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Quick analysis of global markets and cryptocurrency trends amid steady risk sentiment

Quick analysis of global markets and cryptocurrency trends amid steady risk sentiment

I’ve been closely monitoring the latest developments shaping markets worldwide, offering my perspective on how these events intertwine and what they mean for investors, traders, and the broader economy. From the steadying of global risk sentiment thanks to promising EU-US trade talks, to the mixed reactions in equity markets, and the fascinating dynamics in the cryptocurrency space, there’s a lot to unpack.

Let’s explore this step by step, weaving together facts, data, and analysis into a comprehensive narrative.

Trade talks set the tone for global risk sentiment

The global financial markets are currently riding a wave of cautious optimism, largely driven by positive signals from EU-US trade negotiations. On Monday, May 26, 2025, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic shared encouraging news after a productive call with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Sefcovic emphasised that the European Commission is “fully committed to constructive and focused efforts at pace” toward securing a trade deal with the United States.

This commitment couldn’t come at a more critical time, as fears of a transatlantic trade war have loomed large, threatening to disrupt the US$1.7 trillion annual trade relationship between these two economic giants. The mere hint of progress has steadied global risk sentiment, providing a much-needed respite from the uncertainty that has plagued markets in recent months.

Why does this matter? According to economic think tanks like Bruegel and the Tax Foundation, a trade war could shave 0.3 per cent off EU GDP and 0.7 per cent off US GDP. Tariffs would hit industries hard—think European automakers like Volkswagen or American tech giants like Apple—and ripple through global supply chains. Brussels and Washington are signaling a desire to avoid this scenario by agreeing to accelerate negotiations, and markets are responding in kind.

European shares, from Germany’s DAX to the broader Euro Stoxx 600, have climbed, reflecting investor relief. Meanwhile, with US markets closed for Memorial Day on Monday, Wall Street futures are pointing to a higher open on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, tracking Europe’s upward trajectory. It’s a classic case of markets pricing in hope, though the deadline for a deal on July 9, 2025, keeps the pressure on.

Asian markets feel the heat of tariff threats

Not all regions are basking in this optimism, however. Asian equity markets took a hit on Monday after US President Donald Trump reignited tariff threats targeting the EU and imported mobile phones. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong bore the brunt, dropping 1.4 per cent, outpacing declines among its regional peers.

This reaction isn’t surprising—Asia’s economies, deeply embedded in global trade networks, are hypersensitive to US policy shifts. A 25 per cent tariff on imported iPhones, for instance, could hammer companies like Foxconn, a key supplier, and disrupt the tech supply chain that powers much of the region’s growth.

Trump’s rhetoric is a familiar playbook: bold threats followed by strategic retreats. His latest social media posts have rattled nerves, promising 50 per cent tariffs on EU goods and steep levies on foreign-made phones. Yet, his decision to push EU tariff deadlines to July suggests these are bargaining chips rather than immediate policy.

Still, the uncertainty weighs heavily, and while Asian indices showed mixed performance early Tuesday, the shadow of potential trade barriers lingers. For investors, this divergence—Europe and the US rising while Asia stumbles—highlights the uneven impact of geopolitics on global markets.

US markets and the data deluge ahead

With US markets shuttered for Memorial Day, all eyes are on Tuesday’s reopening. Wall Street futures are buoyant, mirroring Europe’s gains, but the real test comes tonight with a packed US economic data slate.

We’re talking April’s preliminary durable goods orders, the March FHFA house price index, the May Conference Board consumer confidence survey, and the Dallas Fed manufacturing activity index for May. These aren’t just numbers—they’re pulse checks on the world’s largest economy.

Durable goods orders, a proxy for manufacturing health, could signal whether businesses are investing in big-ticket items like machinery, a sign of economic confidence. The consumer confidence survey, meanwhile, reflects how households—whose spending drives 70 per cent of US GDP—view their financial future.

A dip here, especially amid trade noise and rising Treasury yields (more on that in a moment), could dampen the stock rally. The housing and manufacturing data will round out the picture, offering clues about inflation pressures and industrial output. My take? If these figures beat expectations, they’ll reinforce the bullish sentiment from trade talks. But any weakness could stoke fears of a slowdown, testing the market’s newfound optimism.

