Bitcoin isn’t slowing down. It’s pushed past $116,000 and made a new all-time high, pulling the rest of the crypto market up with it. Ethereum’s rising too, closing in on $3,000. Together, they’ve taken the total value of all cryptocurrencies to nearly $3.5 trillion, the kind of momentum that’s hard to ignore right now.

So, why exactly is Bitcoin up today? Why is Ethereum gaining so strongly? Here’s a look into the larger market lift.

The most visible reason appears to be growing interest from big institutions. Asset management giant BlackRock confirmed a $125 million Bitcoin purchase this week, followed by a larger buy of Ethereum. 

El Salvador has quietly topped up its Bitcoin reserves, which are now worth around $700 million. When a country keeps buying, and big names are doing the same, it changes the vibe completely. Crypto isn’t just some wild bet anymore; it’s starting to feel like something people actually trust.

But it’s not just institutions making moves. Global politics are playing a role as well. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed new trade tariffs between 15% and 20%. 

While no policy has been finalized, the idea alone was enough to stir up conversations about safe-haven assets. For a lot of people, Bitcoin is becoming the go-to option when there’s economic uncertainty—a way to park money safely outside regular markets. 

Right now, Bitcoin is trading close to $116,488, up almost 5% in the past day. Bitcoin’s total value in the market is now around $2.3 trillion, with almost $99 billion worth of trades happening in just one day. 

Ethereum’s story this week connects to both big money and small investors. Platforms like Robinhood just rolled out Ethereum staking for U.S. users, making it easier for everyday buyers to earn returns by locking up their coins. The required minimum is now as low as $1, which has likely drawn in a fresh wave of smaller participants.

Ethereum is steady too, priced near $2,961 after rising 6.44% over the same period. Its market value has reached about $357.55 billion, with around $35 billion in daily trading activity.

Traders now have their eyes set on whether Bitcoin will hold above $114,000 in the coming days and whether Ethereum can finally push past the key $3,000 mark.

For now, what’s clear is that crypto markets aren’t just moving because of one factor. A mix of institutional buying, changing global politics, and easier access for retail investors is lifting both prices and confidence across the board.

Also Read: How High Can Bitcoin Price Go if Corporate BTC Holdings Hit $100B?