Circle jumped 18%, Coinbase gained about 7% and BitGo rose roughly 10% as bitcoin climbed above $80,000, its highest since late January.
Investor optimism grew after a compromise on stablecoin yield in the US Digital Asset Market Clarity Act appeared to remove a major obstacle to passage.
Analyst Markus Thielen said markets are pricing likely beneficiaries of clearer rules, with formal markup possible this week and Polymarket odds of passage rising to 64%.
Will new US crypto laws finally unleash the predicted $3 trillion stablecoin market, disrupting global banking?
US law aims to make stablecoins safer, but are consumer funds truly protected if a major issuer fails?
As US law bans stablecoin 'yield,' will a new war over 'rewards' just create a bigger regulatory fight?
Clarity Act Breakthrough Spurs Bitcoin Rally to $80K and Reshapes Stablecoin Economy
Overview
In May 2026, Bitcoin surged past $80,000, driven by strong ETF buying and positive market sentiment following a key compromise on the Clarity Act. This regulatory breakthrough, which bans yields on idle stablecoin balances but allows transaction-based incentives, reduced uncertainty and sparked a rally in crypto stocks, with Circle and Coinbase shares rising significantly. While the Act's progress boosted institutional interest, significant challenges remain, including political opposition, banking sector resistance, and national security concerns. Analysts warn the Act's uncertain passage could impact Bitcoin's trajectory, with potential for both substantial gains if passed and volatility if delayed or blocked.