Bitcoin Surges Past $100,000 Mark on US-UK Trade Deal

Bitcoin reclaimed the coveted $100,000 threshold Thursday for the first time since February, as positive developments in global trade negotiations sparked renewed confidence across financial markets. The flagship cryptocurrency jumped approximately 7% during the trading session, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade agreement between the United States and United Kingdom.

The breakthrough represents another milestone in bitcoin’s remarkable resilience during a period of global economic uncertainty, reinforcing its evolving status as both a speculative asset and potential safe haven during times of market turbulence.

Trade Deal Triggers Cross-Market Rally

Bitcoin’s surge above the psychologically important $100,000 level comes as markets responded positively to reduced trade tensions. According to CNBC, the cryptocurrency’s movement was directly linked to the improved geopolitical outlook signaled by the US-UK agreement.

“Bitcoin has not only reclaimed $100,000 for the first time in three months but it’s also reaffirmed its status as the ultimate bouncebackability asset as the prospects for U.S. trade deals brighten,” said Antoni Trenchev, co-founder of crypto exchange Nexo.

The positive reaction extended beyond cryptocurrencies, with major stock indexes also posting significant gains. The S&P 500 added 0.58%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.07%, highlighting the interconnected nature of today’s financial markets during periods of significant policy developments.

Institutional Support Strengthens

Bitcoin’s resurgence comes amid continued institutional adoption through regulated investment vehicles. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking bitcoin have reported substantial inflows in recent weeks, with over $900 million entering these products in a single day during April, according to Cointelegraph.

These investment flows highlight growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within traditional financial frameworks, particularly as the Trump administration has signaled a more supportive regulatory environment. Paul Atkins, the newly appointed SEC chair, recently stated that the crypto sector “deserves clear regulatory rules of the road,” marking a notable shift from his predecessor’s enforcement-focused approach.

Market analysts note that institutional involvement has evolved beyond mere speculation, with bitcoin increasingly viewed as a potential hedge against macroeconomic uncertainties, including inflation concerns and broader financial market instability.

Technical Indicators Point Higher

The cryptocurrency’s price action has validated the predictions of several technical analysts who had identified signals pointing to a potential rally above $100,000 before May’s end. These forecasts were based on a combination of on-chain metrics, derivatives positioning, and historical price patterns.

According to Crypto Ticker, bitcoin’s rally gained momentum following indications of renewed trade negotiations between the United States and China, which markets interpreted as a sign of geopolitical easing. This development, combined with the confirmed UK agreement, has accelerated positive sentiment.

The cryptocurrency now stands within striking distance of its all-time high of approximately $109,000, recorded in January 2025 following Trump’s inauguration. With momentum building, some analysts are projecting potential targets between $110,000 and $120,000 in the coming weeks.

Policy Landscape Continues to Evolve

The price surge occurs against a backdrop of significant shifts in cryptocurrency regulation under the Trump administration. In January, the president issued an executive order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which established a new framework for crypto asset policy and created the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.

The administration’s pro-crypto stance has manifested in several policy initiatives, including the SEC’s new dedicated Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. According to Mintz, the task force aims to resolve longstanding uncertainties by developing clearer registration pathways and disclosure frameworks.

Additionally, discussions continue regarding the establishment of a national Strategic Bitcoin Reserve derived from legally seized cryptocurrencies, though specific implementation details remain under development. This potential government bitcoin holding has generated significant interest among market participants as a signal of institutional legitimization.