Bitcoin price - latest updates: Cryptocurrency value shifts wildly again after long period of stability

The value of bitcoin plunged last month, amid fears that trading was about to be banned in South Korea. The volatile cryptocurrency's value has shifted wildly ever since mid-December – when it hit a record high of more than $19,850 – with frequent heavy drops and speedy recoveries. The rapid drops are partly the result of continuing fears about regulation, as well as anxiety provoked by a series of high-profile thefts. Its value tumbled spectacularly at the start of February, falling from $10,000 to $6,000 in four days. However, it gradually recovered during the following weeks.