Digital currencies Ethereum and XRP soared on Monday, gaining momentum as bitcoin powered on towards its all-time high.
Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation after bitcoin, jumped 7% to its highest since June 2018, taking its gains to more than 25% over the last three days alone.
Traders said ethereum, which often moves in tandem with bitcoin, has been boosted by growing demand ahead of an upgrade to its blockchain network – due in early December – that is widely expected to make it quicker and more secure.
Third-biggest coin XRP soared 15% to its highest in two years, taking gains to more than 75% over the last three days. Traders said there was no immediate news catalyst for its jump on Monday.
The price of these so-called altcoins is closely tied to bitcoin. Less liquid than their bigger cousin, they tend to suffer from even greater volatility than the original cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin has risen around 10% in the last week, and was last trading at $18,347, its all-time high of $19,666 in sight.
It has gained about 160% this year, fuelled by a demand for risk-on assets, a hunger for assets perceived as resistant to inflation, and expectations it will achieve greater mainstream use.