Bitcoin Holds Above US$80,000 As Ethereum Slips Amid Fresh Crypto Volatility

The cryptocurrency market turned choppy on May 15, with Bitcoin holding firm above the US$80,000 level while $Ethereum (ETH.CC)$ drifted lower as investors weighed macroeconomic uncertainty, regulatory developments and shifting risk appetite.

$Bitcoin (BTC.CC)$ traded around US$81,000 after rebounding from recent weakness, supported by resilient institutional demand and optimism surrounding the proposed US CLARITY Act aimed at providing clearer crypto regulations.

Market watchers said Bitcoin's dominance remained elevated even as broader digital assets faced selling pressure.

Ethereum, meanwhile, hovered near the US$2,280 range, with traders turning cautious amid softer momentum in major altcoins. Ethereum was recently quoted at about US$2,286, while market data showed increased volatility and heavy positioning around the US$2,250 to US$2,330 trading band.

Analysts said stronger-than-expected US inflation data and a firmer dollar have dampened appetite for riskier assets, limiting crypto's upside despite continued ETF inflows into Bitcoin.

Still, sentiment in the digital asset space remained relatively constructive as investors monitored regulatory signals from Washington and expectations for broader institutional adoption.