Tag Archives: dips

US consumer confidence dips: How it’s hitting Asian stocks, crypto and beyond

US consumer confidence dips: How it’s hitting Asian stocks, crypto and beyond

The situation unfolding on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, paints a fascinating picture of cautious optimism tempered by uncertainty and shifting economic winds. Asian stocks traded in a tight range today, reflecting a market caught in a tug-of-war between faint glimmers of hope and the looming shadows of US policy shifts under President Donald Trump.

Investors seem to be searching for a foothold, grappling with weaker US consumer confidence and the unpredictable spectre of Trump’s forthcoming tariff plans. Let’s dive into this complex landscape and unpack what’s driving these movements, how they’re rippling across asset classes, and what it all might mean for the weeks ahead.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index, a broad barometer of regional equity performance, managed to snap a three-day losing streak with a modest 0.3 per cent gain. It’s a small victory, but one that comes with a caveat: the index lost much of its early momentum as the trading session wore on.

This tepid performance suggests that while there’s some resilience in Asian markets, there’s no clear consensus among investors about where things are headed. The backdrop to this indecision is a US economy showing signs of strain. Consumer confidence in the United States has slumped to a four-year low, with the Conference Board’s latest reading dropping to 92.9 in March from 100.1 in February.

This decline, driven in part by fears of a recession and inflationary pressures tied to Trump’s tariff rhetoric, is casting a long shadow over global markets. For Asian economies, many of which rely heavily on exports to the US, this weakening demand signal is a red flag that’s hard to ignore.

Meanwhile, the specter of Trump’s tariff policies continues to dominate headlines and trading floors alike. With his administration signaling “Liberation Day” on April 2—a date tied to significant tariff announcements—markets are bracing for potential upheaval.

Trump has hinted at reciprocal tariffs, including fresh levies on pharmaceuticals and autos in the near future, as well as secondary tariffs on countries buying oil or gas from Venezuela. These moves, while aimed at bolstering US manufacturing, could disrupt global supply chains and hit Asian exporters hard. The uncertainty is palpable, and it’s no surprise that Asian stocks are struggling to find a decisive direction.

Yet, amidst this unease, there are pockets of strength. Australia’s ASX 200 futures, for instance, are pointing to a brighter start, up 47 points or 0.58 per cent as of 8:30 am AEDT. This uptick suggests that some investors are betting on resilience in commodity-driven markets, perhaps buoyed by surging copper prices in the US, which hit a record high as traders price in the impact of potential import tariffs.

Over in the US, equity markets are showing a different kind of stability. The S&P 500 notched its third consecutive day of gains on Tuesday, though the session was relatively quiet and rangebound. This steady climb follows a volatile period earlier in the month, when tariff fears and economic slowdown concerns sent stocks into a correction. The calm may be deceptive, however, as the 2025-26 US budget announcement last night offered little in the way of surprises.

Most measures had been telegraphed well in advance, leaving markets with no major catalysts to spark a breakout—or a breakdown. Treasury yields are creeping higher, with the 10-year note edging up slightly, while the dollar has paused its four-day rally. It’s a holding pattern of sorts, with investors seemingly waiting for Trump’s next move to dictate the narrative.

Switching gears to the cryptocurrency market, there’s a different story unfolding—one of recovery and cautious optimism. Bitcoin, the bellwether of the crypto world, is hovering around US$87,000 today after clawing back four per cent over the past three days. Ethereum and Ripple’s XRP are also finding support at key technical levels, hinting at a potential rebound. This resilience comes despite the broader market uncertainty, and it’s worth noting that Trump’s tariff plans could have a dual-edged impact here.

On one hand, heightened volatility from trade disruptions might drive safe-haven flows into Bitcoin; on the other, a stronger dollar—often a byproduct of protectionist policies—could cap crypto gains. Traders are keeping a close eye on April 2, when Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements could send shockwaves through digital assets, much as they’re expected to do with traditional markets.

The Solana ecosystem, meanwhile, is generating its own buzz. Solana’s price is sitting around US$142 today, up seven per cent this week, and the platform is gaining traction among institutional heavyweights.

BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, known as BUIDL, has just launched on Solana, marking a significant expansion from its Ethereum roots. With assets under management surpassing US$1.7 billion, BUIDL’s move to Solana underscores the blockchain’s growing appeal for its speed and scalability.

Adding fuel to this fire, Fidelity has filed for a spot Solana ETF with Cboe Global Markets, a development that’s bolstering SOL’s bullish outlook. These moves by asset management giants signal a broader trend: institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum is accelerating, and Solana is positioning itself as a prime beneficiary. For investors, this could mean more upside potential, though the tariff wildcard looms large over the entire crypto space.

