Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) Helps Launch Bitcoin Past $11,000

With the launching of Facebook Inc’s (NASDAQ:FB) stablecoin and Bitcoin’s resurgence, blockchain technology will gain in popularity and boost blockchain stock HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSXV:HIVE).

The price of Bitcoin (BTC) surged over the weekend and has gone beyond US$11,000, which is garnering renewed interest in the cryptocurrency. Coincidentally, Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) announced last June 18 the launching of a digital currency in 2020. Many attribute the rise of the most popular cryptocurrency to Facebook.

Rabid followers are not crediting the social media giant for the sudden surge of BTC. They believe the rebound is due long before Facebook made Project Libra known. The structure of the intended digital currency is based on blockchain technology. HIVE Blockchain Technologies (TSXV:HIVE) might be boosted too.

FB’s “stablecoin”

Bitcoin proponents argue that the rise started a few months when the digital asset bottomed to $3,500. They are claiming Facebook’s Libra project has nothing to do with BTC reaching the highest level in 15 months.

According to cryptocurrency analysts, BTC is gaining momentum because investors are starting to view it as an alternative hedge. The continuing trade saga between the U.S. and China would necessitate the hedging of capital into Bitcoin.

Facebook’s forthcoming “stablecoin” is actually different from Bitcoin. The value is supposed to be unchanging and consistent, if not constant all the time. Libra will have the support of a collection of low-volatility assets.

They consist of bank deposits and short-term government securities in currencies coming from stable and reputable central banks. Facebook’s goal is basically to introduce a blockchain-enabled currency that is comparable or analogous to traditional currencies people are already using.

However, demand is what drives Bitcoin, which is reliant on blockchain technology and its concept. In effect, BTC is like gold, whose value is dictated by demand. And BTC is doing fine, even without regulations in place.

Advancing the blockchain concept

Even with the stand of Bitcoin followers, the entry of Facebook’s entry in the cryptocurrency space will lend credence to Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Facebook’s stablecoin could serve as a gateway to the cryptocurrency market for the company’s two billion users.

Soon, this huge network of users will be more open or receptive to Bitcoin and other digital assets. Facebook has solid financial partners like MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, and Spotify Technologies.

Facebook could very well reshape the corporate world if stablecoin becomes successful. People can send, receive, spend, and secure their funds. Also, it might pave the way for a more inclusive global financial system. If there are suspicious BTC trades, the social media giant is hounded by privacy issues.

Facebook executives will appear in back-to-back congressional hearings before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee and the U.S. Senate Banking Committee scheduled for July 16 and 17. The chairman of the House committee is calling for the suspension of the Libra project.

Regardless of the uncertain future of Facebook’s stablecoin and prospects of another spectacular collapse by Bitcoin, blockchain technology will advance. HIVE Blockchain Technologies can rise in value over time and be the top blockchain stock available.

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Facebook. Tom Gardner owns shares of Facebook and Mastercard. The Motley Fool owns shares of Facebook, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa. Mastercard is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Tech Stocks

Forklift in a warehouse
Dividend Stocks

Apartment Rents Are Slowing: I’d Buy This Canadian REIT Instead

Cooling apartment asking rents make industrial real estate worth another look for investors seeking a different source of monthly income.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

3 Ways to Maximize Your TFSA Before Year-End

Maximize your TFSA before year-end with three different approaches to investing for long-term income and growth.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

One $7,000 TFSA Contribution Could Grow Into $50,000: Here’s How Long It Takes

Once the money is inside a TFSA account, a $7,000 investment can become $10,000, $20,000, or considerably more with compounding,…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Unpopular Opinion: BlackBerry Stock Isn’t All That

Investigate the dramatic rise of BlackBerry stock and analyze the impacts of revenue growth on its performance.

Read more »

moving into apartment
Tech Stocks

Shopify Is Spending to Win AI Shopping: Is the Stock Still Worth the Price?

Shopify is investing heavily in AI commerce while revenue and free cash flow continue growing at impressive rates.

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Tech Stocks

I’m Considering Buying More Blackberry Stock Right Now – Here’s my Take

Blackberry stock is posting record results as its QNX segment continues to gain momentum and operating leverage.

Read more »

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

RESP or RRSP? Where Should Your Next Contribution Go?

RESP grants can make the first education contribution attractive, but retirement savings shouldn't disappear while parents fund their children.

Read more »

Illustration of data, cloud computing and microchips
Tech Stocks

In 5 Years, Celestica Stock Has Gained More Than 4,000%, and Analysts Are Still Bullish

Celestica has been a phenomenal stock over the last five years, but future gains depend on the company meeting high…

Read more »