Bitcoin’s Value May Stem from Scarcity, Network Effects, and Market Sentiment, Academic Research Suggests

Key Points

1. Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins enforces scarcity, a key factor in its value, similar to gold.

2. Network effects enhance Bitcoin's utility and price stability as more users adopt and trust the network.

3. Mining secures the Bitcoin network through proof-of-work, with energy and hardware costs establishing a fundamental price floor.

4. Investor sentiment and market attention significantly influence Bitcoin's price volatility and short-term movements.

5. Bitcoin's decentralized nature and fixed supply differentiate it from traditional currencies, impacting its role in investment portfolios.