Finance

Digital assets traded higher on Friday, mirroring the optimistic sentiment seen across traditional risk assets following the July nonfarm payrolls miss. Bitcoin broke past $65,000, bolstered by a declining U.S. dollar index and short liquidations in the derivatives market. Major institutional developments, such as wintermute securing SEC broker-dealer status, continue to tie the digital asset ecosystem closer to traditional financial infrastructure.

Gold futures surged by up to 2.5%, approaching the $4,400 per ounce threshold as investors sought defensive safe-haven positions. Lower Treasury yields and a weaker dollar provided additional tailwinds for the commodities market. Meanwhile, persistent tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz continue to influence broader risk management strategies.

Domestic solar sector shares experienced a sharp upward move after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 15% duty on imported products made from polysilicon. The executive action, executed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, targets foreign competition to secure domestic energy and chip supply chains. Companies like First Solar led the gains, lifting sector-specific exchange-traded funds.