The Digital Currency Market Is Unfazed by China ICO Rule

After an initial dip in cryptocurrency prices, the digital currency market is rallying.

Markets were pushed higher thanks to news that another major European nation has banned large cash payments. Bitcoin is expected to benefit as interest in alternative payments is on the rise.

digital currency market

Meanwhile, markets continued to shake off the massive sell-off fueled by the Peoples' Bank of China's ruling on initial coin offerings (ICOs) over the weekend.

On Thursday, the total market capitalization topped $164.2 billion.

Below is a recap of the top cryptocurrency prices at 10:00 a.m. EDT

Bitcoin: $4,640.25, +2.69%

Ethereum: $330.79, +1.92%

Ripple: $0.22, +1.76%

Bitcoin Cash: $647.71, +6.01%

Litecoin: $80.89, +8.01%

Now that we know all of today's price movements, here's what has been moving these cryptocurrencies...

Cryptocurrency Markets Today

Top performers from the largest 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization include Ox (up 29.6%), Golem (up 26.3%), TenX (up 10.5%), and Hshare (up 51.1%). The largest decliners over the last 24 hours include DigiByte (down 5.81%), Byteball (down 4.97%), and Bitcoin Dark (down 3.40%).

But the biggest news came from NEO, which surged more than 44% while its market capitalization surpassed $1.57 billion.

The rally came after a story broke last night that China has not completely forbidden ICOs. Over the weekend, the Peoples' Bank of China issued a statement saying that all ICOs must stop raising money and return capital to investors. However, a source close to regulators said last night that the announcement wasn't really a full ban, according to CoinTelegraph.

Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash Prices Climb Higher

Bitcoin prices showed small gains as the market capitalization of the world's largest cryptocurrency increased to $76.8 billion.

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Top 5 Cryptocurrencies to Invest In Today

As increased geopolitical uncertainty weighs on investor sentiment, some traders are coming around on the idea that Bitcoin is a better investment than gold. Bitcoin has remained unfazed by North Korean missiles, interest rate hikes, a border crisis between China and India, and uncertainty over Germany's election.

The price of Bitcoin Cash also continues to climb. The currency has found greater stability in September after a wild month that followed its creation during the Aug. 1 hard fork.

Ethereum Prices Gain as Markets Eye Metropolis

The Ethereum price climbed again as investors prepare for the pending deployment of Metropolis, the blockchain's latest protocol upgrade.

According to reports, the first step in the Metropolis integration will take place on Sept. 22.

Trending: Why the Winklevoss Bitcoin ETF Suddenly Is Looking Better to the SEC

Many investors anticipate that Ethereum's price will press higher as this day approaches.

Litecoin Investors Eye $100.00

Litecoin was back above $80.00 per token on Thursday after gaining nearly 7%. The price is still down more than 10% from its all-time high of $92.00, which it hit on Sept. 2.

However, it has had a strong recovery after falling to $59 in recent days. Traders are eyeing $100 per token as the next major milestone, particularly in the wake of the announcement that the first Lightning Network transaction was successful.

Lightning channels are designed to support cross-blockchain transactions and bolster instant payments.

Global Altcoin Update

Yesterday, it was Hollywood socialite Paris Hilton hawking an ICO. Today's dive into the unpredictable was the news that a political group backing Russian President Vladimir Putin is pressing for a "green cryptocurrency" project.

The All-Russia People's Front (ONF) is pressing for a cryptocurrency that will pay for environmental causes around the globe.

This is just the latest cryptocurrency that sounds too bizarre to exist. At Money Morning, we've compiled a list of cryptocurrencies so bizarre, you'll think we made them up. Check this out this surprising list, right here.

Must Read: An Ethereum Price Prediction of $1,000 Tops Near-Term Forecasts

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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.

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