Headline: Markets Mixed as Xpeng Rockets, Bitcoin Retests $100K, and Tariff Risks Build
Investor sentiment swung between tech optimism and policy uncertainty, with equities and crypto moving on headlines that blend innovation, technical signals, and trade tensions. Gains in electric vehicles and luxury goods contrasted with caution in digital assets and rising tariff risks that could ripple through consumer prices and industrial supply chains.
Chinese EV maker Xpeng rallied about 16% on enthusiasm for its robotics and autonomous technology roadmap, extending its valuation despite limited visibility on near-term earnings. The stock is now up roughly 120% year to date, underscoring renewed appetite for next‑gen mobility plays. In Europe, luxury names firmed as traders positioned for a potential easing in tariff frictions: Swatch advanced about 4.2% and Richemont climbed around 2%, with valuation resets in focus if trade policy headwinds abate.
In crypto, Bitcoin slipped after failing to hold above $107,000, bringing the $100,000 support level back into play. A looming “death cross” has drawn attention, though past instances have been unreliable as forward signals. Traders warn that a decisive break below $100,000 could expose a thin‑liquidity zone toward $93,000, while spot Bitcoin ETFs are estimated to have an average cost basis near $90,000. Participants are watching for a convincing, sustained move beyond key technical levels to confirm trend direction and avoid false breakouts.
Trade and industry headlines added to the cross‑currents. Italian pasta prices could face sharp increases if proposed U.S. tariffs of up to 107% are enacted, raising the risk of supply disruptions. In chemicals, Ineos initiated 10 anti‑dumping complaints targeting Chinese imports, as EU chemical production fell about 2.4% while China’s output rose roughly 8%, highlighting widening competitive pressures across the sector.
Key Points: – Xpeng jumped about 16% on robotics and autonomy optimism; shares up roughly 120% year to date. – Swatch gained around 4.2% and Richemont about 2% on hopes for a friendlier tariff backdrop. – Bitcoin failed to hold above $107,000 and is retesting $100,000 support; traders eye risk of a drop toward $93,000. – A potential Bitcoin “death cross” is in view, but historical reliability of the signal is mixed. – Spot Bitcoin ETFs’ estimated average cost basis is near $90,000, creating a reference zone for flows. – Tariff and trade actions intensify: proposed 107% U.S. pasta tariffs and 10 Ineos anti‑dumping cases against Chinese chemical imports, with EU output down and China’s up.
