Former President Donald Trump Unveils Plans for a U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve via Truth Social

The cryptocurrency market just got a seismic jolt - one that could redefine America's stance on digital assets.

The cryptocurrency market just got a seismic jolt - one that could redefine America's stance on digital assets. Former President Donald Trump, once a vocal skeptic of Bitcoin, has now reversed course, aiming to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the world.”

Trump unveiled plans for a U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve via Truth Social, marking a paradigm shift in federal policy, and positioning Bitcoin (BTCUSD), Ethereum (ETHUSD), XRP (XRPUSD), Solana (SOLUSD), and Cardano (ADAUSD) as strategic holdings within the nation's financial arsenal.

Far from a passive stockpile, this reserve signals active engagement - potential government purchases, asset management, and perhaps a regulatory reformation that could cement crypto’s legitimacy on a global scale. The mere announcement sent Bitcoin surging past $94,000 while altcoins, like Cardano, soared even higher, pushing the total crypto market cap up by a staggering $300 billion.

Coinbase Global (COIN), the leading U.S. crypto exchange, initially surged as well, with investors pricing in expectations for COIN to benefit from increased trading volumes. Yet, with COIN still far from its December peak, will this bold government pivot fuel a sustained rally, or is caution warranted for investors?

Let's take a closer look.

About Coinbase Stock

Delaware-based Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN) is a juggernaut in the cryptocurrency realm, founded in 2012. With a market cap of $54 billion, it dominates as the world’s second-largest crypto exchange. As a titan of digital asset trading, it thrives on commissions, riding the volatility of bullish surges and bearish retreats. Coinbase courts both retail traders and institutional giants, cementing its dominance.

Beyond transactions, it is diversifying with subscription models like Coinbase One, fortifying its financial resilience. In an industry where regulation is both an obstacle and an opportunity, Coinbase deftly balances compliance and innovation, leveraging partnerships to anchor its foothold in the ever-shifting crypto landscape.

Shares of Coinbase hit a 52-week high of $349.75 in early December, fueled by Bitcoin’s surge, rising USD Coin (BTCUSDC) adoption, and then-President-elect Trump’s pro-crypto stance.

Though the stock is now 36.4% below that peak, COIN has still gained 39.3% in six months, edging up just 2.6% over the past year.

COIN’s recent rally came as Trump’s crypto reserve plan lifted sentiment, while the SEC dropping its lawsuit also provided a temporary boost.

In terms of valuation, Coinbase stock trades at a premium, priced at 28.10 times forward earnings and 7.96 times sales. Investors are betting on its dominance as regulation clears and adoption grows.

Coinbase Beats Q4 Top and Bottom Lines

Coinbase's Q4 earnings report, released on February 13, saw revenue hit $2.3 billion, up 138.2% year-over-year, easily beating analysts' projections of $1.91 billion.

The Bitcoin rally past $100K after Trump's election win fueled a broader crypto surge, sending net income per share soaring 350% annually to $4.68, exceeding expectations of $2.40. Notably, the crypto winter had a significant impact on earnings, with Q4 2022 reporting a net loss.

Coinbase's handling of institutional assets also saw a strong performance, with assets under management rising 89% to $14 billion, displaying deeper on-chain engagement from institutions.

Coinbase Global, Inc. - MSFT

Coinbase stock initially surged on Monday as upbeat earnings results and a broader risk-on market mood pushed up major U.S. stock indexes, although gains were later pared.

Coinbase shares rose as much as 12.8% to hit $254.97, extending gains from Friday's strong close after reporting better-than-expected earnings and a fourth-quarter earnings report that showed signs of stabilization in a turbulent year for crypto.

However, the stock later pared gains to trade up 6.6% in morning trading. A strong rally in Bitcoin (BTCUSD) pushed up the total crypto market cap by $300 billion, further aiding the stock.

Coinbase had been struggling in 2024 due to a broader macroeconomic downturn that impacted investor risk appetite and sparked a sell-off in U.S. equities, especially in the tech sector.

Coinbase shares dove 70% in 2023 as macroeconomic headwinds and a broader crypto downturn weighed on the stock.

Coinbase shares hit a 52-week high of $349.75 in early December, fueled by Bitcoin's surge