Crypto Today: Solana, Litecoin, XRP gain $88B as Trump hints at Bitcoin strategic reserve 

Cryptocurrencies aggregate market capitalization consolidated at $3.5 trillion on Thursday rising by $152 billion within the last 24 hours. 
Altcoin markets (TOTAL3) rose by 9%, with the likes of Solana, Litecoin and XRP all posting double-digit gains. 
The two major bullish catalysts were positive speculation on 2025 ETF approvals and Donald Trump hinting at Bitcoin strategic reserve adoption.   
Bitcoin’s weak price rally attempt on Thursday halted at the $100,866 mark, as traders increasingly lean towards the altcoin markets. Bitcoin ETFs Performance, January 15 2025 | Source: SosoValueAfter four consecutive days of outflows, Bitcoin ETFs finally recorded $755 million inflows on Wednesday, hinting at a potential accumulation race ahead of Trump’s inauguration.  While Bitcoin price stalled below $101,000 on Thursday, the altcoin markets were agog with intense speculative trading activity. TOTAL3 (Cryptocurrency market cap excluding BTC and ETH) | Source: TradingViewTradingView’s TOTAL3 represents the global cryptocurrency market cap growth, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum. The chart above shows the altcoin market cap grew by $88 billion on Thursday, while BTC and ETH stagnated. This emphasizes that the majority of crypto investors are currently switching focus toward altcoins, signaling high risk trading and speculative demand. XRP Surpasses $3, Reaching Seven-Year High
XRP’s price surged past the $3 mark, reaching $3.36, a 16% increase over the past 24 hours. This rally is attributed to declining U.S. core inflation, increasing expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, and anticipation of new spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that would directly own cryptocurrencies. Additionally, positive developments in the SEC’s legal case against Ripple have bolstered investor confidence.Solana Targets $220 Amid Growing Interest
Solana (SOL) has experienced a notable price increase, currently trading at $210.25, with an intraday high of $216.36. Litecoin Jumps 16% in 24 Hours
Litecoin (LTC) price has surged past $130 for the first time in 2025, marking a 16% increase in the last 24 hours. This bullish breakout is linked to rising hopes that the Securities and Exchange Commission will approve a spot LTC ETF by Canary Capital. Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas noted that the SEC had sent comments to Canary, suggesting a potential approval.As speculation grows around the approval of altcoin ETFs, the Layer-1 sector has seen a 2% aggregate market cap increase. This surge comes amid reports from Bloomberg analysts highlighting the potential approval of Canary Capital’s Litecoin (LTC) ETF.Notably Solana and XRP also have ongoing ETF application filings with US regulators. Investors are optimistic that these developments could open the floodgates for institutional adoption of other Layer-1 altcoins, sparking bullish sentiment across the market. Layer-1 Sector Performance | Source: SosoValueHedera (HBAR) led the sector’s gro