Bitcoin’s May Move Toward $80,000 Drives 2026’s Fastest BTC Perpetual OI Growth

During the first half of May, bitcoin’s attempt to push and hold above $80,000 coincided with the fastest increase in BTC perpetual futures open interest seen so far in 2026. Binance took the largest share of the new derivatives capital as open interest built on an already elevated base. At the same time, rising exchange stablecoin reserves and higher altcoin deposits suggested broader positioning beyond BTC.