Amid expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) would keep the key interest rate unchanged, the cryptocurrency market received a strong boost of optimism thanks to several significant developments. Bitcoin continues to strengthen its position globally, while institutional and governmental players are showing increasing loyalty toward digital assets.
Fed Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged — Market Remains Calm
On Wednesday, May 7, the U.S. Federal Reserve left the key interest rate in the previous range of 4.25%–4.5%. This decision fully aligned with the expectations of analysts and market participants and did not cause any sharp fluctuations in traditional financial markets.
Experts from the analytical platform K33 Research noted:
> “FOMC is likely to trigger increased volatility in the coming days. Interestingly, President Donald Trump is pressuring Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to immediately cut rates, but the Fed maintains a wait-and-see approach.”
A stable rate creates a favorable environment for the crypto market by reducing pressure on risk assets and supporting investor interest in Bitcoin and altcoins.
Bitcoin — Fifth Largest Asset by Market Capitalization
Amid growing global interest in digital assets, Bitcoin (BTC) has become the fifth-largest asset in the world by market capitalization, surpassing giants such as Google (Alphabet) and Amazon.
According to CompaniesMarketCap, BTC’s market capitalization has exceeded $1.4 trillion, trailing only gold, Apple, Microsoft, and Saudi Aramco. This milestone highlights Bitcoin’s increasing institutional relevance, as it is increasingly seen as “digital gold” and a hedge against inflation.
Experts point out that BTC’s further upward movement will depend on U.S. monetary policy, ETF market activity, and institutional investor demand.
Coinbase to Acquire Deribit for $2.9 Billion
One of the biggest developments of the week was the announcement that U.S. fintech giant Coinbase is preparing to acquire the crypto options exchange Deribit. The deal, valued at $2.9 billion, is already being called the largest acquisition in the history of crypto derivatives.
Deribit is the market leader in BTC and ETH options, with over 90% share by trading volume. Acquiring the platform opens new opportunities for Coinbase in the derivatives space and makes it a serious competitor to players like Binance and Bybit.
Analysts believe the move strengthens Coinbase’s global position and signals the crypto market’s transition into a more mature phase.
U.S.: Moving Toward Softer Crypto Regulation
Positive news also came from the regulatory front in the U.S. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) officially allowed American banks to offer services related to cryptocurrencies. These services include digital asset custody, transaction processing, and even issuing stablecoins.
Additionally, the state of Missouri passed a law eliminating capital gains tax on crypto transactions, making it one of the most crypto-friendly regions in the U.S. and potentially a magnet for crypto businesses.
Legal experts and analysts believe this is just the beginning: the coming months may bring a wave of legislative initiatives in favor of cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups across the country.
A combination of macroeconomic stability (in the form of the Fed’s dovish stance) and strong institutional moves sends a clear signal to crypto investors. The strengthening of Bitcoin’s position, major acquisitions, and the liberalization of U.S. legislation lay the foundation for a new bull cycle.
Amid uncertainty in the traditional economy and slowing inflation, the crypto market is becoming not just an alternative but a fully integrated part of the global financial system.
