Crypto
The Best EUR Stablecoins for European Crypto Investors (2026 Review)
Sofia Martins
·
03 May 2026
·2 min read
Bitcoin stole the spotlight on Thursday, breaking above **$70,000** for the first time in nearly two months. A wave of fresh inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs and reassuring remarks from the Federal Reserve fueled the rally, drawing attention from across the financial landscape.
## Crypto Rally Lifts Bitcoin, Ethereum Follows
The day’s big story was Bitcoin’s decisive move higher. The world’s largest cryptocurrency jumped **4.7%** to close at **$71,240**, marking its highest finish since early March. Investors poured money into spot Bitcoin ETFs, with several funds reporting their strongest daily inflows since March’s record-setting highs. Analysts pointed to increased institutional demand as a key driver, with the recent approval of additional U.S. ETF providers expanding access.
Ethereum also participated in the rally, climbing **3.2%** to **$3,570**. The move comes as network upgrades and a recent spike in gas fees—discussed in detail in our recent piece on
Ethereum’s fee pressures—continue to shape sentiment among European and global investors.
## Fed Commentary Calms Broader Markets
While crypto grabbed the headlines, traditional markets found some stability after Federal Reserve Chair Powell reiterated the central bank’s “data-dependent” approach to rate policy. Powell acknowledged recent signs of stubborn inflation but emphasized that the Fed remains patient, reassuring investors that no abrupt hikes are on the horizon.
U.S. equities responded positively. The **S&P 500** edged up **0.5%** to **5,170**, the **Nasdaq Composite** added **0.8%** to **16,150**, and the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** rose **0.3%** to **39,210**. Treasury yields held steady, with the benchmark 10-year note finishing unchanged at **4.42%**, reflecting a wait-and-see attitude ahead of next week’s inflation data.
## Key Movers: Crypto-Exposed Stocks Shine
Crypto-linked equities were the day’s standout performers. Shares of **Coinbase (COIN)** soared **7.1%**, buoyed by the surge in trading volumes on its platform and optimism around regulatory clarity. **MicroStrategy (MSTR)**, known for its large Bitcoin holdings, jumped **5.6%** as the company’s leveraged bet on digital assets paid off handsomely.
In the tech sector, chipmakers continued their rebound. **Nvidia (NVDA)** gained **2.4%**, extending its recovery as demand for AI hardware shows no sign of slowing. Meanwhile, energy stocks lagged as **WTI crude oil** slipped **1.2%** to settle at **$82.90** a barrel, pressured by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
## What to Watch
Investors will be closely monitoring tomorrow’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could set the tone for both equity and bond markets. Next week brings the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading—a key gauge for the Fed’s next move. In crypto, attention remains fixed on Bitcoin ETF flows and the ongoing debate over Ethereum’s scalability and transaction costs, a topic we explored in our analysis of
Ethereum’s gas fee dynamics.
With Fed officials keeping their cards close and digital assets back in the limelight, the coming days promise no shortage of market-moving headlines.