Bitcoin Surge Ignites Rally in Crypto Stocks as Washington Prepares for Pivotal Policy Week

A new all-time high for Bitcoin, which crossed $85,000 Friday morning, sparked a broad rally in cryptocurrency-related stocks just days before the start of “Crypto Week” in Washington — a pivotal stretch of hearings and regulatory events that could shape the industry’s future in the United States.

Companies with deep ties to digital assets, including Coinbase, MicroStrategy, and mining firms like Riot Platforms, saw their stock prices jump between 8% and 14% in early trading. ETF funds tracking crypto, such as the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), also posted notable gains.

Bitcoin’s rally comes amid growing investor optimism ahead of next week’s legislative hearings, where lawmakers are expected to debate stablecoin oversight, self-custody rights, and a proposed framework for decentralized finance (DeFi). Several industry insiders and executives are also scheduled to testify.

“This is more than just a price rally — it’s the market signaling confidence that the U.S. is finally ready to take digital assets seriously on a regulatory front,” said Daphne Liu, managing director at blockchain investment firm Veritas Alpha.

Fueling the bullish momentum is speculation that Congress may advance at least one of three major bipartisan crypto bills under discussion — particularly one that would establish clearer jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC, easing long-standing regulatory uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s renewed strength is being linked to institutional flows, a weaker dollar, and expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin rate cuts by September.

With digital assets commanding renewed attention in both markets and policymaking circles, industry advocates are calling “Crypto Week” a potential inflection point.

“Next week could shape how the U.S. either embraces or chokes innovation,” said Alex Marsh, general counsel for a D.C.-based crypto lobbying group. “Either way, the world is watching.”

In Brief:

• Bitcoin Price: Hits new ATH above $85,000.
• Top Movers: Coinbase +11%, MicroStrategy +13%, Riot Platforms +9%.
• Crypto Week in Washington: Begins Monday, includes key hearings on digital assets, stablecoins, and regulatory clarity.
• Market Outlook: Bullish sentiment fueled by potential regulatory progress and dovish Fed outlook.