Cryptocurrencies gained at the start of 2025, with bitcoin rising 3% to $97,234.80, marking a nearly 4% gain for the year.

The CoinDesk 20 index, which tracks the broader crypto market, also advanced more than 3%.

Solana’s token led the gains with a 7% increase, while crypto stocks Coinbase and MicroStrategy each climbed 3.5%.

Optimism surrounds the crypto industry’s outlook, with expectations of a favorable regulatory environment under President-elect Donald Trump and potential crypto legislation, CNBC has reported.

Despite a downturn at the end of 2024, bitcoin finished the year up over 120%.

Written by B.C. Begley