Global cryptocurrency markets opened the week on a high note, fueled by signs of diplomatic progress between the United States and China, renewed institutional interest, and increased ETF-driven demand. The bullish momentum saw Bitcoin push toward its all-time high, while altcoins particularly Ethereum and meme coins led the charge in a broader market rally.
Bitcoin Climbs as Trump Signals Trade Breakthrough
Bitcoin surged to a peak of $104,900 on Saturday evening just 4% shy of its all-time high after President Donald Trump posted an update about U.S.-China trade talks held in Switzerland.
“A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner.”
Markets responded swiftly, with Bitcoin hovering near $103,985 by early Sunday, buoyed by positive sentiment, a strong inflow into ETFs, and growing clarity around crypto regulation.
Altcoins Steal the Spotlight
While Bitcoin’s rally was notable, altcoins stole the show, signaling a possible rotation of capital away from BTC dominance. Leading the pack was Ethereum (ETH), which jumped 8.7% to $2,536.25, its strongest single-day performance in weeks.
Meme coins also roared back:
- Dogecoin (DOGE): +14.9% to $0.24
- Shiba Inu (SHIB): +8.8% to $0.00001641
- Solana (SOL): +3.7% to $176.76
- XRP (XRP): +2.1% to $2.41
Bitcoin’s market dominance slipped to 63.89%, according to TradingView, suggesting increased investor interest in altcoins. The ETH/BTC ratio rebounded from its lowest point since 2020, supporting analyst speculation that an altcoin season may be underway.
Top Gainers This Weekend
Some of the most impressive weekend performers include:
- HashAI: +68.4%
- Ether.fi: +63.9%
- Quai Network: +55.5%
The gains reflect increased trading volume, speculative momentum, and interest in AI and staking-related projects.
Macro Factors Driving Momentum
Beyond crypto-native catalysts, macroeconomic dynamics continue to influence digital asset prices:
- Trump’s trade diplomacy is easing fears of escalating tariffs that have strained global supply chains.
- The prospect of China cooperating with the U.S. on fentanyl regulation could help rebuild bilateral relations.
- Meanwhile, BlackRock’s recent meeting with the SEC to discuss crypto staking and tokenization points to expanding institutional interest.
At the same time, industry headwinds persist. A bipartisan Senate crypto bill collapsed this week, with speculation that Trump’s personal crypto investments played a role in stalling consensus.
Bullish But Watchful
The current crypto rally is riding high on a wave of geopolitical optimism and investor confidence. But with ongoing trade negotiations, ETF discussions, and regulatory hurdles still in play, markets remain sensitive to both progress and setbacks.
Analysts agree that if altcoin performance continues to outpace Bitcoin, we could be entering a fresh phase of market expansion one where diversification and real utility define the winners of this cycle.
