Bitcoin Holds $78K as U.S. Retail Crypto Use Climbs

​

On May 17, 2026, Bitcoin hovered near $78,000 as fresh adoption data showed digital assets becoming a routine financial tool for millions of Americans. The pause arrives as Strategy signaled it may eventually sell part of its crypto reserves.

Bitcoin Adoption Broadens Across America

Bitcoin traded at $78,099 early Sunday after a report revealed 67 million Americans now own digital assets, up by 12 million from last year.

Women represented 42% of new buyers, while Gen X and Baby Boomers expanded their presence. “Crypto is no longer a fringe experiment,” as usage spread across middle-income households and manufacturing workers.

Strategy Reconsiders Its Bitcoin Playbook

Strategy announced plans to repurchase $1.5 billion in convertible notes tied to earlier Bitcoin accumulation efforts. The company may use future Bitcoin sales, alongside stock issuance, to manage obligations linked to its preferred stock program and its 11.5% annual dividend commitment.