TL;DR
- The global crypto market has surpassed $4 trillion for the first time, driven by strong institutional investment, clearer regulations in the U.S., and renewed interest in altcoins.
- Bitcoin remains the largest player, but other digital assets like XRP and Ether are capturing traders’ attention.
- This milestone signals growing confidence in crypto as a legitimate pillar of the modern financial landscape.
The worldwide crypto market capitalization climbed beyond $4 trillion on Thursday, marking a turning point for digital assets as an established alternative to traditional markets. Data from CoinMarketCap shows the total market cap stands at about $4.003 trillion, with daily trading volumes exceeding $260 billion. Bitcoin alone now represents nearly 60% of the total, valued at $2.39 trillion.
Bitcoin’s price rose nearly 2% over the last 24 hours to $120,134, moving closer to its all-time peak near $123,000. Analysts highlight that steady inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have provided the groundwork for this surge, attracting cautious institutional money that once stood on the sidelines.
Altcoins Enter The Spotlight
While Bitcoin sets the tone, altcoins are beginning to take center stage. XRP has smashed through its previous record, jumping 20% to trade at $3.62. Ethereum is up more than 7% above $3,600, hitting its highest mark of the year. Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano are also gaining momentum, signaling that traders are rotating capital into assets with higher upside potential.
Market watchers see this rotation as proof that the crypto ecosystem is maturing. Improved blockchain infrastructure and innovative projects are now drawing attention beyond Bitcoin alone. These shifts have been reinforced by significant policy moves in Washington this week, where Congress approved three crypto-friendly bills. The GENIUS stablecoin bill and the Clarity Act are expected to encourage innovation while providing much-needed regulatory guardrails.
Institutional Support Strengthens The Case
The expansion of regulated investment vehicles and the growing presence of crypto on corporate balance sheets are reshaping how digital assets are perceived worldwide. Major firms are increasingly holding Bitcoin as a treasury reserve, while ETFs make it easier for traditional investors to gain exposure without managing private keys.
As liquidity grows and trading venues become more sophisticated, experts believe the next target could be a $4.5 trillion market cap. For now, momentum remains strong, backed by robust technology and smarter financial products. Many in the industry argue that crypto is moving closer to fulfilling its promise as a mainstream financial force, offering alternatives to conventional systems and opening doors for innovation that stretches far beyond speculation.
