#CryptoRoundTableRemarks

Cryptocurrencies extended their rally to end the week, with bitcoin holding steady above the $100,000 level while ether rallied to its best week since 2021.

The price of bitcoin was higher by nearly 2% at $103,144.27 on Friday, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it rose as high as $104,324.65, its highest level since Jan. 31. For the week, bitcoin is up more than 6% and on pace for its fourth positive week in a row – and first four-week win streak since November.

"This move above $100,000 should be viewed as more than mere euphoria, but rather as evidence of a flows-driven shift," said Gadi Chait, head of investment at bitcoin-native Xapo Bank. "Whales have been accumulating on-chain, ETF demand continues to set new records, and investors seek 'neutral' assets amid a tariff-shadowed macro environment. Meanwhile, the announcement of a U.S.–UK 'mini-deal' and hints of tariff relief with China have reduced overall risk aversion, lifting equities, oil, and, notably, bitcoin."

The risk-on sentiment bled into altcoins, or cryptocurrencies that aren't bitcoin, most of which have struggled to keep pace with bitcoin's gains this year. Ether, one of the biggest stragglers, jumped 11%, bringing its two-day gain up to 29%. A 7% increase in the token tied to Solana brought its two-day gain to 17%.

This week the Ethereum network also completed its latest technology upgrade, dubbed Pectra, which enables lower network fees, streamlined ether staking and support for smart wallets.

Ether heads for its best week since 2021

Ether is up 26% week to date and on pace for its best week since May 2021. The Solana token has added about 16% this week, which is on track to be its best week since January.

Year to date, however, ether and other major altcoins – with the exception of XRP – are still deep in the red compared to bitcoin. While the flagship crypto is up 11%, ether and the Solana token are down 30% and 11%, respectively.