Bitcoin continued its upward momentum on Friday, holding near record highs set earlier in the week. The cryptocurrency market was buoyed by Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates, fueling optimism about a more favorable regulatory landscape and continued economic support.
Bitcoin Maintains Strong Performance
Bitcoin rose by 1.6%, reaching $75,980.3 at 00:20 ET (05:20 GMT), following a historic rally that saw the world’s largest cryptocurrency hit a record high of $76,837.8 on Thursday. The market reaction to Trump’s win has been especially positive, as investors anticipate a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.
The Trump administration’s campaign promises included plans to establish the U.S. as a global hub for cryptocurrency, which bolstered sentiment in the sector. Though specific policies have not been outlined, the prospect of regulatory clarity and legitimacy for digital assets has driven institutional interest and fueled Bitcoin’s surge.
Federal Reserve’s Rate Cut Fuels Further Gains
Adding to the bullish momentum, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell affirmed the economy’s strength while hinting at continued, albeit cautious, monetary easing. Powell also emphasized that the Fed would remain adaptable to future policy shifts, including any economic changes under the new administration.
This dovish stance by the Fed has boosted risk appetite across markets, with Wall Street reaching new highs and the ripple effect spilling over into the crypto space. However, the long-term interest rate outlook remains uncertain as market participants weigh the potential inflationary impact of Trump’s policies.
Broader Crypto Market Rally
The entire cryptocurrency market has experienced a significant uplift this week. Bitcoin’s 10% weekly gain has led the charge, but other digital assets have also shown strong performances:
- Ether (ETH): The second-largest cryptocurrency rose by 2.8% on Friday, trading at $2,916.48 and marking a weekly gain of over 17%, its best performance since mid-May.
- Dogecoin (DOGE): A standout among altcoins, Dogecoin soared nearly 24% this week, achieving a second consecutive week of double-digit gains.
- Other Altcoins: XRP, MATIC, ADA, and SOL also posted impressive weekly increases, ranging from 7% to 22%.
The outlook for cryptocurrencies remains optimistic, with market participants expecting further gains driven by favorable regulatory expectations and monetary easing. However, potential inflationary pressures from Trump’s economic policies and the Fed’s cautious approach to interest rate cuts add a layer of uncertainty to the longer-term trajectory.
For now, the combination of political developments and central bank action has ignited a wave of enthusiasm across crypto markets, setting the stage for a potentially transformative period for digital assets.