Bitcoin prices soared to a new record Tuesday for the first time in more than two years, a rally that has defied the expectations of analysts and investors. The largest cryptocurrency by market value, bitcoin crossed $69,000, surpassing its prior all-time high of $68,990.90 from Nov. 10, 2021, according to Dow Jones Market Data.  The momentum has largely caught analysts and investors by surprise. Bitcoin prices crashed through much of 2022 when hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, lender Celsius and exchange FTX collapsed one after the other. By the time FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022, bitcoin traded just above $16,000. Prices were hovering around $23,000 a year ago and ended 2023 near $40,000. #bitcoin #cryptocurrencynews #crypto #cryptotok #investing #wsj #wallstreetjournal #thewallstreetjournal