Bitcoin continued its stellar rally on Wednesday, breaking above $1,000 for the first time and marking a rise of over 7,600 percent so far this year.
Many analysts and investors have labeled bitcoin's unfettered rise a bubble, yet greater awareness of digital currencies and relief following last week's U.S. senate hearing have paved the way for fresh gains.
Bitcoin traded as high as $1,030 on the Mt. Gox exchange, up 7,661 percent year-to-date from its December 31 close of $13.27.
