Bitcoin News Today:

Wall Street's financial sector saw stark divergences this week, with cryptocurrency-linked equities plunging amid a broader selloff in digital assets while traditional heavyweights like Berkshire Hathaway and Japanese banking giants posted gains. The S&P 500 edged up 0.08%, but the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.45%, reflecting tech and crypto market fragility.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) dipped below $95,000 on Friday, marking a 24% decline from its recent peak and triggering over $1.24 billion in liquidated long positions. The drop exacerbated losses for crypto miners and related stocks, with Cipher Mining (CIFR), CleanSpark (CLSK), and Bitfarms (BITF) all retreating 20-30% weekly. Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, denied reports of the firm selling Bitcoin, reiterating his bullish stance on the asset's long-term potential. Meanwhile, stablecoin technology firm Circle (CRCL) fell 20.6%, pressured by an impending lockup expiration and broader market pessimism.

The crypto downturn was mirrored in ETF flows. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) recorded a $598.88 million outflow, contrasting with a 0.7% weekly gain in Bitcoin's price. Over $1.4 billion in net outflows from U.S. spot ether ETFs since late October further underscored investor caution.

In stark contrast, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) outperformed, with Class A shares rising 2.08% and Class B shares up 1.98%. The gains came as Warren Buffett's firm revealed Q3 portfolio adjustments, including a stake increase in Alphabet (GOOGL). Japanese banking groups Sumitomo Mitsui (SMFG) and Mizuho (MFG) also surged 7.24% and 6.33%, respectively, driven by strong first-half earnings reports.

Institutional interest in Bitcoin persisted despite the volatility. RockToken, a digital asset infrastructure provider, highlighted growing demand for structured crypto investment products as investors seek stable, long-term exposure. The company's yield-based contracts, which include Bitcoin and Ethereum, appeal to those prioritizing transparency over speculative trading.

Regulatory scrutiny of crypto's expanding role in finance also intensified. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) urged regulators to block Sony Bank's bid for a national trust charter, warning it could bypass traditional banking safeguards. Conversely, proponents argue stablecoins offer innovation and financial inclusion, though risks like insolvency and regulatory gaps remain contentious.

The week's market dynamics reflect a broader tug-of-war between crypto's speculative allure and institutional caution. While Bitcoin's near-term trajectory remains uncertain, the resilience of traditional financial players and evolving regulatory frameworks suggest a market in flux.