$BTC US-CHINA EXPECTATIONS BITCOIN STEADY AT $97K
Bitcoin was largely unchanged on Friday, after a recent surge brought the cryptocurrency closer to breaking through the $100,000 level as risk appetite improved after China signaled it was open to trade talks with the United States. Investor sentiment was also boosted by major corporate holder Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) announcing a $21 billion equity offering, although the company also posted a fifth straight quarterly loss. Wider crypto prices also rose on Friday after China’s comments, tracking a rebound in risk-driven markets, particularly equities. But the upside for cryptos was limited, as a strong rally through late April now appears to be easing. Bitcoin was steady at $96,999.0 at 10:20 a.m. ET (14:20 GMT), after rising as high as $97,226.1 earlier in the session. Bitcoin Upbeat as China Signals Openness to US Trade Talks Bitcoin’s gains on Friday came largely after China’s commerce ministry said it was open to trade talks with the US, following efforts by Washington to reach a dialogue. The comments raised hopes for trade negotiations between the world’s largest economies, after they engaged in a bitter trade war in April. Bitcoin was steady at $96,999.0 by 10:20 a.m. ET (14:20 GMT), after rising as high as $97,226.1 earlier in the session.