Bonds, dollars, and commodities: The supporting cast

The bond market, quiet on Monday due to the holiday, is another piece of this puzzle. The 10-year US Treasury yield stood at 4.51 per cent last Friday, a level that’s been climbing amid concerns over US debt and potential fiscal stimulus like tax cuts.

Higher yields make bonds more attractive than stocks, but they also raise borrowing costs, which could cool economic growth. When trading resumes, watch how yields react to the trade news and data releases—stability could bolster stocks, while a spike might trigger a sell-off.

Currency and commodity markets are also in flux. The US Dollar Index slipped 0.2 per cent to 98.93, a modest retreat that aligns with easing trade tensions reducing its safe-haven appeal. Gold followed suit, dipping 0.4 per cent to US$3,344 per ounce, as investors dialled back on defensive assets.

Brent crude oil edged down 0.1 per cent to US$65 per barrel, caught between optimism over trade (which could lift demand) and worries about rising OPEC+ supply. These moves suggest a market in transition, shedding some risk-off posture but not fully embracing a growth narrative yet.

The crypto corner: Bitcoin’s institutional boost

Now, let’s pivot to cryptocurrencies, where the action is equally compelling. Bitcoin is teasing a breakout, hovering above US$108,000 but struggling to crack the $110,000 resistance. What’s fuelling this? Institutional appetite is roaring—Bitcoin ETFs are seeing hefty inflows, and MicroStrategy just dropped US$427 million on more BTC. This isn’t a retail frenzy; it’s big money betting on digital gold.

Add in technological leaps in Bitcoin mining—think efficiency gains boosting the network’s role in decentralised finance (DeFi)—and you’ve got a recipe for cautious optimism. Analysts see US$114,000 as the next target if upcoming data or political events (like a trade deal) tilt positive.

MicroStrategy’s moves deserve a closer look. Between May 12 and May 18, 2025, the company raised US$765.4 million through share sales—1.71 million MSTR shares and 621,555 STRK preferred shares—then plowed US$764.9 million into 7,390 BTC at US$103,498 per coin.

Their stash now stands at 576,230 BTC, bought at an average of US$69,726, totalling US$40.18 billion. That’s a bold play, especially with a class action lawsuit challenging their crypto-heavy strategy. To me, it’s a high-stakes vote of confidence in Bitcoin’s future, though the legal risk adds a wildcard.

Ethereum’s bullish bounce

Ethereum’s story is just as intriguing. Trading near US$2,576, ETH is climbing within a bullish pennant on the 4-hour chart—a pattern hinting at an imminent surge.

It’s bounced convincingly from the US$2,470–US$2,495 demand zone, backed by strong technicals and growing interest in spot and derivatives markets. Why the uptick? Renewed investor faith after a breakout from $1,920 earlier this month, plus momentum pushing it toward a key descending trendline. If bulls break through, US$2,650 and US$2,713 are in sight.

On the daily chart, ETH’s holding above the US$2,550 pivot, consolidating below US$2,600–US$2,620 resistance—a zone tied to old supply levels from March. This setup screams potential, though it hinges on sustained buying pressure.

My take: A balancing act of hope and caution

So, where do I land on all this? Global risk sentiment is indeed steady, buoyed by EU-US trade progress, but it’s a fragile equilibrium.

Europe and the US are riding a wave of relief, while Asia’s jitters remind us that Trump’s tariff threats aren’t empty noise—they’re a real risk. Tonight’s US data could either cement this optimism or expose cracks in the recovery narrative. In crypto, Bitcoin and Ethereum are flexing muscle, powered by institutional bets and technical strength, yet they’re not immune to macro shocks.

For investors, it’s a time to stay nimble. The trade talks are a lifeline, but deadlines and politics could derail them. Stocks look poised for gains if the data cooperates, though bonds and commodities signal lingering doubts.

Crypto’s resilience impresses me—MicroStrategy’s all-in approach is gutsy, and Ethereum’s chart is a technician’s dream—but volatility lurks. My advice? Embrace the upside, but keep an eye on the exits. The world’s holding its breath, and so should your portfolio.

