Cryptocurrency Markets React Positively to Trade Deal Speculation

According to PANews, Singapore-based crypto investment firm QCP Capital reported that the U.S. Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting maintained interest rates as expected, emphasizing the resilience of the U.S. economy, a tight labor market, and inflation slightly above the 2% target. Despite trade tensions from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plans, Fed Chair Powell remained cautious, stating that patience is low-cost and did not specify the number of rate cuts this year, with guidance postponed to the June meeting. The market has already priced in expected rate cuts of 25 basis points in July, September, and December. Early today, Trump hinted at a significant trade agreement, sparking risk appetite and speculation that the UK might be a potential trade partner. Although details were scarce, the prospect alone was enough to cause fluctuations in asset prices. Cryptocurrencies responded swiftly and positively. Bitcoin rose by 2.74%, decisively reclaiming the psychological threshold of $99,000. Meanwhile, Ethereum surged 6.89% during the Asian trading session, breaking out of its three-week consolidation range between $1,700 and $1,900. In the options market, there was a notable increase in demand for call options, particularly those expiring in May and June. This flow of funds indicates growing optimism as traders position for further gains amid improving macroeconomic conditions. Looking ahead to the U.S. market opening tonight, attention will be on whether this upward trend can continue or if a typical "buy the rumor, sell the news" pullback will occur once trade partners are officially confirmed. QCP remains tactically cautious, suggesting limited gains from chasing the current levels until Bitcoin's daily closing price stabilizes above $100,000.