Live Updates: Ether Leads Crypto Higher, China’s Gold Imports Surge

China’s gold imports rose for a third straight month in June to about 173 tonnes, the highest since March 2024, as retail buyers also accumulated bullion through bank-led savings plans. Ether led crypto higher while bitcoin held as a defensive anchor, according to CoinDesk, with analysts saying the market may stay range-bound as macro and earnings catalysts loom.