Ether Leads as Bitcoin Tops $75K

Risk-on sentiment returned to crypto as Bitcoin cleared the $75,000 level and Ethereum led gains, signaling broader appetite for risk assets rather than a pure BTC squeeze. BTC climbed roughly 4.4% to about $75.3k, while ETH outperformed with near 6% gains to around $2.35k. The rally was amplified by derivatives activity — more than $500m in short liquidations — which accelerated price moves and may make the rally vulnerable if open interest rebuilds with fresh leverage. Altcoins showed breadth (Solana, Avalanche, BNB, XRP, Dogecoin higher), but ETH’s leadership is notable as a signal that traders moved further out the risk curve. Key near-term risks include whether BTC holds $75k as support, whether ETH maintains its BTC-relative strength, and whether rising open interest comes with healthy spot demand or renewed leverage-driven volatility.