Bitcoin (BTC-USD) surged above $100,000 on Thursday for the first time since February.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency rose alongside the overall market after President Trump unveiled a trade deal with the UK, signaling a deescalation of tariffs.
Coinbase’s (COIN) announcement earlier in the day about the crypto exchange’s deal to acquire options platform Deribit for $2.9 billion also helped boost sentiment in the sector.
Bitcoin rose as much as 4% to trade north of $100,900 near 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday as Trump spoke in the Oval Office about the UK agreement and indicated other countries also want to strike trade deals with the US.
Bitcoin fell as low as $75,000 in the days following Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff announcement on April 2, otherwise known as “Liberation Day.”
Bitcoin sentiment has grown increasingly bullish during the stock market’s recovery. Signs that companies are taking a cue from firms like Strategy (MSTR) and adding crypto to their balance sheets have also bolstered sentiment toward the sector.
In a note earlier this week, Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani said approximately 80 companies have “adopted the ‘Bitcoin Standard,’ adding Bitcoin treasury exposure to their balance sheets, owning ~3.4% of the total BTC supply.”
“The implications for Bitcoin — more resilient corporate/institutional capital supporting through the cycle downturns and accelerated supply squeeze as public corporates continue buying Bitcoin,” Chhugani added.
Year to date, bitcoin is up more than 8%.
Coinbase Global (COIN) has reached an agreement to acquire crypto options platform Deribit for $2.9 billion, one of the most significant deals ever for the cryptocurrency industry.
The deal marks another milestone for Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the US, after missing out for years on the wider transaction volumes and margins that other exchanges captured from derivatives trading.
Coinbase’s stock rose over 4% on the announcement. The Wall Street Journal first reported the deal.
“This isn’t just more products — it’s deeper liquidity, tighter spreads, and better tools for institutional and retail traders alike,” Greg Tusar, Coinbase’s head of institutional product, said in an emailed statement.
Deribit “isn’t just another addition,” he added in a blog post.
The acquisition follows Coinbase’s purchase of asset manager One River Digital in 2023, derivatives exchange FairX in 2022, crypto brokerage platform Tagomi in 2020, and custody business Xapo in 2019.
Coinbase is paying for Deribit with a mix of its own common stock and $700 million in cash.
The deal is the latest example of how the crypto industry has emerged as one of the few bright spots for merger and acquisition activity this year, even as other industries hold back amid the economic uncertainties triggered by President Trump’s trade wars and tariffs.
The biggest driver of that crypto optimism is Trump’s continued embrace of digital assets. He is pushing for more favorable regulation of the industry, and Coinbase is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Some other big crypto deals so far this year include Coinbase’s US rival Kraken announcing an agreement to purchase crypto futures trading platform Ninja Trader for $1.5 billion in March and Ripple Labs agreeing last month to buy crypto broker and financing firm Hidden Road for $1.25 billion.
Coinbase reports first quarter earnings Thursday afternoon. Its profits are expected to decline, while net revenue is expected to jump compared to a year ago. It recognized a $737 accounting gain on its crypto asset holdings in the first three months of last year.
FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup—-World football’s governing body has launched multiple disciplinary cases against the Argentine Football Association and several players over incidents ranging from political displays and discriminatory behaviour to post-final altercations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the national team over a series of alleged breaches committed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating multiple incidents involving Argentina throughout the tournament, including the display of a politically charged banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England, allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, security and protocol failures, as well as violent scenes that erupted after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Central to the investigation is the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) after Argentina’s semi-final triumph. FIFA regulations prohibit political, ideological or religious messages during official competitions, and the governing body is assessing whether the display breached its disciplinary code. Argentina were previously fined over a similar incident during the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA is also examining reports of discriminatory chants, inappropriate gestures, late kick-offs and security shortcomings involving both supporters and team officials during the tournament. The disciplinary committee said all alleged breaches would be reviewed before any sanctions are imposed.
Separate disciplinary cases have also been opened over the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are among those facing allegations of assault and unsporting conduct after confrontations involving Spanish players and officials at the final whistle. Other players from both teams are also being investigated for their involvement in the post-match altercations.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary process, the Argentine Football Association and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to submit their responses before any verdict is reached. Potential sanctions could range from financial penalties and suspensions to stadium restrictions or match bans, depending on the severity of the findings.
The proceedings mark one of the most significant disciplinary investigations of the 2026 World Cup and come after Argentina finished runners-up following their extra-time defeat to Spain. FIFA has stressed that no conclusions have yet been reached and that all parties are entitled to present their defence before the disciplinary committee delivers its final ruling.
Bournemouth have been dealt a significant setback after highly rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi was ruled out for between three and four months following a foot injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.
The 20-year-old suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during a training session and has since undergone successful surgery. Bournemouth confirmed the injury, with medical staff expecting the French youngster to return to action later this autumn, ruling him out for the opening months of the 2026–27 campaign.
Kroupi’s injury comes at a time when his future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation. Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the striker following his impressive debut Premier League season, in which he established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.
Barcelona had identified Kroupi as one of several options to strengthen their attack after encountering difficulties in pursuing other targets. However, the injury is expected to end any realistic prospect of a move this summer, with Bournemouth remaining determined to keep hold of the French forward despite growing interest from across Europe.
The Cherries have consistently maintained that Kroupi is not for sale and were reportedly prepared to reject offers unless they received an extraordinary bid. The injury further strengthens Bournemouth’s stance, as the club now focuses on the player’s recovery and long-term development rather than entertaining transfer negotiations.
Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough 2025–26 campaign, scoring 12 Premier League goals and emerging as one of the division’s standout young forwards. His performances earned widespread praise and attracted interest from several elite clubs looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
While the injury represents a frustrating setback for both player and club, Bournemouth remain optimistic that Kroupi will make a full recovery and return before the end of the calendar year. For now, however, any transfer rumours are expected to cool as the Frenchman begins his rehabilitation and shifts his focus toward regaining full fitness.
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