitcoin blockchain would have been mined.
During this time, Bitcoin’s price path has continued unaffected by analyst predictions and speculation prior to the halving. For example, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley forecasted a surge to $100,000 post-halving. Nevertheless, some market observers believe it is premature, but a bullish trend is expected soon.
Currently, Bitcoin costs around $63,665.87. This represents a decrease of 1.61% from its price over the previous 24-hour period.
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2024-04-20 14:30