Bitcoin price hits six-week high after Trump backs cryptocurrency

Former president says he will end persecution of crypto industry if he wins US election in November

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Bitcoin has hit its highest level in more than six weeks after Donald Trump said at the weekend he would end the “persecution” of the crypto industry if he wins the US presidential election.

The cryptocurrency’s price rose by more than 3% on Monday to peak at about $69,745, the highest since 12 June when the currency changed hands at more than $69,800.