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Bitcoin Eyes $40K After Breaching $38K for First Time Since May 2022
Bitcoin has risen above $38,000 for the first time since May 2022 after battling this level for the past two weeks.
Updated Mar 8, 2024, 5:36 p.m. Published Nov 24, 2023, 4:53 p.m.
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Bitcoin [BTC], the world's largest cryptocurrency by market value, has climbed to levels not seen since May 2022 on Friday amid quiet trading in traditional markets, the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
The cryptocurrency briefly touched $38,000 earlier Friday morning but retreated to levels around $37,800. BTC has now held above the $38,000 threshold for a few hours and appears to be attempting to push higher.
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The uptick in price comes as investors are expecting a possible approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). Crypto-related stocks also gained on the day, with Coinbase's COIN gaining 6%, Stronghold Digital Mining (SDIG) 6.4% and Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) by 4%.
"With the BTC ETF lurking around the corner - which may be Jan .11 for the 19b1 consent (not s1 approval) there will be a new layer of volatility to the market," said Laurent Kssis in an interview with CoinDesk.
"Due to the ease of trade and cost-effectiveness, a bitcoin ETF will attract more turnover in volumes from institutional investors currently not seen on crypto exchanges as they are not allowed to execute on these non-regulated exchanges by their compliance depts," explained Kssis.
Kssis predicts that bitcoin could rally to $40,000 over the weekend.
"When approved, the volatility of BTC will be significant during these periods which create additional risks for investors but as well opportunities for those arbitraging. Would not be surprised if we see 40K being broken this weekend," Kssis said.
Ether [ETH], the second largest cryptocurrency by market value, also gained over 3% on Friday.
UPDATE (Nov. 24, 18:27 UTC): Adds price action of crypto-linked stocks.
Read more: Bitcoin's 3-Week Consolidation Under $38K Has Bullish Undertone
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KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
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Gold tops $5,000 as bitcoin stalls near $87,000 in widening macro-crypto split: Asia Morning Briefing
Bitcoin’s onchain data points to supply overhang and weak participation, while gold’s breakout is priced by markets as a durable macro regime shift.
What to know:
- Gold’s surge above $5,000 an ounce is increasingly seen as a durable regime shift, with investors treating the metal as a persistent hedge against geopolitical risk, central bank demand and a weaker dollar.
- Bitcoin is stuck near $87,000 in a low-conviction market, as on-chain data show older holders selling into rallies, newer buyers absorbing losses and a heavy supply overhang capping moves toward $100,000.
- Derivatives and prediction markets point to continued consolidation in bitcoin and sustained strength in gold, with thin futures volumes, subdued leverage and weak demand for higher-beta crypto assets like ether reinforcing the cautious tone.
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