Bitcoin Climbs Toward $100K, Pushing Crypto Market Value to Record $3.4 Trillion
Bitcoin (BTC) edged closer to the $100,000 milestone on Friday, with prices reaching $99,200 before stabilizing just above $99,000 in early trading. This rally has driven the total cryptocurrency market cap to a historic $3.4 trillion, with BTC maintaining its dominance at over 56% of the market.
Institutional flows remain a key driver, with BlackRock’s IBIT ETF seeing $600 million in inflows and Fidelity’s FBTC capturing $300 million. No significant outflows were reported, indicating sustained confidence among investors.
Altcoin Performance
As BTC leads the charge, major altcoins are rallying:
- Ethereum (ETH): Up 9%, buoyed by growth in decentralized finance (DeFi) and memecoin trading.
- Solana (SOL): Jumped 8%, setting new highs above $260 amid ETF optimism.
- XRP: Surged 25%, riding the wave of improved regulatory sentiment following SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s planned resignation.
- Cardano (ADA): Posted a 12% gain, reflecting strong investor sentiment.
Market Sentiment
Renewed confidence in crypto is supported by political optimism as a pro-crypto administration prepares to take office. Analysts predict that Bitcoin’s rise could face minor resistance near $100,000 but anticipate long-term bullish momentum. Open interest in BTC options exceeding $100,000 has topped $2 billion, signaling sustained optimism for the coming year.
