Crypto Market Rebounds as Altcoins Lead Gains Over Bitcoin and Ethereum

Cryptocurrencies extended their rebound over the past 24 hours, with Bitcoin holding above $81,000 even as Ethereum and a wide set of major altcoins outpaced it. Total crypto market capitalisation moved toward $2.8 trillion, supported by a notable jump in trading activity that points to improving risk appetite across digital assets. Bitcoin traded near $81,500 as global crypto volume rose to $76.3 billion. Bitcoin dominance stayed around 58.5%, signalling BTC remains the market's anchor despite the renewed bid in altcoins. Market sentiment also firmed, with the Fear and Greed Index at 72, a level associated with "greed." Altcoin strength was most visible among top performers. NEAR Protocol climbed more than 22% over the past 24 hours, with Veince Token posting a similar advance. Avalanche (AVAX) gained more than 17%, while Sui (SUI) rose over 14%. Jupiter (JUP), Sei (SEI), Render (RNDR) and PancakeSwap (CAKE) also logged solid gains, highlighting the breadth of the move. On the downside, MemeCore ranked among the weakest major performers. JUST, Midnight, VeChain and Pepe also traded lower. Losses were comparatively contained versus the day's double-digit winners, suggesting buying pressure outweighed broad-based selling. Derivatives activity reflected aggressive repositioning. Crypto liquidations totalled about $357 million, with roughly $240 million tied to short positions and nearly $117 million to longs. Short liquidations accounted for about two-thirds of forced closures as prices moved higher. In the US, spot crypto ETFs added another layer of demand. Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $433 million. Ethereum ETFs took in $143.8 million, though the week overall ended with about $140 million in net outflows, snapping a four-week inflow streak. Looking ahead, traders will watch whether momentum can persist once the initial short-covering impulse fades. Bitcoin's ability to remain above $80,000, along with continued strength in Ethereum and high-volume altcoins such as NEAR, AVAX and SUI, will shape whether the broader rally can extend. ETF flows remain a key catalyst to monitor, while spot volume, open interest and liquidation trends are likely to guide near-term direction. For now, the market is showing participation beyond Bitcoin, but sustained volume and fresh capital will be needed to confirm the move.