 

Source: https://e27.co/quick-analysis-of-global-markets-and-cryptocurrency-trends-amid-steady-risk-sentiment-20250527/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

The financial markets have been a whirlwind of activity this week, with major US stock market benchmarks—the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite—navigating a volatile, choppy session to ultimately close near their session highs.

The Dow gained 284.97 points (0.70 per cent) to close at 41,113.97, the S&P 500 climbed 24.37 points (0.43 per cent) to 5,631.28, and the Nasdaq added 48.50 points (0.27 per cent) to 17,738.16. This late-session rally came amidst a barrage of high-impact catalysts that kept investors on edge: US-China trade talks slated for this weekend in Switzerland, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, President Trump’s plan to roll back Biden-era restrictions on artificial intelligence chips, and a steep 7.5 per cent selloff in Alphabet shares due to concerns over declining Google search volumes.

Beyond the stock market, central banks made headlines with contrasting moves—the Fed maintaining its cautious stance while the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) slashed rates to stimulate its economy.

Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency realm, Bitcoin soared past US$99,000, inching closer to the US$100,000 milestone, while Ethereum’s much-hyped Pectra upgrade failed to ignite immediate enthusiasm. I see a market teetering between opportunity and uncertainty, shaped by geopolitical tensions, monetary policy decisions, and shifting investor sentiment.

Stock market performance and catalysts

Let’s dive into the US stock market’s rollercoaster session. The major benchmarks’ ability to close near their highs despite intraday volatility speaks to the resilience of investor confidence, albeit tempered by unease. One of the day’s biggest drivers was the surge in chipmakers, catalysed by news that the Trump administration intends to rescind Biden-era curbs on AI chip exports.

The PHLX Semiconductor Index, a barometer for the sector, rose 1.7 per cent after an earlier dip of one per cent, reflecting a late rally in stocks like Nvidia and AMD. This policy shift could unlock significant growth for the US tech sector, which has been hamstrung by restrictions aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced technology. However, the broader market’s choppiness suggests that investors remain wary of other headwinds.

The most anticipated news was the announcement that US and Chinese officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade negotiator Jamieson Greer, will meet in Switzerland this weekend to discuss trade. Initially, this sparked optimism that the long-standing US-China trade war might see a thaw, especially given Trump’s recent 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports.

However, Bessent quickly dampened expectations, telling Reuters that these would not be “advanced” discussions. His realism—or perhaps pessimism—echoes China’s guarded response, with a foreign ministry spokesperson citing a proverb about actions speaking louder than words.

For context, the trade war has disrupted global supply chains, driving up costs and stoking inflation fears. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently warned of potential product shortages if tariffs persist, a sentiment shared by many corporate leaders. From my perspective, this weekend’s talks are a critical juncture, but the lack of concrete progress signals more volatility ahead as markets grapple with uncertainty.

Another key factor was the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25–4.50 per cent for the third consecutive meeting, aligning with market expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in remarks, acknowledged that the US economy continues to grow at a solid pace, though swings in net exports—likely tied to trade disruptions—have clouded the data.

The Fed’s statement flagged rising risks of inflation and unemployment, particularly due to Trump’s tariff policies. Powell’s cautious tone, emphasising the need for more data before signalling rate cuts, disappointed some investors hoping for dovish hints.

LSEG data suggests markets still anticipate a 25-basis-point cut by July, but the Fed’s focus on tariff-driven inflation risks complicates that outlook. I see the Fed walking a tightrope: easing too soon could fuel inflation, while holding firm might choke growth if trade tensions escalate. This limbo is likely to keep markets jittery.

Alphabet’s sharp 7.5 per cent drop added to the session’s turbulence. Reuters reported that the selloff stemmed from concerns about declining Google search volumes, a critical metric for the tech giant’s revenue. This stumble dragged down the broader tech sector, highlighting how even industry titans face scrutiny in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Juxtaposed with the chip sector’s gains, Alphabet’s woes underscore the uneven performance within tech, driven by policy shifts and competitive pressures. As a journalist, I view this as a reminder that market leaders aren’t invincible, especially as AI and other innovations challenge established business models.

