The aggregate cryptocurrency market capitalization remained stable around $2.38 trillion, matching levels observed during late 2024.
According to Nexo Dispatch’s analyst Dessislava Ianeva, current funding rates display “neutral to slightly positive” characteristics across principal digital assets, indicating controlled leverage levels throughout the market. [[LINK_START_3]]Bitcoin[[LINK_END_3]] perpetual contract open interest currently hovers near $28 billion, remaining beneath its October 2025 high.
Ethereum climbed 1.2% to reach $2,067. XRP experienced a modest 0.1% increase to $1.39. Solana advanced 1.2% while Cardano posted a 0.4% gain.
US military operations reportedly destroyed 16 Iranian watercraft believed to be deploying explosive devices near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, two petroleum tankers sustained damage in attacks within the Iraq Ports loading zone, prompting Iraqi port authorities to halt operations.
Both West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude benchmarks exceeded the $100 per barrel mark during early Thursday trading, following Wednesday settlements that showed gains exceeding 4%. Earlier this week, crude had temporarily approached $120 per barrel.
The International Energy Agency declared member nations would execute an unprecedented strategic petroleum reserve release totaling approximately 400 million barrels, yet market prices continued their upward trajectory.
President Trump stated Wednesday that the administration intends to “finish the job” within a compressed timeline.
US equity index futures demonstrated weakness during Thursday’s pre-market hours. Dow contracts decreased 1%. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures each registered declines approaching 0.9%.
This marked consecutive sessions of predominantly negative performance across Wall Street.
February’s Consumer Price Index advanced 0.3% on a monthly basis and 2.4% year-over-year, conforming to economist projections. Core inflation metrics, excluding volatile food and energy components, registered 2.5% on an annual basis.
Wells Fargo economist Sarah House observed that February’s inflation report may appear outdated given current conditions, noting crude prices have surged approximately 25% since month-end.
Market participants are pricing zero probability for policy adjustment at the Federal Reserve’s March 18 monetary policy decision. Expectations point toward September for the next potential rate reduction, with roughly 43% odds for an additional cut materializing before year-end.
Adobe and Dollar General are scheduled to announce quarterly results following Thursday’s regular trading session.
On Capitol Hill, Senate members are pursuing compromise language for the crypto CLARITY Act, specifically concerning regulations governing yield generation on stablecoins. The proposed legislation seeks to establish more definitive regulatory frameworks for digital asset oversight.
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