**Crypto 2024: A Year of Highs and Lows**

2024 was a whirlwind for the crypto world, with Bitcoin hitting a record $108,000 in December before settling around $96,000. This surge was fueled by pro-crypto political victories in the U.S. and increased adoption by firms like MicroStrategy and El Salvador. Meanwhile, crypto ETFs outpaced gold funds, reaching $129 billion in assets.

However, the year wasn't without setbacks. Scams and hacks cost victims $2.2 billion, and failed celebrity memecoin ventures led to legal troubles. Despite these challenges, memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu thrived, and crypto lawyers saw significant earnings from ongoing litigation.