Investor behaviour and corporate strategy

Investor sentiment has shifted noticeably amid these developments. Bank of America’s weekly flow data, cited by CNBC, revealed that investors yanked US$8.9 billion out of US equities last week—the largest outflow since March—while funnelling US$7.8 billion into foreign stocks. This pivot suggests growing unease about US market valuations and the potential fallout from trade wars.

At the same time, US companies are planning a record US$500 billion in stock buybacks, according to the Financial Times, as tariff uncertainty stalls capital investment. Buybacks can prop up share prices in the short term, but they also signal a defensive mindset, with firms opting to reward shareholders rather than bet on expansion in a shaky environment.

This trend reflects a broader wait-and-see approach. If trade tensions ease, those funds could shift toward growth initiatives, potentially sparking a rally. For now, though, caution reigns.

Central bank actions

On the monetary policy front, central banks offered contrasting narratives. The Fed’s decision to hold steady reflects a steady-hand approach, balancing solid US growth against inflationary pressures from tariffs. Across the Pacific, the People’s Bank of China took a more aggressive tack, cutting its seven-day reverse repo rate from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent and lowering the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 per cent effective May 15, per Bloomberg.

These moves aim to counter US tariff pressures and bolster China’s economy, which faces deflation, a property crisis, and slowing growth. The PBOC also signalled regulatory flexibility for tariff-hit firms and encouraged equity investments by insurance funds, rounding out a multi-faceted stimulus package.

China’s actions are a pragmatic response to external shocks, but their success depends on whether global trade stabilises. If US-China talks falter, this stimulus might not fully offset the tariff drag, with ripple effects for global markets.

Cryptocurrency trends

The cryptocurrency space provided a stark contrast to traditional markets, with Bitcoin surging past US$99,000 late Wednesday, hitting $99,027.83 as of 11:47 p.m. ET, per CoinDesk. This milestone in its 2025 bull run—just shy of the psychologically significant $100,000 mark—cements Bitcoin’s status as the year’s top-performing major asset.

Several factors are fuelling this rally. Institutional momentum is a big driver: BlackRock’s IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF has outpaced the SPDR Gold Trust in year-to-date inflows, while firms like Japan’s Metaplanet and US-based Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) continue aggressive BTC accumulation.

Bitcoin’s realised capitalisation has also hit a record US$890 billion, reflecting growing confidence among long-term holders. Macro tailwinds, including expectations of future Fed rate cuts, further bolster its appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

Ethereum, however, painted a different picture. Its widely anticipated Pectra upgrade, activated Wednesday, failed to spark immediate excitement. ETH rose a modest 0.96 per cent, with trading volume inching up just 0.52 per cent over 24 hours. This muted response contrasts sharply with Bitcoin’s surge, highlighting their divergent roles: Bitcoin as a store of value, Ethereum as a platform for smart contracts.

I see Bitcoin’s rally as proof of its maturation as an asset class, embraced by institutions and retail investors alike. Ethereum’s lackluster reaction suggests that its technological upgrades, while promising, need time to translate into market momentum.

My take

Stepping back, the financial landscape feels like a high-stakes chess game, with each move—whether by governments, central banks, or investors—carrying outsized implications. The US stock market’s resilience amid choppy trading reflects a tug-of-war between optimism (chip policy relief, potential trade progress) and anxiety (tariffs, inflation risks).

The Fed’s steady hand contrasts with China’s stimulus push, illustrating how global economies are responding to shared pressures in distinct ways. Investor flight from US equities and the surge in buybacks signal a defensive crouch, while Bitcoin’s ascent underscores a hunger for alternative assets in an uncertain world.

In my view, the US-China talks this weekend are the linchpin. A breakthrough could calm markets and redirect corporate funds from buybacks to investment, fueling growth. But Bessent’s tempered outlook and China’s reticence suggest a slog ahead, keeping volatility high.

