Bitcoin continued to trade above US$28,000 on Wednesday afternoon in Asia. Ether also rose, along with all other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies with XRP and Cardano leading gains. Asian equity markets strengthened, reflecting a relief rally in U.S. equities on Tuesday after authorities took charge to tackle a banking sector crisis. Investors are looking to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates later on Wednesday.

(BY PRADIPTA MUKHERJEE AND ZOLTAN VARDAI)