AI and HPC Boom Drives Bitcoin Mining Stocks to Record Pre-Market Highs

Bitcoin has maintained its impressive rally above $123,000 after breaking through this level on Friday, closing week 39 with a remarkable 10% gain - marking its strongest weekly performance this year according to CoinDesk market data. Cryptocurrency stocks with exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) are significantly outperforming their peers without similar technological diversification. Cipher Mining (CIFR) surged 5% to $15.40, approaching new all-time highs, while BitDigital (BTBT) gained 3% to $3.61 and IREN climbed 5% to $53, also reaching record levels. CleanSpark (CLSK) advanced over 3% to $16.46, revisiting highs last seen in November 2024. In contrast, BTC treasury companies lacking AI/HPC exposure are underperforming, with Metaplanet (3350) falling 5% to 591 yen while MicroStrategy (MSTR) managed only a 2% pre-market gain to $359. The performance disparity highlights investor preference for technologically diversified Bitcoin firms, with year-to-date returns showing Iris Energy (IREN) skyrocketing 382%, Cipher Mining (CIFR) up 205%, Metaplanet gaining 74%, MicroStrategy (MSTR) rising 17%, and Bit Digital (BTBT) increasing 12%.