Bitcoin's soaring value was down to 'infected' buyers, economists say

Barclays analysts compare speculation in digital currency to spread of infectious diseaseThe rise of bitcoin has comparisons with the spread of an infectious disease, according to economists who argue the digital currency may have peaked in value as more consumers become immune to its appeal. Analysts at Barclays said the soaring value of the digital currency last year, when prices rose by more than 900%, was helped by new buyers being “infected” by the euphoria surrounding bitcoin.