The crypto markets are once again showing their teeth — and this time, Dogecoin (DOGE) and Cardano’s ADA are leading the charge. As Bitcoin (BTC) eyes the psychologically massive $100,000 milestone, a powerful cocktail of macroeconomic signals and geopolitical developments is driving renewed momentum across digital assets.
On Thursday, DOGE surged 5%, ADA followed close behind with a 4% jump, and major players like Ethereum (ETH), BNB, XRP, and Solana (SOL) posted solid 2%-3% gains. The CoinDesk 20 (CD20), a key benchmark tracking the largest and most liquid crypto assets, advanced 2.2% — signaling broad-based strength across the sector.
What’s fueling this rally? Two critical catalysts: dovish signals from the Federal Reserve and fresh optimism over global trade.
Late Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump teased a “big” trade deal announcement with a “highly respected country” — widely identified as the U.K. by outlets like Bloomberg, FT, and The New York Times. According to Trump, this is just the beginning of “many” such agreements, raising hopes that the prolonged tariff tensions weighing on global markets could finally be easing. For crypto markets, which thrive on renewed risk appetite and capital flows, this is the kind of macro shift that can act as rocket fuel.
At the same time, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady — while expected — has amplified speculation around when cuts will begin. The CME FedWatch Tool now assigns a 55% probability to a July rate cut, with markets pricing in a full 100 basis points of easing by year-end. As Semir Gabeljic of Pythagoras Investments put it, “Bitcoin is inching back up to $100k with the steady Fed rate decision and the topic of future rate cuts having more consideration by traders.” He adds, “With the current administration’s pressure on the Fed chair, anything is possible — uncertainty is the only certainty.”
But not everyone’s celebrating. Gabe Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, warns of a growing stagflation threat — a dangerous mix of high inflation, stagnant growth, and rising unemployment. “The Federal Reserve faces an intensifying policy dilemma,” Selby notes, adding that as businesses pass rising tariff costs onto consumers, inflation is expected to accelerate over the next six months. While CF Benchmarks still anticipates 100bps of rate cuts this year, Selby cautions that the Fed risks acting too late, deepening economic pain.
Yet despite the macro headwinds, bitcoin continues to attract institutional capital at record levels. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs — especially BlackRock’s IBIT — have seen a staggering $4.3 billion in inflows over the past month alone.
According to Jupiter Zheng, partner at HashKey Capital, this isn’t just a short-term price move — it’s a structural shift. “Bitcoin’s rise is a testament to its hedge against macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility,” Zheng says. “Investors increasingly view crypto as a core part of resilient portfolios.”
In short, the market is aligning around a clear narrative: crypto is no longer just a speculative play — it’s becoming an essential macro asset class. With bitcoin testing historic highs, altcoins surging, and the global stage shifting fast, the next few months could redefine what’s possible in the digital asset space. Stay sharp, stay positioned — the real fireworks may just be getting started. $XRP