Bitcoin surged past the $100,000 threshold on Thursday for the first time since February, riding a wave of renewed optimism fueled by fresh trade developments and a landmark acquisition in the crypto space. The digital asset climbed as much as 4.5% on the day, buoyed by bullish sentiment that has gathered steam throughout the broader market's rebound
The move comes during renewed appetite for risk assets following President Trump’s announcement of a trade agreement with the UK and a signal that negotiations with other nations, including China, could lead to tariff relief. The rally also coincided with a major acquisition by Coinbase, marking one of the largest crypto M&A deals to date.
Coinbase Acquisition Lifts Crypto Sector
Crypto sentiment was significantly boosted by Coinbase’s $2.9 billion deal to acquire Deribit, a major crypto options exchange. The move is seen as a strategic play to strengthen Coinbase’s foothold in the booming crypto derivatives market — a space where institutional activity continues to accelerate.
Investors viewed the acquisition as a bullish sign for the industry's long-term growth potential and a signal that U.S.-based firms are doubling down on crypto infrastructure despite regulatory uncertainty. Shares of Coinbase jumped more than 6% on the news, and trading volumes across Bitcoin and Ethereum also spiked.
Trade Talks and Tariff Reprieve Fuel Market Sentiment
Investor confidence received a jolt as President Trump announced a sweeping trade agreement with the United Kingdom, including expanded market access for U.S. exports and lowered tariffs on specific goods. Bitcoin, which has often moved in tandem with broader risk sentiment, jumped as Trump hinted that similar deals with other countries, including China, could be on the horizon.
The president’s remarks signaled a potential easing of the months-long tariff escalation that has weighed on markets since early April. Bitcoin, which had fallen to $75,000 following Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, has now erased all losses from that episode and then some.
Corporate Demand Adds to Momentum
In addition to macro headlines, institutional support continues to underpin Bitcoin’s rise. More companies are reportedly adopting what analysts have dubbed the “Bitcoin Standard” — holding the cryptocurrency on corporate balance sheets as a treasury reserve asset. According to recent estimates, around 80 public companies now hold Bitcoin, accounting for roughly 3.4% of the total supply.
This trend contributes to both a tightening of available supply and growing price resilience. Analysts note that institutional buyers tend to hold through downturns, which could dampen future volatility and reinforce the asset’s longer-term bullish case.
Looking Ahead
As Bitcoin reclaims six-figure territory, the crypto market enters a pivotal phase. A lot hinges on the outcome of U.S.-China trade negotiations, which could either deepen the rally or renew recent volatility. Meanwhile, continued M&A activity, rising institutional demand, and evolving global policy will shape Bitcoin’s trajectory in the weeks ahead.
If risk sentiment holds and policy rhetoric remains market-friendly, Bitcoin’s break above $100K may not just be a headline — it could be a launching point.
