Headline: Tariff Threats Shake Markets as Crypto Sags and Trade Risks Rise
In a volatile session for global markets, escalating trade tensions and mixed risk appetite weighed on digital assets and commodities, while select equities held their lead. Policy headlines and macro data amplified uncertainty, pushing investors to reassess exposures across crypto, stocks, and safe havens.
Geopolitical risk surged after Donald Trump voiced support for a Senate proposal that would impose 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy, putting China and India under fresh scrutiny. At the same time, Japan’s economy contracted at a 1.8% annualized pace, with exports dropping 4.5%, underscoring growing trade headwinds. Gold slipped 0.8% as expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts waned, though the metal remains sharply higher year to date amid persistent macro uncertainty.
Crypto markets weakened alongside risk sentiment. Bitcoin fell roughly 10%, dropping below its 50-week simple moving average, with prior support around $102,000 now acting as resistance—echoing broader weakness in crypto-proxy equities. XRP slid 4.3% despite the launch of a new ETF, finding support near $2.22 as traders monitor the critical $2.00 threshold. Regulatory risk also returned to the forefront, with reports highlighting roughly $28 billion in illicit flows tied to crypto exchanges, intensifying the focus on AML and compliance controls. In equities, Jabil extended its year-to-date outperformance—up about 56% despite a post-earnings pullback—as analysts penciled in additional upside potential.
Key Points – Proposal backed by Donald Trump would levy 500% tariffs on nations buying Russian energy, with China and India in focus. – Japan’s GDP contracted at a 1.8% annualized rate as exports fell 4.5%, signaling mounting global trade risks. – Bitcoin slid around 10% and lost the 50-week SMA; former support near $102,000 is now a resistance zone. – XRP dropped 4.3% despite an ETF launch, holding near $2.22 as traders watch the $2.00 support level. – Reports cite about $28 billion in illicit crypto flows through exchanges, elevating regulatory and compliance risk. – Gold eased 0.8% on softer rate-cut odds but remains notably higher year to date.
