Bitcoin and ether slip as crypto's best month closes

Bitcoin fell 1.31 percent to $63,870 and ether slipped 1.40 percent to $1,890, a soft finish to an otherwise strong month for crypto markets. The declines came even as major equity indexes rallied, a divergence from a market that has often moved in step with stocks this year. The combined market capitalisation of all cryptocurrencies held above $2.2 trillion through the session.

The CoinDesk 20 Index, which tracks the largest tokens by market value, gained 8.7 percent over the month, its best monthly showing since July of last year. Bitcoin itself was on track to close roughly 7.5 percent higher despite the pullback, with the broader index's larger gain reflecting stronger moves across altcoins.

A weak final session inside a strong month is routine. The more telling question is whether August opens with July's buying intact, or the pullback marks where it turns.