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Cryptocurrency News Today: Bitcoin prices climbed more than 8% over the previous 24 hours of trading, while almost every other rival cryptocurrency declined in value.
Bitcoin prices topped $2,800 as the asset continues to push higher on a weaker U.S. dollar. In addition, investors are expecting that the ongoing debate about scaling will reach a conclusion next week, as the integration of Segregated Witness has been scheduled for early August.
We are about to witness the first large fork in Bitcoin as a series of miners and other platforms prepare to support a new coin called Bitcoin Cash. Traders are anticipating some level of volatility as the event takes place.
The markets are still digesting the arrest of Alexander Vinnik in Greece this week. Vinnik is believed to be the mastermind behind the heist of 650,000 bitcoins from Mt. Gox, an exchange that went bankrupt in 2014.
The arrest has the potential to disrupt Bitcoin exchange BTC-E, a popular hub for cyber criminals who have used ransomware in recent years. According to Google, roughly 95% of ransomware payments have been liquidated through the BTC-E.
What Is Bitcoin?
Below is a recap of cryptocurrency prices at 2 p.m. EDT...
Bitcoin: $2,789.42, +8.07%
Ethereum: $195.19, -3.57%
Ripple: $0.16, -3.80%
Litecoin: $40.80, -2.35%
Dash: $185.03, -4.35%
Now that we know all of today's price movements, here's what has been moving these cryptocurrencies...
Bitcoin Prices Today: Bitcoin Rises as Traders Eye Fork on Tuesday
Bitcoin's market capitalization pushed higher and represented more than 50% of the total cryptocurrency market for the first time since May. Bitcoin prices are up more than 160% so far this year despite statements by Howard Marks from Oaktree Capital Management this week.
The fund co-chairman called Bitcoin an unfounded fad that was based on the willingness of investors to ascribe value for something that has little or no value.
Once again, prices are up 160% this year, a sign that there is at least "some" value.
Ethereum Prices
The Ethereum price was sliding alongside other rival cryptocurrencies.
Digital currency investors are still weighing what the SEC's decision this week to regulate initial coin offerings (ICOs) will mean for the cryptocurrency market.
Trending: Ethereum Prices Could Rally to $500 - Here's Why
But even with its recent pullback to just under $200, the price of Ethereum is up 2,300% this year alone.
Ripple Prices
Ripple prices fell in sync with Ethereum and its other rivals. The price of Ripple fell by 3.8% as investors took profits off the table and poured more capital into Bitcoin.
The upcoming protocol changes in the Bitcoin network are sucking most of the oxygen out of the room.
That said, Ripple prices have been on a huge run in 2017 but remain well below their 52-week high of $0.40.
Litecoin Prices
Litecoin prices were off today despite a positive endorsement. Chemical supplier Lysergi told its customers that Litecoin provides a series of advantages over its rival Bitcoin. The company encouraged its customers to use Litecoin due to the potential for reduced fees and improved confirmation times.
This isn't the first time that a company has encouraged its customers to use Litecoin as an alternative.
Dash Prices
Today Dash celebrated the news that a Zimbabwe-based exchange called BitcoinFundi had added Dash and Litecoin to its online platform.
But Dash prices were still down like most cryptocurrencies today.
Up Next: The Ultimate Guide to Profiting from Bitcoin - Free Report
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About the Author
Garrett Baldwin is a globally recognized research economist, financial writer, consultant, and political risk analyst with decades of trading experience and degrees in economics, cybersecurity, and business from Johns Hopkins, Purdue, Indiana University, and Northwestern.
