Crypto Market Eyes ‘Prime’ Breakout as Ether, Dogecoin Emerge as Top Performers

Ether and Dogecoin Lead Crypto Rally as Political Buzz and Quiet Retail Activity Fuel Optimism

The crypto market continued its upward momentum on Thursday, with Ether and Dogecoin taking the lead as traders weighed shifting political winds and the notable absence of retail-driven hype.

Bitcoin (BTC) held just below its all-time high near $112,000, while Ether (ETH) surged more than 7%, topping $2,780. Dogecoin (DOGE) also posted strong gains, rising 6%, while other major tokens like Solana (SOL) and XRP followed suit.

The broad advance lifted the CoinDesk 20 index by more than 2%, reflecting widespread optimism across the crypto sector.

Blockchain analytics firm Santiment noted that smaller retail wallets remain largely sidelined—a signal that historically hints at further upside potential.

“History has shown that this is a prime sign of a potential breakout, as crypto markets typically move opposite the crowd’s expectations,” Santiment wrote on X.
“When retail shows FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt), these moments are often prime opportunities for smart money to accumulate. This time has been no different.”

Crypto’s strength persisted even amid geopolitical uncertainties. U.S. equities were mostly steady, despite President Donald Trump proposing fresh tariffs—including a 50% duty on copper imports and increased tariffs on Brazilian goods, which weighed on Brazil’s equity markets.

U.S. equity-index futures slipped a modest 0.1%, while global technology stocks extended gains. Nvidia briefly reached a stunning $4 trillion market cap, underscoring persistent enthusiasm in the tech sector. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields edged lower, reflecting expectations of a supportive policy backdrop despite political headlines.

“Crypto prices surged to new all-time highs on the back of a supportive risk and equity backdrop,” said Augustine Fan, Head of Insights at SignalPlus.
“BTC climbed above $112K after the U.S. House Committee declared next week as ‘Crypto Week,’ including a July 16 hearing titled Making America the Crypto Capital of the World. Traders are anticipating tangible progress after months of political posturing.”

Fan emphasized that market participants remain focused on the six-month soft deadline for regulatory proposals set by President Trump in January. Next week’s hearing could provide crucial clarity—or at least renewed momentum—toward a long-anticipated federal framework for digital assets.