The Fed’s caution makes sense given tariff-driven inflation risks, though it risks lagging if the economy softens. China’s rate cuts are a bold play, but their impact hinges on global trade dynamics. And in crypto, Bitcoin’s dominance is clear, though Ethereum’s slow burn could pay off long-term as its upgrades mature.

I’ll be watching how these threads—trade, policy, and innovation—unravel in the weeks ahead. For now, the markets are a crucible of uncertainty and opportunity, and investors are navigating it with a mix of boldness and caution that’s fascinating to witness.

 

Source: https://e27.co/navigating-market-volatility-bitcoin-hits-us99k-us-stocks-rally-amid-trade-talks-and-fed-decisions-20250508/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Why investors are flocking to safe havens amid trade uncertainty

Why investors are flocking to safe havens amid trade uncertainty

I’ve analysed the latest market wrap to offer my perspective on what’s driving these movements and what they might mean for investors in the near term. From the muted risk sentiment ahead of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting to the rally in gold and cryptocurrencies, the data paints a picture of a market caught between caution and selective optimism.

Below, I’ll break down the key developments, explore their implications, and share my view on where things might be headed.

The FOMC meeting: A wait-and-see approach amid uncertainty

At the heart of the current market narrative is the upcoming FOMC meeting, where the majority of market participants expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged. This expectation aligns with the Fed’s recent messaging, which has emphasised a cautious, data-driven approach to monetary policy.

With economic indicators sending mixed signals—ranging from robust consumer spending to softening employment data and persistent inflationary pressures—the Fed seems poised to maintain its current stance rather than signal any immediate shifts. However, the real focus for investors won’t be the rate decision itself, which is largely priced in, but the accompanying statement and any hints about future policy direction.

Given the backdrop of trade uncertainty and a global economy facing headwinds, there’s a growing sense that the Fed might lean toward a more dovish tone. A dovish outlook—perhaps suggesting openness to rate cuts if conditions worsen—could offer a short-term lift to equities by signalling lower borrowing costs and a supportive environment for risk assets. Yet, this potential relief might be tempered by broader concerns.

The Fed’s ability to buoy markets could be limited if trade tensions escalate further, as monetary policy alone can’t fully offset the economic fallout from disrupted trade flows or declining business confidence. In my view, the Fed’s decision will be a pivotal moment, but it’s unlikely to resolve the deeper uncertainties weighing on investors.

Trade tensions: A persistent cloud over global markets

Trade uncertainty remains a dominant force in the market, casting a long shadow over risk sentiment. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s acknowledgment that negotiations with China have yet to begin highlights the stalled progress in resolving one of the world’s most critical economic relationships.

This delay fuels fears of further escalation, which could disrupt supply chains, raise costs, and slow global growth. Adding to the complexity, reports suggest the European Union is considering imposing additional tariffs on €100 billion worth of US goods if trade talks falter. This threat of a broader trade conflict—extending beyond the US-China axis—amplifies the sense of unease.

The impact is already visible in the US stock market, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95 per cent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.74 per cent, and the Nasdaq declined 0.87 per cent for the second straight session. These losses reflect investor apprehension about the potential hit to corporate earnings, especially for companies with significant exposure to international markets. In my opinion, the trade overhang is a structural challenge that won’t be easily resolved.

Even the planned US-China talks in Switzerland this week, involving Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while a positive step, are unlikely to yield an immediate breakthrough. The market’s reaction—cautious rather than exuberant—suggests that investors are bracing for a prolonged period of uncertainty rather than banking on a quick fix.

Safe havens in demand: Treasury yields and gold surge

Amid this uncertainty, investors are flocking to safe-haven assets, a classic response to heightened risk. US Treasury yields have fallen, with the 10-year yield dropping 4.9 basis points to 4.295 per cent and the 2-year yield declining 5.0 basis points to 3.783 per cent.

This move reflects strong demand for government debt, as investors prioritise safety over higher returns in riskier assets. Lower yields often signal expectations of weaker economic growth or even recessionary pressures, and the current trend suggests the market is pricing in some degree of downside risk.

