Bitcoin is no stranger to wild price swings, but every now and then, it delivers a jaw-dropping rally that leaves both investors and skeptics stunned. From institutional endorsements and technological breakthroughs to global economic shifts, there have been moments when Bitcoin’s price skyrocketed in a single day, adding thousands of dollars in value almost overnight.
Bitcoin’s wild price swings are legendary, but some single-day moves stand out as truly historic. Below are the ten largest daily dollar gains ever recorded, along with the key factors behind each surge.
1. November 11, 2024: +$8,343 (~10 %)
What happened: Bitcoin surged from ~$80,427 to ~$88,770 in one day, the largest daily gain ever in dollar terms .
Why: A wave of optimism followed Donald Trump's re-election, with investors expecting pro-crypto policies, and a $1.1 billion inflow into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs .
2. February 8, 2021: +$7,576 (~27 %)
What happened: Bitcoin jumped from ~$38,871 to ~$46,448 previous record for single-day percentage gain .
Why: Tesla announced a $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment and intention to accept BTC payments major institutional validation .
3. April 12, 2013: +42 %
What happened: A surge from about $98 to $150 .
Why: Early crypto awareness surge; Bitcoin began gaining traction as an alternative asset.
4. November 18, 2013: +42 %
What happened: Jump from ~$495 to $713 .
Why: Launch of first Bitcoin ATMs and rising real-world adoption created explosive demand.
5. December 2017: +$3,842 (27 %)
What happened: From $14,057 to $17,899 .
Why: Launch of CBOE and CME Bitcoin futures drew institutional players into the market.
6. March 2024 (ETF Bull Run)
What happened: Bitcoin closed at all-time highs $69,000 in early March, around $73,800 on March 6 .
Why: SEC approval of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs fueled massive inflows .
7-10. Other Notable Surges
- Mid‑2024: Gains in April around halving and Fed rate cuts .
- November 7, 2024: Trump’s re-election prompted Bitcoin to reach ~$77,000.
- November 10-13, 2024: Continued surges above $80K and later $91K after regulatory.
Key Takeaways
- Institutional validation drives massive one-day gains. Tesla’s $1.5B purchase and the introduction of futures and ETFs attracted floods of investment.
- Macro events and regulation matter. Fed interest rate decisions and political outcomes can rapidly shift sentiment.
- Early-stage adoption led to explosive early gains. The earliest single-day jumps in 2013 came as the world first discovered Bitcoin.
- Near-term news cycles can trigger parabolic moves. ETF inflows and halving events still spark single-day surges.
Bitcoin’s biggest daily gains aren't random, they’re tied to major news, institutional involvement, and economic shifts. For traders and investors, these days offer both strong opportunity and high volatility.
The lesson: while significant events can unleash dramatic price swings, understanding the “why” helps you make informed decisions.
