Accounting Standards Update 2023-08 might be an important contribution to the special status of this bull cycle. It has been mentioned before, but the consequences haven't struck me until now.
This update to accounting rules states that some assets (you know the C word? Well, bitcoin in particular) have to be accounted at fair value in balance sheets. "Fair value" in this context is basically market value. It used to be different: if you had bitcoin on your balance, and you bought low, you'd still look (balance wise) as poor as when you bought it. With the new rules, you appear to be as rich (balance wise) as the bitcoin price allows.
The update will become mandatory at the end of 2024, but companies could opt in by the end of 2023. Some well known entrepreneurs opted in as early as they could. Guess one name? Michael "Lazereye" Saylor.
Why is this such a big deal? Because it allows companies to stuff btc in their balance sheets in place of cash or gold; btc that can be bought, hedl there and left to grow, selling only when necessary. In other words, the new rules could (and I'm guessing, will) turn several companies (again: think MicroStrategy) into followers of JimboToronto's way:
"Buy whenever you can, sell only when necessary."
We still have no idea what's coming, guys. Or should I say gentlemen?
I hope this won't be a precursor of taxing the 'unrealized capital gains'.