On the chain: Bitcoin steadies near US$77,000 as traders await US inflation test

Bitcoin edged higher in early trade on Friday but remained under pressure around the US$77,000 mark, with investors cautious ahead of crucial US inflation data that could shape next week's Federal Reserve interest rate decision. The world's largest cryptocurrency was trading at US$76,933.64, up 0.49% on the day, after slipping from levels above US$79,000 earlier in the week.