Bitcoin Jumps Back Above $97,000 as Crypto Markets Start to Recover

Bitcoin's price surged past $97,000 on Thursday, climbing 2% to hit $97,011. This modest bump capped a 3% gain since the start of 2025, as the crypto markets began shaking off the losses that weighed them down at the end of last year. Investors appear to be waking up with new optimism, ready to see where this unpredictable market takes them. XRP led the rally with a 10% gain. Meanwhile, Coinbase and MicroStrategy, two major crypto-linked stocks, saw their shares jump 4% each. Optimism around regulation and IPOs fuels momentum. This year could be a game-changer for crypto, largely thanks to hopes for a crypto-friendly environment under President Donald Trump. Investors are excited about Congress potentially passing the first-ever legislation focused on digital assets.