Bitcoin’s Rally is Impressive, But These 2 Crypto Stocks Are Doing Even Better

The Crypto Market Heats Up as Investors Seek Alternatives

Bitcoin has been on a tear, posting significant gains and reigniting bullish sentiment across the cryptocurrency market. As the digital asset climbs, it’s not just direct investors who are reaping the rewards. A wider trend is emerging: investors are increasingly looking for ways to diversify their portfolios away from a market heavily concentrated in a few mega-cap tech stocks. Assets like gold and crypto are being re-evaluated not just as speculative plays, but as legitimate hedges against volatility.

While the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has provided a regulated and accessible entry point for many, a closer look reveals that some publicly traded companies in the crypto space are delivering even more explosive returns. These companies, whose fortunes are closely tied to the health of the digital asset ecosystem, offer a unique way to gain exposure to the market’s growth. Let’s dive into two crypto-related stocks that have recently outperformed Bitcoin itself.

Why Consider Crypto Stocks?

Investing in crypto stocks is often seen as a “proxy” or leveraged bet on the underlying asset, like Bitcoin. Their business models—whether in mining, exchange services, or asset management—are designed to capitalize on the industry’s growth. When Bitcoin’s price rises, these companies often see their revenues and stock prices surge at an even faster rate. This provides an alternative for investors who want crypto exposure through traditional brokerage accounts without directly holding the assets. However, it’s crucial to remember that this leverage can also amplify risk during market downturns.

Two Crypto Stocks Outpacing the Bull Run

While the broader market celebrates Bitcoin’s performance, these two companies have been charting an even more impressive course.

MARA Holdings (MARA): The Diversified Bitcoin Miner

MARA Holdings is a prime example of a company firing on all cylinders. As a leading Bitcoin mining firm, its core business directly benefits from a rising BTC price. Recently, the stock has surged over 30%, driven by strong operational performance. The company reported a month-over-month increase in Bitcoin production and is successfully capturing a larger share of the overall miner rewards.

But what makes MARA particularly compelling is its forward-thinking strategy. It’s not just a one-trick pony. The company is actively working to reduce its operational costs by leveraging renewable energy generation. Furthermore, its expansion into AI data centers signals a strategic diversification that could provide new revenue streams and make it more resilient than a pure-play Bitcoin miner.

Bullish (BLSH): The Institutional Powerhouse

On the financial infrastructure side, Bullish (BLSH) has been making significant waves. This global digital asset platform, which focuses on institutional clients, has seen its stock gain nearly 35% in the last month. This rally isn’t just speculative; it’s backed by major strategic advancements.

Bullish recently launched a U.S. spot trading exchange and a crypto options platform for its international clients, dramatically expanding its service offerings. Perhaps most notably, it announced a corporate banking partnership with financial giant Deutsche Bank. This collaboration, which facilitates fiat deposits and withdrawals, is a massive vote of confidence and a critical step in bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.

How to Invest Smartly in Crypto-Related Companies

While the potential returns are attractive, investing in requires careful due diligence. For some companies, like MicroStrategy (MSTR), accumulating Bitcoin is a treasury strategy that sits alongside their primary business, often using leverage that adds significant risk. For others, like MARA and Bullish, crypto is their core business.

Before investing, consider these key questions:

• What role does crypto play in the business? Is it the core operation or a balance sheet strategy?
• How much Bitcoin (or other crypto) does it hold? Look at its holdings and, if possible, the average price it paid.
• What is its plan for a bear market? How will the business handle a prolonged period of low cryptocurrency prices?

The Takeaway

Bitcoin’s powerful performance is the tide that lifts all boats in the crypto sea. But as we’ve seen, some boats are built for greater speed. Companies like MARA Holdings and Bullish are not just riding the wave; they are actively building robust, innovative businesses that are capturing the market’s attention and delivering outsized returns. For investors looking for crypto exposure, these stocks represent a compelling, albeit higher-risk, alternative to holding the coins directly.