Bitcoin advances above $18 000 as it retraces record 2017 surge

Bitcoin advanced for a third session on Wednesday, edging closer to its record highs of 2017 that spurred a global mania among investors and resulted in a violent crash. The controversial digital asset - originally promoted as an alternative to national currencies such as the dollar - broke above $18 000 and then fell more than 6%, before recovering to about $18 150 at 11:19 in London. It outperformed most of its 10 biggest rivals. Having more than doubled this year, the biggest cryptocurrency is spurring memories of its 1 375% rally in 2017 that preceded a 70% plunge the following year. Still, advocates and even skeptics are saying this time it may continue to push higher. "Markets are...