Headline: Markets Juggle Risk and Safety as UK Investors Exit Stocks, Crypto Tests $100K
Global risk appetite is wavering as UK investors pull billions from equities while momentum trades continue to drive sharp moves in tech and crypto. Luxury shares climbed on tariff optimism, and inflation risks resurfaced in consumer staples as trade policy fears mounted.
UK investors recorded a sharp rotation out of equities, with an estimated £7.3 billion in outflows as concerns over tax changes and stretched artificial intelligence valuations weighed on sentiment. The move favored safe-haven assets and cash-like holdings, reflecting a preference for capital preservation amid policy uncertainty and elevated market multiples.
In single-name action, EV maker Xpeng surged 16% on optimism around its robotics strategy, extending a year-to-date rally to roughly 120% despite limited near-term earnings visibility. Swiss luxury groups also found support, with Swatch up 4.2% and Richemont gaining 2% as traders bet on prospects of a tariff deal that could ease cross-border pressures. At the same time, consumer inflation anxieties flared, with talk of potential 107% tariffs raising the risk that Italian pasta prices could spike and supermarket supplies tighten.
In crypto, Bitcoin failed to hold above $107,000 and is retesting the $100,000 support area. A clean break lower could expose a liquidity gap toward $93,000, while market watchers note that past “death cross” signals have often proved unreliable. Trading has been heavy within the recent range, and some estimates place spot Bitcoin ETF cost bases near $90,000—levels that could shape positioning. For both traders and long-term investors, the focus is on confirming sustained moves beyond key thresholds with volume and follow-through, rather than reacting to brief spikes or fakeouts.
Key Points: – UK investors withdrew about £7.3 billion from equities, citing tax concerns and rich AI valuations. – Xpeng jumped 16% on robotics optimism, taking its year-to-date gain to around 120%. – Swatch rose 4.2% and Richemont 2% as hopes for a tariff deal supported luxury valuations. – Bitcoin was rejected near $107,000 and is testing $100,000 support; a drop risks a slide toward $93,000. – Heavy BTC range trading persists, with some ETF cost bases near $90,000 influencing market dynamics. – Tariff risks could drive sharp consumer price increases, with Italian pasta flagged as a potential flashpoint.