Gold, another traditional safe haven, has taken this flight to safety to new heights, rallying 2.9 per cent to a record US$3,432 per ounce. This surge underscores gold’s role as a hedge against economic uncertainty and potential inflation, both of which loom large given the trade tensions and their possible fallout. In my view, the strength in gold is a clear indicator of investor unease.

It’s not just about short-term volatility; the record highs suggest a deeper concern about the stability of the global economy. While some might see this as an overreaction, I think it’s a rational response to a world where trade wars and geopolitical risks are increasingly unpredictable.

The US dollar: An unexpected slide

One of the more intriguing developments is the US Dollar Index’s 0.6 per cent decline, marking its third consecutive session of losses. Typically, the dollar strengthens during times of uncertainty as a safe-haven currency, but this time, it’s bucking the trend. Several factors might explain this.

First, the anticipation of a dovish Fed could be pressuring the dollar, as lower interest rates make dollar-denominated assets less attractive. Second, the trade tensions themselves might be eroding confidence in the US economy, undermining the dollar’s appeal.

Meanwhile, the People’s Bank of China has kept the onshore USD/CNY and offshore USD/CNH rates stable above 7.20, preventing excessive appreciation of Asian currencies like the Taiwanese dollar and supporting regional FX stability.

This dollar weakness has broader implications. A softer dollar can boost emerging markets and commodities by making them cheaper in other currencies, which might partly explain gold’s rally and Brent crude’s 3.1 per cent rebound after six days of losses. From my perspective, the dollar’s slide is a bit of a puzzle—it defies the usual safe-haven playbook.

I suspect it’s a temporary phenomenon driven by Fed expectations, but if trade tensions worsen and hit the US economy harder, the dollar could face sustained pressure. For now, it’s a wildcard worth watching.

China equities and cryptocurrencies: Pockets of optimism

While much of the market reflects caution, there are pockets of optimism. Chinese equities surged upon returning from extended holidays, with the Shanghai Composite up 1.1 per cent and the Hang Seng Index gaining 0.7 per cent. This rally might stem from hopes tied to the upcoming US-China trade talks or domestic policy support from Beijing.

However, Chinese markets are notoriously volatile, and I’d caution against reading too much into this uptick. It could easily reverse if trade negotiations disappoint.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies are stealing the spotlight. Bitcoin peaked above US$97,000, rising 3.2 per cent before paring gains, while Ethereum climbed as much as 4.2 per cent.

This surge aligns with news of the US-China talks, putting markets into a “risk-on” mode. Ethereum’s technicals are particularly bullish—it breached the US$1,800 resistance level and surpassed the 50-day Exponential Moving Average, signalling potential for more gains.

In my view, this crypto rally reflects a speculative bet on trade de-escalation. But given their volatility, I’d urge caution—cryptocurrencies can swing wildly on sentiment alone, and any setback in talks could trigger a sharp pullback.

My take: A market in flux, with caution as the watchword

Stepping back, the market is in a state of flux, balancing uncertainty with selective risk-taking. The muted risk sentiment ahead of the FOMC meeting, the flight to Treasuries and gold, and the stock market’s declines all point to a defensive posture.

Trade tensions are the elephant in the room—until there’s clarity on US-China and US-EU relations, this overhang will keep investors on edge. The Fed’s decision could provide a temporary salve if it’s dovish, but it won’t erase the structural risks posed by trade disputes.

The dollar’s weakness and the rallies in gold, Brent crude, Chinese equities, and cryptocurrencies add layers of complexity. Gold’s strength and the Treasury yield drop signal deep-seated worries about growth, while Bitcoin and Ethereum’s gains suggest some are betting on a positive trade outcome.

I lean toward the cautious camp. The trade issues are too entrenched for a quick resolution, and the global economy could feel the strain if they drag on. The Fed might offer short-term relief, but the bigger story is the risk of an economic slowdown—or worse—if trade wars intensify.

For investors, this is a time to tread carefully. Safe havens like gold and Treasuries make sense for stability, but the crypto surge feels more like a gamble than a trend. Keep an eye on the FOMC statement and trade talk updates—they’ll set the tone.

 

Source: https://e27.co/why-investors-are-flocking-to-safe-havens-amid-trade-uncertainty-20250507

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j