Bitcoin prices have continued to climb today, passing $6,500 for the first time ever.

The gains come soon after the number world's largest cryptocurrency hit previous highs in recent days, passing $6,300 on Oct. 29, and then $6,400 yesterday.

At press time, the price of a bitcoin is at the fresh high of $6,522, according to CoinDesk's Bitcoin Price Index – a 1.16 percent gain for the day so far. The digital currency started the session at $6,447.

According to CoinMarketCap data, bitcoin is up over 17 percent for the week, and its market capitalization has now peaked at $108.5 billion.

Elsewhere in the markets, rival asset bitcoin cash is also up today, trading at around $492, rising 9.34 percent over the last 24 hours.

The combined market cap for all cryptocurrencies is now $184 billion – also a new record high.

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