Contrast this with Ripple’s XRP, which is struggling to capitalise on what should have been a positive development. On Tuesday, Ripple announced it would drop its cross-appeal against the SEC, effectively ending a four-year legal saga that culminated in a US$125 million judgment last August. This resolution should have cleared a major overhang for XRP, potentially paving the way for ETF filings or broader adoption.

Yet, the token’s price has remained stubbornly muted. Why the lackluster response? It could be that the market had already priced in this outcome, or perhaps the broader uncertainty around US regulatory policy under Trump is keeping a lid on enthusiasm. Whatever the reason, XRP’s inability to rally stands in stark contrast to Solana’s momentum, highlighting the uneven recovery across the crypto landscape.

Back in the equity world, individual stock movements are adding texture to the broader narrative. ANZ, one of Australia’s big four banks, saw an abrupt 3.1 per cent sell-off toward the close on Tuesday, a move that caught some traders off guard. It’ll be intriguing to see if it can bounce back today, especially given the positive tilt in ASX 200 futures.

The sell-off might reflect profit-taking after a strong run, or it could hint at sector-specific concerns—perhaps tied to tariff impacts on Australia’s trade-heavy economy. Either way, it’s a reminder that beneath the surface of index-level stability, there’s plenty of churn and opportunity for the astute observer.

I see a world in transition—one where old certainties are giving way to new risks and opportunities. Asian stocks’ tight trading range reflects a market that’s hesitant but not defeated, caught between US economic headwinds and the promise of regional resilience. The surge in copper and the steadying S&P 500 suggest that some investors are willing to bet on a soft landing, even as consumer confidence wanes.

In the crypto space, Solana’s rise and XRP’s stagnation highlight the power of institutional momentum versus regulatory fatigue. And looming over it all is Trump’s tariff agenda, a wild card that could either ignite a global trade war or fizzle into pragmatic compromise.

My gut tells me we’re in for more volatility before clarity emerges, but for those with a keen eye and a steady hand, there’s plenty of potential to navigate this storm. The next few weeks, particularly around April 2, will be pivotal—mark your calendars and keep your wits about you.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/us-consumer-confidence-dips-how-its-hitting-asian-stocks-crypto-and-beyond-20250326/

 

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

Market wrap: Consumer sentiment dips, stocks slide, bonds gain and crypto brief dip

Market wrap: Consumer sentiment dips, stocks slide, bonds gain and crypto brief dip

The market wrap today paints a picture of a global economy wrestling with doubt, as risk sentiment pulls back under the weight of policy ambiguity, tariff jitters, and nagging growth concerns. In the US, the Conference Board Consumer Sentiment index just took its biggest monthly nosedive since 2021, a stark sign that the average American isn’t feeling too rosy about the future.

You can almost hear the collective sigh as wallets snap shut, and that unease has trickled straight into market expectations. Fed funds futures are now pricing in 2.3 rate cuts of 25 basis points by December 2025, up from 1.5 just a week ago—a clear signal that investors think the Federal Reserve might need to play firefighter to a smouldering economy.

The equity markets are reflecting that same anxiety. The MSCI US index dropped 0.5 per cent, with Communication Services, Info Tech, and Energy sectors each shedding 1.5 per cent. Nvidia’s 2.7 per cent stumble ahead of its earnings report stands out—investors are on edge, wondering if the AI chip giant can keep delivering the magic that’s fuelled its meteoric rise.

Over in the bond market, there’s a palpable shift to safety. The 10-year US Treasury yield hit its lowest point since December, sliding nearly 10 basis points to 4.29 per cent, while the 2-year yield dipped over 6 basis points to 4.09 per cent. This tightening spread screams caution, as does the US Dollar Index slipping 0.3 per cent to 106.30 and gold retreating to a weekly low. Even Brent crude, down 2.4 per cent to its weakest close of 2025, is flashing red on demand fears. It’s a classic risk-off moment—money’s flowing out of stocks and commodities and into the relative calm of bonds.

Europe’s not offering much comfort either. Germany’s economy shrank 0.2 per cent in Q4 2024, and the Bundesbank Chief’s description of it as “stubborn stagnation” feels painfully apt. His plea for a functioning government ASAP underscores just how rudderless the eurozone’s engine room feels right now.

In Asia, the Bank of Korea’s expected rate cut is a lifeline for growth, but it’s not enough to stop the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index from sliding 1.4 per cent for a second day running. Regional stocks are broadly in retreat, though this morning’s mixed Asian equity session hints at some tentative stabilisation. US equity futures, meanwhile, suggest Wall Street might open with a bit of pep—a rare glimmer of optimism in an otherwise dour landscape.

