Bitcoin's strongest weekly rally in two years sparks broad altcoin surge
Bitcoin jumps 24% in a week, lifting the entire crypto market
Bitcoin recorded its biggest weekly gain in two years, rising 24% and briefly crossing $79,000. This rally lifted other cryptocurrencies, with XRP leading the way by jumping nearly 40% in the same period.
The surge was broad, with many altcoins—cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin—gaining over 30%. Analysts say this suggests the rally may be more sustainable than previous short-lived price increases.
Key price movements this week
- Bitcoin (BTC) rose 24% to briefly top $79,000.
- XRP surged 39%, reaching $1.50 for the first time in months.
- Zcash (ZEC) and Chainlink (LINK) each gained over 30%.
- Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, rose 28%.
- Hyperliquid’s token (HYPE) hit a new all-time high after political comments boosted its profile.
What analysts say about the rally
Analysts attribute Bitcoin’s rise to strong demand, including inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow investors to buy Bitcoin through traditional stock markets. However, some warn that Bitcoin must stay above $70,000 to confirm the rally’s strength.
There is disagreement over what triggered the rally. Some point to a U.S. Treasury program that increased market liquidity, while others argue the rally may be premature.
XRP’s strong performance was partly linked to optimism about U.S. crypto regulations, though analysts are unsure if this will continue.
What is confirmed
- Bitcoin’s weekly gain of 24% is its largest since 2024.
- XRP, Zcash, Chainlink, and other altcoins rose between 30% and 40% this week.
- Bitcoin briefly reached $79,000, while XRP crossed $1.50.
- Analysts agree the rally was broad-based, not limited to a few cryptocurrencies.
What is still unclear
- The exact cause of the rally is debated—some cite Treasury policies, while others dismiss their impact.
- It is uncertain whether XRP’s gains are due to regulatory optimism or simply catching up to the broader market.
- Analysts warn that Bitcoin must hold above $70,000 to avoid a sharp pullback.
Why this rally stands out
Unlike previous rallies, which were driven by a few cryptocurrencies, this week’s gains were spread across the market. This suggests stronger underlying demand rather than speculative hype.
Analysts also note that institutional interest, clearer regulations, and growing adoption could support further growth. However, they caution that volatility remains high, and sharp price swings are common in crypto markets.