
Geopolitical tensions, particularly escalating U.S.-China trade tariffs, are driving significant volatility.
Bitcoin experienced substantial outflows from U.S. ETFs, contributing to its price decline.
Analysts are speculating about a potential Fed pivot in May to alleviate market pressure, but until then, continued volatility is expected.
Bitcoin has fallen below the $75,000 mark for the second time this week, pushing its total weekly losses to over 11%. While the entire crypto market is under pressure, this sharp correction seems to be driven by rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about a global recession.
The trade war between the U.S. and China is escalating quickly. China has sold off $50 billion worth of U.S. Treasuries, and in response, the U.S. is imposing a steep 104% tariff on Chinese goodsโset to begin within hours.
Until there’s real progress on trade talks or retail investors start selling in large numbers, experts expect high volatility across all markets.
Trumpโs Tariffs Spark Global Sell-Off
The latest market drop was triggered by President Donald Trumpโs decision to enforce a 104% tariff on Chinese imports. The move has shaken investor confidence and led to a global shift toward safer assets. Stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies are all reacting to the growing tension between the worldโs two largest economies.
Bitcoin Hit Hard as Institutions Exit
Bitcoin, which often reacts strongly to economic uncertainty, saw heavy selling. Institutional behavior confirmed this trendโBlackRockโs iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) sold 3,296 BTC in one day, its third-largest outflow since launch. In total, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs recorded $326 million in net outflows that day, adding more pressure to the already falling price.
Bitcoin briefly rallied to $80,400, suggesting a short-lived recovery. But the bounce quickly faded, and prices dropped againโforming a classic bull trap. According to Coinglass, over $390 million in crypto positions were liquidated as traders got caught in the sudden reversal.
Altcoin Market Stays Weak
Altcoins saw a short spike. Ethereum (ETH) rose 2.04% to $1,567, while Solana (SOL) and XRP both climbed nearly 5%. Dogecoin led the hourly gains with a 5.5% surge, and Binance Coin (BNB) ticked up 1.49%. Despite this, the total crypto market cap dropped by 4.27% in the past 24 hours, pointing to a rally driven more by speculation and likely false news than real improvement.
Economists Warn of 2018-Style Slowdown
Experts are now comparing the current situation to late 2018, when the Federal Reserve had to reverse its policies due to a slowing economy. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes warned that the Fed is โon the clock,โ citing the troubling combination of falling stock prices and rising bond yields.
Economist Peter Schiff added that if Trumpโs goal was to trigger a market crash in order to push the Fed into lowering interest rates, the move may be backfiringโlong-term Treasury yields are climbing to new highs instead.
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When Will the Fed Step In?
With markets under pressure, speculation is rising that the Fed may cut interest rates as early as May. Analysts believe this could help calm the volatilityโespecially if paired with an easing of U.S.-China trade tensions. Until then, Bitcoin is likely to stay under pressure, with $70,000 emerging as a key level to watch closely.
The worldโs biggest cryptocurrency is caught in a storm of politics and panic – and for now, thereโs no clear sky in sight.
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FAQs
Bitcoin is falling due to U.S.-China trade tensions, a 104% tariff, ETF outflows, and fears of a global recession.
Trumpโs 104% tariff triggers global risk-off sentiment, hurting Bitcoin and altcoins as investors flee volatile assets.