Crypto Price Today (May 16, 2025): Bitcoin Turns Volatile, Ethereum Jumps Above $2,600 Ahead of Weekly Closing

The cryptocurrency market is showing a dynamic performance today ahead of the last trading session of this week. After nearly $3.2 billion of options expiry, Bitcoin (BTC) exhibited heightened volatility while Ethereum (ETH) surged past the $2,600 mark, setting the stage for an eventful weekly closing. 

Bitcoin’s Rollercoaster Ride Above $103,000

Bitcoin experienced a volatile trading session, fluctuating around the $103,000 level. At the time of writing, BTC was trading at approximately $103,626, up 1.2% over the past 24 hours. 

Bitcoin Price — Source: CoinMarketCap

It briefly touched $104,300 earlier in the day, driven by strong institutional inflows, with Bitcoin spot ETFs recording nearly $320 million in net inflows. However, profit-taking and resistance at the $105,000 level could lead to a slight pullback. 

Ethereum Surge Above $2,600

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, stole the spotlight with a robust 1.53% gain, climbing as high as $2,634 hours ago today. The altcoin’s rally, which saw it breach the $2,600 threshold, was fueled by positive market sentiment and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Pectra protocol upgrade, which promises enhanced network efficiency.

Other major altcoins displayed a mixed bag of results. Solana (SOL) traded at $172.80, up marginally, while XRP held steady at $2.42 price mark. Meanwhile, memecoins like PEPE and Shiba Inu (SHIB) continued to attract retail interest despite their volatility. 

Trending Crypto Today

• ETH (Ethereum)
• XRP (XRP)
• XCN (Onyxcoin)
• NXPC (NEXPACE)
• DOGE (Dogecoin)

Top Gainers Today

• IP (Story): +12%
• EOS (EOS): +10%
• HYPE (Hyperliquid): +8%
• AAVE (Aave): +6%
• HNT (Helium) +6%

Top Losers Today

• OP (Optimism): -3%
• BONK (Bonk): -3%
• XMR (Monero): -2%
• QNT (Quant): -2%
• PI (Pi Coin): -2%

As per CoinMarketCap data , the global crypto market capitalization rose to $3.32 trillion, reflecting a modest 24-hour gain of 0.88%. The Market Fear & Greed Index stood at 69 (Greed), signaling cautious optimism among investors.