Crypto Market Recovery: Congress Advances Crypto Access for 401(k) Investments & Retirement Planning

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Crypto Market Rebounds after Fed Cut, Congress Presses SEC on Crypto Access to 401(k)

The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant surge on December 12, with a total increase of $70 billion in market capitalization. This growth comes in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, which initially triggered a decline in prices. However, the market rebounded strongly, with Bitcoin maintaining its position above $92,000, reflecting a daily increase of 2.45%.

Bitcoin’s current price stands at approximately $92,509, showcasing a volatility rate of 2.4% within the last 24 hours, bringing its market capitalization to around $1.85 trillion. The trading volume in the same period reached $52.51 billion. Ethereum also saw positive movement, trading at about $3,245 with a 1.68% uptick, alongside a market cap of approximately $391.87 billion and a trading volume of $24.49 billion.

In the realm of meme cryptocurrencies, activity surged markedly. Data from CoinMarketCap reveals that the aggregate market cap of leading meme coins rose by 8%, with Fartcoin leading the charge—experiencing a 10% daily gain and trading at $0.39. Additionally, layer 1 cryptocurrencies reported an average increase of 1%, with Zcash witnessing an impressive rise of over 8%.

According to analytics from Santiment, many prominent altcoins currently hover in a neutral trading zone. XRP, trading at approximately $2.04, has shown relative stability but is noted as “mildly undervalued.” The 30-day Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) metric indicates that lower percentages suggest reduced risk for traders looking to open or expand their positions, while positive percentages imply that traders may be in a profitable situation.

Market analyst Jason Pizzino expressed optimism about the market’s current trajectory on social media, indicating that both Bitcoin and altcoins are experiencing a relief rally. He noted that his price invalidation levels for Bitcoin remain consistent between $108,000 to $116,000, suggesting that the market may attract renewed bullish sentiment before facing its next correction.

This market positivity is further fueled by recent developments in Washington, D.C. On December 11, the House Financial Services Committee communicated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to advocate for the inclusion of Bitcoin and other digital currencies in 401(k) retirement plans. This initiative aligns with directives from former President Trump aimed at expanding investment options for retirement savers.

Lawmakers contend that existing regulations hinder access to emerging asset classes, such as cryptocurrencies, for millions of Americans. This request follows a directive from August 2025, titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors,” urging federal agencies to expand asset selections for retirement planning. The Congress is pushing for the SEC to collaborate with the Department of Labor on these matters and to revise the definition of accredited investors, which typically restricts access to specific markets to wealthier individuals. The cryptocurrency community believes that integrating digital assets into 401(k) plans could significantly enhance market demand.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Market conditions can fluctuate rapidly, and readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with financial professionals before making any investment decisions.