Bitcoin punches through $4,600 price wall to set fresh all-time high

Bitcoin’s price climbed to a new record high on Wednesday, proving that investors are still interested in snapping up the digital currency.

The cryptocurrency rose to as much as $4,602.79 during early Wednesday morning’s trading, according to Bitcoin.com data. Bitcoin edged off that high in the afternoon trade, when its price went down to $4,559.93.

Bitcoin prices have been enjoying a strong rally, rising close to 400 percent this year. The digital currency broke through $4,000 for the first time in early August and has been trading in that range for a few weeks.

Analysts attributed the price surge to sustained investor interest in acquiring the digital asset, despite its lofty trading price, especially following reports of an increased nuclear threat from North Korea. According to state news outlets, a North Korean missile launched on Tuesday crossed Japan’s northern Hokkaido island before landing in the sea.