Coinbase, Robinhood surge to record highs on crypto sector momentum

** Shares of crypto exchange Coinbase and retail trading platform Robinhood , which offers trading in crypto tokens, hit record highs

** U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed bill to create regulatory framework for U.S.-dollar-pegged tokens known as stablecoins, sending bill to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it into law

** Clear regulatory framework for stablecoins would boost confidence in sector and benefit COIN, which sits at center of crypto trading and custody

** Crypto tokens have rallied in recent weeks on hopes that clearer U.S. policy and regulation will unlock fresh demand from institutions and retail investors

** Bitcoin is up ~39% over past three months, while ether has gained ~124%

** Total market value of crypto sector is almost $4 trillion, according to CoinGecko data

** Riding broader rally, Coinbase shares have jumped ~74% this year, lifting its market value above $100 billion

** Rival Robinhood's stock has surged ~200% year-to-date, putting it close to $100 billion market cap milestone

** Equities benchmark S&P 500 up ~7% over same period