Bitcoin has surged past the $78,000 mark, marking a major milestone and reigniting risk appetite across the cryptocurrency market. The rally was led by the NFT sector, which posted a third consecutive day of gains with trading volume increasing by over 3%. This move signals a broadening market shift beyond Bitcoin itself.
Layer2 and Index Tokens Join the Uptrend
Beyond NFTs, multiple sectors recorded strong performances. Layer2 project Starknet (STRK) surged more than 18%, becoming a focal point for capital inflows. The S&P 6900 index, which tracks the broader crypto market, climbed nearly 15%, confirming that the rally is broad-based. Although Bitcoin saw a slight pullback after the breakout (currently down 0.52% from the previous day), the overall market sentiment remains bullish.
DeFi Recovery Gains Momentum
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector also staged a significant rebound. Token Genius posted double-digit percentage gains, standing out as a bright spot. Total value locked (TVL) in lending and staking protocols has shown signs of stabilization. Analysts note that Bitcoin's strength often acts as a leading indicator, and the subsequent rotation into NFTs and DeFi is consistent with the classic “leader-first, catch-up” pattern in bull cycles.
Overall, the crypto market has entered a new phase of activity driven by Bitcoin's breakthrough. While some profit-taking occurred after the announcement, risk appetite has clearly improved. The sustained upward momentum in NFTs and Layer2 suggests short-term upside potential. Investors are advised to watch whether Bitcoin can hold above $78,000 and whether capital continues to flow into emerging projects.