Bitcoin Shoots Past $20,000. Why It’s the Best-Performing Investment of the Year.

Bitcoin crossed US$20,000 on Wednesday for the first time, the latest milestone in a rally that has made it the best-performing investment of 2020. Bitcoin was trading just above $20,500 on Wednesday morning, up 180% for the year.

Bitcoin has crossed $19,000 several times this year, after first hitting that number in 2017. But it consistently faltered just before hitting $20,000 and had fallen below $4,000 as recently as March.

It is nearly impossible to explain Bitcoin’s price changes, but analysts had described $20,000 as a key psychological level—like other big round market numbers that don’t mean very much on their own.

The rise has been fueled this year by institutions, which have been growing more comfortable with Bitcoin and even holding some on their balance sheets. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), an institution that has been around for 169 years, announced last week that it had bought $100 million in Bitcoin, joining companies like Square (ticker: SQ) that have already bought in.

The enthusiasm is filtering down to retail investors, who now have more options to buy crypto, including through their PayPal Holdings (PYPL) accounts.

News that big companies are buying in “swells consumer interest,” says Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere Group, a financial advisory and fintech firm.

There is no generally accepted way to value Bitcoin, and it produces no cash flows. But high demand can spur price increases, because the cryptocurrency’s software limits its supply to 21 million. More than 18.5 million Bitcoins have already been created.

If Bitcoin can hold this level, some analysts are predicting sharp moves higher.

“If Bitcoin is able to stay meaningfully above $20,000 for a few days, we would expect prices to move significantly higher over the next six months,” says Greg King, CEO of Osprey Funds, the digital asset subsidiary of REX Shares.

But exciting numbers like $20,000 can be dangerous with a volatile asset like this. Cryptocurrency exchange OKEx and blockchain data firm Kaiko released a report this month showing that large traders tend to sell their positions just as smaller traders jump in — meaning the “smart money” may be unloading crypto as soon as they see hype-fueled rallies like this. And with selling pressure, the price can turn south in a hurry.

“When Bitcoin rallies, the market tends to forget previous, long-drawn-out bearish stretches, and the sentiment shifts to manic euphoria,” the report notes.

For self-employed Australians, navigating the mortgage market can be complex—especially when income documentation doesn’t fit the standard mould. In this guide, Stephen Andrianakos, Director of Red Door Financial Group, outlines eight flexible loan structures designed to support business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

1. Full-Doc Loan
A full-doc loan is the most straightforward and competitive option for self-employed borrowers with up-to-date tax returns and financials. Lenders assess two years of tax returns, assessment notices, and business financials. This type of loan offers high borrowing capacity, access to features like offset accounts and redraw facilities, and fixed and variable rate choices.

2. Low-Doc Loan
Low-doc loans are designed for borrowers who can’t provide the usual financial documentation, such as those in start-up mode or recently expanded businesses. Instead of full tax returns, lenders accept alternatives like profit and loss statements or accountant’s declarations. While rates may be slightly higher, these loans make finance accessible where banks might otherwise decline.

3. Standard Variable Rate Loan
A standard variable loan moves with the market and offers flexibility in repayments, extra contributions, and redraw options. It’s ideal for borrowers who want to manage repayments actively or pay off their loans faster when income permits. With access to over 40 lenders, brokers can help match borrowers with a variable product suited to their financial strategy.

4. Fixed Rate Loan
A fixed-rate loan offers repayment certainty over a set term—typically one to five years. It’s popular with borrowers seeking predictability, especially in volatile rate environments. While fixed loans offer fewer flexible features, their stability can be valuable for budgeting and cash flow planning.

5. Split Loan
A split loan combines fixed and variable portions, giving borrowers the security of a fixed rate on part of the loan and the flexibility of a variable rate on the other. This structure benefits self-employed clients with irregular income, allowing them to lock in part of their repayment while keeping some funds accessible.

6. Construction Loan
Construction loans release funds in stages aligned with the building process, from the initial slab to completion. These loans suit clients building a new home or undertaking major renovations. Most lenders offer interest-only repayments during construction, switching to principal-and-interest after the build. Managing timelines and approvals is key to a smooth experience.

7. Interest-Only Loan
Interest-only loans allow borrowers to pay just the interest portion of the loan for a set period, preserving cash flow. This structure is often used during growth phases in business or for investment purposes. After the interest-only period, the loan typically converts to principal-and-interest repayments.

8. Offset Home Loan
An offset home loan links your savings account to your mortgage, reducing the interest charged on the loan. For self-employed borrowers with fluctuating income, it’s a valuable tool for managing cash flow while still reducing interest and accelerating loan repayment. The funds remain accessible, offering both flexibility and efficiency.

Red Door Financial Group is a Melbourne-based brokerage firm that offers personalised financial solutions for residential, commercial, and business lending.