Bitcoin extended its rally on Thursday, fueled by speculation that the incoming Trump administration will introduce more favorable cryptocurrency regulations. The cryptocurrency surged 3.1% to $95,645 by early trading hours, continuing its recovery toward the psychologically significant $100,000 milestone.
Key Drivers Behind Bitcoin’s Rise
- Regulatory Shift to CFTC:
- Reports suggest that Trump’s administration plans to transfer most crypto oversight from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
- The CFTC, known for its lighter regulatory touch, offers a welcome change for the industry, which has faced stringent SEC actions over the past two years.
- Pro-Crypto Leadership:
- Trump is reportedly considering appointing Paul Atkins, a known digital asset advocate, as the next SEC Chair. This potential move has buoyed market sentiment, signaling a likely end to the SEC’s aggressive enforcement strategy under Gary Gensler.
- Further support for the crypto sector comes from reports that pro-crypto candidates are being selected for key positions in the Treasury and Commerce departments.
- Ripple (XRP) Rally:
- Ripple’s XRP token surged over 7%, reflecting optimism that a more lenient regulatory framework could ease its prolonged legal battle with the SEC.
- Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Debate:
- While there’s speculation about a Bitcoin strategic reserve under Trump’s administration, analysts remain skeptical. Compass Point Research highlighted the improbability of deficit-driven funding to purchase Bitcoin, given the tight fiscal constraints and a Republican-controlled Congress.
Broader Market Gains
Bitcoin’s rally ignited a broader surge across the cryptocurrency market:
- Ethereum (ETH): Rose 5.1% to $3,572.13.
- Solana (SOL): Gained 4.2%.
- Cardano (ADA): Up 5.2%.
- Polygon (MATIC): Increased 4%.
- Dogecoin (DOGE): Climbed 4.3%.
Market Outlook
The crypto market is gaining momentum as hopes for regulatory clarity and industry-friendly policies grow. However, uncertainties linger, particularly around fiscal feasibility for large-scale initiatives like a Bitcoin reserve. The path forward will depend heavily on the Trump administration’s execution of its crypto agenda and broader macroeconomic conditions.
Investors are closely watching developments, especially as Bitcoin edges closer to $100,000—a level that could trigger another wave of speculative interest and institutional inflows.