The price of one bitcoin broke through the $5,000 mark on October 11

Bitcoin surged past $6,400 for the first time yesterday as an American derivatives exchange announced plans to sell futures contracts for the digital currency.

The plans, announced by CME Group, would allow investors to trade in bitcoin in the same way that they trade in gold, oil and other assets that use futures.

It also would allow investors to hedge bets that the price of bitcoin will rise, something that is difficult at present.

Bitcoin climbed as far as $6,415.28 before easing back to $6,362.65 in afternoon trading, up by 4 per cent for the day.

The price of one bitcoin has soared from $966 at the start of the year and broke through the $5,000 mark for the first time on October 11.

Bitcoin