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STORY: From why some think bitcoin is out of the woods, to why last year was a busy one for North Korean hackers, these are the week’s top stories in the world of virtual money.

Bitcoin gained 40% over January - its best month since October 2021.

Trading volumes are soaring again too, with one exchange reporting an 82% surge over the month.

Reasons for the gains aren’t clear, and some think economic events could yet put the wider markets into reverse.

Hennion & Walsh President Kevin Mahn:

“I think investors at this point in time are very confused about the future direction of the economy, the future direction of interest rates, and ultimately the future direction of the markets.”

Britain is pressing ahead with plans for a digital pound.

The Bank of England says one is needed, and could be in use by the second half of this decade.

Consultations have begun on how such a system could work.

The digital pound would be issued by the central bank - and its value would be fixed.

Some are already calling it “Britcoin”.

And last year was the worst on record for cryptocurrency heists.

U.S. analysts say hackers stole as much as $3.8 billion during 2022.

A confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters features similar figures.

Both say groups linked to North Korea accounted for the lion’s share of the cyber-looting.