Crypto stocks set to start December on high note as bitcoin hits near 19-month high

FILE PHOTO: Representations of cryptocurrencies are seen in front of displayed words "Cryptocurrency market" and decreasing stock graph in this illustration taken November 10, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

(Reuters) -Shares of crypto miners and bitcoin-tracking companies rose on Friday as the world's largest cryptocurrency extended a recent rally to touch a near 19-month high on improving risk appetite.

Bitcoin, up 1.6% at $38,337, has been gaining since October on optimism that a potential approval of a spot exchange-traded fund is likely to unleash more capital investments in the digital asset sector.