Bitcoin rises, NYSE battles for Trump ETF, and crypto may be coming to mortgage next

Bitcoin experienced a notable surge on Wednesday, climbing to an intraday peak of over $108,000. This surge occurred as investors seemed to overlook the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, while the stock market remained close to its historical highs. However, the cryptocurrency market displayed mixed results, with both ether and solana experiencing slight declines during the afternoon trading session. In Washington, D.C., significant discussions surrounding cryptocurrency were taking place. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell addressed the Senate Banking Committee, highlighting the substantial maturation of the stablecoin sector and its growing integration into mainstream finance. Meanwhile, William Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and descendant of Pulte Group's founders, contributed to the positive momentum for bitcoin. He directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore the potential for cryptocurrency holdings to aid individuals in qualifying for mortgages. Also making headlines, the Senate introduced a bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines for cryptocurrency. Senator Cynthia Lummis, who chairs the Senate Banking subcommittee on digital assets, appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" to discuss the proposed legislation. She emphasized the importance of the United States taking a leadership role in crypto regulation, noting that other countries already have frameworks in place. In the midst of these developments, the New York Stock Exchange actively supported the proposed crypto ETF linked to President Trump's Truth Social platform. They have requested a rule adjustment that would enable the launch of the bitcoin and ethereum ETF, which could enhance Trump's engagement with digital assets if approved by the SEC within the next three months. Lastly, in an exclusive interview with Crypto World, Yuval Rooz, CEO of Digital Asset, announced that the company successfully raised $135 million in its latest funding round, backed by prominent financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Citadel Securities. Rooz elaborated on how these funds will be utilized and the key aspects of this investment, providing insights into the evolving landscape of digital finance.