Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, hits a record high above $1,700

KEY POINTS

• Ether climbed 11% to a price of more than $1,700 on Friday, according to data from CoinDesk.

• Investors are awaiting the launch of ether futures contracts from the CME next week.

• The Ethereum network is also undergoing a major upgrade called Ethereum 2.0.