Bitcoin has surged past $97,000 at the start of 2025, marking a significant rebound from recent losses and reflecting renewed investor optimism in the cryptocurrency market. The price of bitcoin rose to $97,000, up from $96,711.71 earlier in the day, as reported by multiple sources. This increase comes after a year-end 2024 performance where bitcoin ended up more than 120%. The cryptocurrency market as a whole saw a rise, with the CoinDesk 20 index advancing by 4%. Other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, also experienced gains, with Ethereum rising above $3,400. The market's total capitalization grew by nearly 3%, reaching $3.42 trillion, with high trading volumes coming from the UpBit exchange. The market's positive start to the year is attributed to expectations of a more favorable regulatory environment under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised crypto-friendly policies.