Digital assets posted modest gains Friday, taking fresh tariff developments in stride after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff framework unlawful.

Bitcoin traded around $67,600, gradually approaching the $68,000 level, while major altcoins outperformed with slightly stronger advances.

Legal setback, new tariff layer

The day began with the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Trump’s global tariff rollout. However, the ruling did not specify what would happen to previously collected tariff revenue and leaves open alternative executive or legal mechanisms that could allow parts of the trade agenda to continue.

By the afternoon, Trump unveiled a new 10% global tariff under Section 122, scheduled to take effect within three days and remain in place for roughly five months. Despite the additional levy being stacked on top of existing duties, markets showed little sign of disruption.

Broad but measured gains

Risk assets climbed steadily throughout the session. The CoinDesk 20 Index rose 2.5% over the past 24 hours. BNB, Dogecoin, Cardano and Solana each gained between 3% and 4%, outpacing bitcoin’s more moderate move. Bitcoin remained just shy of $68,000.

U.S. equities also advanced. The S&P 500 added 0.9%, while the Nasdaq-100 climbed 0.7%.

Crypto-linked equities followed suit. Shares of Coinbase, Circle and Strategy rose more than 2%. In contrast, bitcoin miners associated with AI-focused infrastructure projects underperformed, with Riot Platforms, Cipher Mining, IREN and TeraWulf declining between 3% and 6%.

Rangebound conditions persist

Paul Howard, director at digital asset trading firm Wincent, said the mild rally reflects a narrative that tariffs could pressure the broader macro environment, offering near-term support to risk assets.

Still, he cautioned that subdued trading volumes suggest limited conviction behind the move. Without a significant macroeconomic or geopolitical catalyst, crypto markets are likely to remain confined to a tight range.

Geopolitical tensions remain a potential overhang, particularly the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran following weeks of heightened regional military activity — a development that could quickly shift global risk appetite.