This week in crypto, Bitcoin briefly made a new all time high last Sunday before consolidating near record levels as gold extended its rally. The two assets continued to move in close alignment, reinforcing their role as preferred stores of value in an uncertain economy. Across the broader market, institutional demand for staking products, regulatory progress in key regions, and fresh developments in Web3 signalled ongoing momentum for digital assets despite a cautious macro backdrop.

Gold reached a new record above US$4,000 per ounce this week, marking another milestone in a steady climb that has defined global markets this year. Analysts link the surge to rising sovereign debt, persistent inflation, and growing doubts about the long-term stability of fiat currencies. While gold has gained more than fifty percent in 2025, Bitcoin has risen by just over thirty-three percent but has typically followed gold’s movement with a slight delay. Many analysts now believe gold’s breakout could lift the ceiling for Bitcoin’s next major move, as investors increasingly shift from physical to digital stores of value in search of higher returns.

Institutional engagement in crypto also continued to expand this week. Grayscale became the first United States fund issuer to include staking in its Ethereum and Solana exchange traded products, creating new opportunities for investors to earn on-chain rewards through regulated structures. The move arrives as the Securities and Exchange Commission prepares to decide on the first Ether staking exchange traded funds, which analysts believe could unlock a fresh wave of institutional capital once approved.

Regulatory attention was also focused on Australia, where Gemini announced plans to strengthen its presence by launching a locally registered entity with an onshore team. The company is taking a measured approach as the government finalises its new digital asset framework, which is expected to broaden oversight and clarify operational standards for exchanges. Gemini’s expansion signals growing confidence in Australia’s potential to become a regional leader in crypto innovation and policy development.

In the Web3 space, the decentralised prediction platform Polymarket made headlines after the Australian Communications and Media Authority directed internet service providers to block access to the site. The decision came shortly after Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, invested two billion US dollars in Polymarket at a nine billion dollar valuation. The investment demonstrates that institutional belief in blockchain-based prediction markets remains strong even as regulators debate how such platforms should operate. Reports also indicate that Polymarket is preparing to re-enter the United States after being restricted there in previous years.

As the week concludes, investors are watching closely to see whether Bitcoin will mirror gold’s momentum once again. A stronger gold price has historically preceded major moves in Bitcoin, and this cycle may be no different. With staking products nearing approval, exchanges expanding into new markets, and Web3 innovation attracting record investment, the foundations for the next phase of crypto growth are being laid. Gold may have set the tone, but Bitcoin could soon once again take centre stage.

More news stories circulating the block: 

• BNB becomes the third largest crypto by marketcap

• Plume Network  to expand real-world asset tokenisation

• Bitwise expects Q4 ETF inflows to smash records

• Four.Meme surpasses Pump.fun’s daily revenue

• Jack Dorsey pushed for tax-free Bitcoin payments