Apr. 18 at 1:04 AM
Bitcoin rose to its highest level since early February after a wave of U.S. and Iran-related comments boosted optimism that the Middle East conflict may be moving toward resolution. The cryptocurrency broke above its recent trading range, surpassing
$78,000 for the first time since February 3 and gaining as much as 3.8% to
$78,155.
Other digital assets also advanced, with Ether up 3.3% and XRP rising 2.4%, as broader risk sentiment improved. Equities gained while oil and the dollar fell, following Iran’s statement that the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” to commercial traffic, encouraging investors to add risk.
Despite the rally, derivatives markets suggest caution, with negative funding rates in perpetual futures and strong demand for downside protection options at
$60,000 and
$50,000. Analysts say a sustained breakout will require clearer geopolitical conditions and stronger institutional inflows.
$BTC.X
$XRP.X
$ETH.X
$ETHA