Then there’s the crypto market, which is never one to miss a dramatic twist. Bitcoin’s taken a bruising, crashing through US$90,000 to close 6 per cent lower at US$88,333.09, with an earlier low of US$85,899.99 marking its weakest point since November. The equities sell-off seems to be the culprit, dragging crypto down as risk assets bleed together. The market’s in limbo, waiting for a spark—be it regulatory news, a macro shift, or something out of left field.

Grayscale’s filing for a Polkadot ETF with the SEC via Nasdaq is a noteworthy move, though. Submitted on Tuesday, the 19b-4 rules change has a 45-day clock ticking for SEC acknowledgment, and it’s a sign that institutional players still see upside in altcoins despite the turbulence. Polkadot’s interoperability pitch could resonate if the filing clears, adding another layer to crypto’s evolving story.

Speaking of turbulence, Bybit’s response to last week’s US$1.4 billion Ethereum hack is a blockbuster subplot. After tossing out US$140 million in bounties over the weekend, the Dubai-based exchange upped the ante on Tuesday with a bounty dashboard and website. Users can now submit leads on the stolen funds and track what Bybit calls “good” and “bad” actors in the space.

CEO Ben Zhou’s statement—“transparency isn’t just a principle, it’s our most potent weapon”—is a rallying cry with teeth. It’s a gutsy, proactive stance that could set a new bar for how exchanges handle hacks, turning a loss into a loud statement about accountability. If they pull this off, it’s not just a win for Bybit—it’s a flex for the whole industry.

Now, let’s pivot to my comment. I pointed out on X that BNB Chain tokens held up better than their peers during yesterday’s crypto dip, and my thesis is on the money. While Bitcoin dropped 6 per cent and other major chains likely saw similar—or worse—losses, BNB Chain’s ecosystem seems to have dodged the worst of the carnage.

The data backs you up: BNB itself, along with its orbiting tokens, didn’t plunge as steeply, suggesting a resilience that’s hard to ignore. My argument ties this to CZ’s influence, and I nailed a key driver here. The former Binance chief’s relentless Twitter presence and knack for stirring buzz—think TST and Broccoli listings—have kept BNB Chain in the spotlight, even as the broader market slumps.

I have outlined four pillars behind BNB Chain’s surge: CZ’s traffic generation, infrastructure optimisation, coping with narratives and wealth creation. Let’s unpack that, because it’s a compelling trifecta. First, CZ’s social media hustle is a masterclass in hype. His high-frequency tweets and willingness to lean into controversy—like those quirky token listings—keep the community buzzing.

It’s FOMO fuel, pulling in traders and degens who don’t want to miss the next big thing. Second, the infrastructure piece is BNB Chain’s quiet strength. With low fees and speedy transactions, it’s a developer’s dream and a user’s delight. Thirdly, the chain adapts to new narrative fast eg meme and AI. Finally, the wealth effect is where the magic happens. Tokens like TST and Broccoli, however gimmicky, have minted quick profits for early adopters, creating a feedback loop: gains draw attention, attention drives volume, and volume lifts the chain’s profile. It’s a momentum machine, and it’s working.

So, where do I land on all this? I see a market wrestling with big-picture gloom and pockets of defiance. The macro outlook is rough—consumer sentiment tanking, tariff threats looming, and growth stalling across continents. The Fed’s got its work cut out, and those 2.3 rate cuts signal markets are pricing in pain.

Equities are shaky, bonds are a refuge, and commodities are screaming slowdown. Europe’s stuck, Asia’s uneven, and crypto’s caught in the crossfire. Yet, there’s fight in the system. Bybit’s bounty hunt is a bold swing at crypto’s Wild West reputation, and Grayscale’s Polkadot play shows the institutional crowd isn’t backing off. And then there’s BNB Chain, your baby, Anndy, shining through the dip.

I believe you are with me on BNB Chain’s edge—it’s a bright spot worth watching. The stats don’t lie: it’s outperforming in a downturn, and CZ’s playbook is a big reason why. That said, I’d temper the victory lap. One day’s dip doesn’t seal the thesis—crypto’s too fickle, and macro risks could swamp even the savviest chains if sentiment sours further.

Still, there’s no denying BNB Chain’s got legs. CZ’s traffic game, paired with solid tech and a knack for minting winners, makes it a contender. My take? It’s a standout in a stormy sea, but the storm’s still raging. Keep your eyes on the horizon—BNB Chain’s resilience is real, but the market’s mood could test it yet.

 

Source: https://e27.co/market-wrap-consumer-sentiment-dips-stocks-slide-bonds-gain-and-crypto-brief-dip-20250226/

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