Bitcoin experienced a modest decline during Asian trading hours on Friday, pulling back after achieving a peak of $96,000 earlier in the week. This retreat came amid a cautious market environment, influenced by the delay of a significant US legislative bill designed to establish a structured regulatory framework for digital assets. Investors' enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies remains tempered as uncertainties persist around upcoming regulatory developments.
At 09:43 ET (14:43 GMT), Bitcoin was recorded at $95,192, marking a 0.8% decrease from prior levels. Despite this dip, the digital currency has still posted a roughly 5% increase for the week, reflecting some recuperation following a relatively quiet start to the new year.
The setback in Bitcoin’s rally is tied closely to a postponement by US lawmakers on examining a long-anticipated crypto regulatory bill. This bill is intended to impose clearer rules on the digital asset space, an initiative that initially buoyed market optimism. However, Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ:COIN), the largest US-based crypto exchange, voiced strong opposition to the bill’s current draft, particularly objecting to limitations on stablecoin functionalities.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong specifically criticized provisions restricting crypto firms from offering yields or rewards on customers’ stablecoin holdings. Given Coinbase’s influential position in shaping crypto regulations and its notable contributions during the 2024 election cycle, its stance wields considerable weight in legislative discussions.
Market traders had initially welcomed the prospect of regulatory clarity, leading to some of Bitcoin’s recent gains. Nevertheless, the concerns around stablecoin treatment within the bill have sparked skepticism among crypto proponents, casting doubts over the bill’s approval in its present form.
Beyond legislative hurdles, Bitcoin’s recent advance has also been aided by corporate buying activity. Strategy, a prominent corporate holder of the cryptocurrency, disclosed acquiring over $1 billion worth of Bitcoin this week, fueling hopes for increased demand from institutional investors.
Despite these positive signals, retail investor interest appears subdued. This sentiment is underscored by Bitcoin’s trading at a discount on Coinbase compared to global averages, suggesting that in the US—the world’s largest crypto market—retail enthusiasm remains muted amid cautious market outlooks.
Altcoin performance mirrored Bitcoin’s subdued price movements on Friday, though these assets ended the week with modest gains. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, declined by 1.4% on the day but appreciated by 5.7% during the week, benefiting partly from bargain purchases amid investor hopes for regulatory direction.
Other altcoins showed mixed trends: XRP dropped 1.9% on Friday and was down nearly 1% for the week, while Solana remained relatively flat on the day but ended the week 2.7% higher. Binance Coin (BNB) fell slightly on Friday but rose 3% over the week. Cardano dropped 4% on Friday and showed no net gain for the week.
Among meme coins, Dogecoin decreased 3.4% and the TRUMP token declined 1.2% on Friday, exemplifying ongoing volatility and subdued sentiment in this segment.
Overall, the crypto market is navigating a cautious phase where promising corporate investment offsets lingering doubts about regulatory outcomes and consumer demand. The ongoing debates over stablecoin regulations and delayed legislative progress continue to weigh on near-term price momentum across the sector.