BITCOIN WORLD — Bitcoin has been on an absolute tear this year after passing $9,000 and is quickly closing in on the $10 grand mark. <br /> <br />Analysts say the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's decision to launch bitcoin <br />futures has helped fueled buying in December. <br /> <br />The value of the 16.7 million bitcoin units in circulation has now exceeded $160 billion, which means the digital currency's market cap exceeds that of IBM, Disney and Mickey D's. <br /> <br />The cryptocurrency shows no signs of slowing. Not only are retail investors jumping in, but hedge funds have even started including bitcoin in their portfolios. <br /> <br />According to CNBC, there are more than 120 investment funds for cryptocurrencies. <br /> <br />Bitcoin is a virtual currency that allows people to skip banks and traditional payment processes to pay for things. <br />Many also warn that Bitcoin's meteoric rise will soon come to an abrupt end and pop like many other speculative bubbles before it. <br /> <br />Sure, but when?
