Bitcoin Nears $78K as CLARITY Act Optimism Lifts Crypto Market Sentiment

Bitcoin traded near $77,000 on May 22, 2026, recovering from a sharp selloff that pushed prices to $76,700—the lowest in nearly two weeks. The market saw $661 million in liquidations across exchanges, but renewed confidence from discussions on the U.S. CLARITY Act helped stabilize prices, with Bitcoin briefly spiking above $82,000 before profit-taking pulled it back. Institutional investors remain key drivers, with strong demand for Bitcoin ETFs simplifying access for traditional finance players like banks and hedge funds. Analysts expect continued support from these regulated products, alongside potential central bank rate cuts, to bolster crypto prices through the year. Despite recent volatility, Bitcoin’s market cap stayed above $1.5 trillion, with daily trading volume exceeding $25 billion. The circulating supply neared 20 million BTC, and the cryptocurrency maintained its dominance in the global market, far outpacing other digital assets. May 22 also marked Bitcoin Pizza Day, commemorating the first real-world Bitcoin transaction in 2010, when 10,000 BTC were used to buy two pizzas—a purchase now worth over $770 million. The event underscored Bitcoin’s journey from obscurity to a mainstream asset, reinforcing its cultural and financial significance in the crypto community. Market data showed Bitcoin’s 24-hour range between $76,650 and $78,100, reflecting its resilience amid mixed economic signals and regulatory developments. The proposed CLARITY Act’s potential passage remains a focal point, with traders anticipating clearer guidelines to further legitimize crypto investments.