Bitcoin
and other cryptocurrencies continued their march higher Wednesday, but traders were particularly focused on
Ether
—the second-largest crypto—ahead of a coming update to its blockchain network that may be disruptive to markets.
The price of Bitcoin has risen 1.5% over the past 24 hours to around $28,550, remaining around the highest consistent levels since last summer but below its recent peak near $29,500 reached in a brief spike last week. The largest digital asset has rallied more than 70% so far this year in a surge that has spurred calls of a new bull market, though recent days have been met with stagnating prices and volatile trading.