Tag Archives: surges

Markets on edge: Fed ambiguity fuels risk-off mood as Aster surges amid crypto bloodbath

Markets on edge: Fed ambiguity fuels risk-off mood as Aster surges amid crypto bloodbath

Global markets showed signs of caution this week as investors digested conflicting messages from Federal Reserve officials on future interest rate moves.

Chair Jerome Powell emphasised uncertainties in the labour market and inflation during his recent comments, avoiding clear guidance on a potential October cut while highlighting ongoing challenges for policymakers. This ambiguity contributed to a retreat in risk sentiment, with Wall Street closing lower on Tuesday amid concerns over tech stock valuations.

Wall Street and commodities react

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.19 per cent, the S&P 500 fell 0.55 per cent, and the Nasdaq declined 0.95 per cent. Treasury yields eased slightly, with the 10-year note down four basis points to 4.11 per cent and the two-year yield slipping one basis point to 3.59 per cent.

The US dollar index held steady with a minor dip of 0.08 per cent to 97.26, reflecting limited movement amid the mixed Fed outlook. Gold prices rose 0.5 per cent to US$3,764.59 per ounce, drawing safe-haven buying as geopolitical tensions simmered and expectations for a rate cut lingered.

Brent crude oil rose 1.6 per cent to US$67.63 per barrel, supported by disruptions to Russian supply from Ukrainian strikes and escalating NATO frictions. Asian equities opened weaker today, though US futures pointed to a modest rebound at the open.

Crypto extends risk-off decline

The cryptocurrency market mirrored this broader risk-off tone, shedding 0.64 per cent over the past 24 hours and extending a seven-day slide of 4.46 per cent. This downturn closely aligned with equity movements, as evidenced by a strong correlation of 0.91 with the Nasdaq-100 over the same period.

A massive liquidation event on September 22 wiped out US$1.8 billion in long positions, primarily on exchanges, triggering a cascade that erased US$150 billion from the overall crypto market cap. Ethereum bore the brunt, with over $500 million in liquidations, outpacing Bitcoin and amplifying losses across altcoins due to high leverage in those segments.

Regulatory uncertainty added fuel to the fire, as the SEC delayed approvals for altcoin ETFs, dampening investor enthusiasm and prompting a cooldown in momentum trading. Open interest across derivatives fell 3.3 per cent as traders unwound positions, signalling a broader deleveraging amid fears of further volatility.

Technical indicators painted a grim picture, with Bitcoin’s RSI dipping to 20.69, indicating extreme oversold conditions, yet rebounds remained weak, underscoring persistent risk aversion. Bitcoin tested its US$105,000 support level, and a breach could spark another 10 to 15 per cent correction, potentially dragging the market lower if global sentiment sours further.

Aster’s breakout amid market weakness

Amid this gloom, Aster emerged as a standout performer, surging 39.27 per cent in the last 24 hours and boasting an astonishing 2,376 per cent gain over seven days. This rally stemmed from the completion of its APX-to-ASTER token migration on September 22, a 1:1 swap that unlocked US$704 million in ASTER tokens for trading and injected fresh liquidity. The project, rebranded from APX Finance, drew significant attention through new exchange listings and perceived backing from Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao, often called CZ.

Whale activity intensified post-migration, with an Aster project multi-signature wallet transferring 80 million APX tokens valued at around US$132 million, further boosting trading volumes. By September 23, Aster’s market cap reached US$3.4 billion, a sharp rise fuelled by hype around its decentralised perpetual futures and spot trading platform.

Built on a multi-chain framework with support for up to 100x leverage on select pairs, Aster positioned itself as a high-yield alternative in the DeFi space, attracting traders seeking aggressive opportunities amid the broader market slump. Social media buzz amplified the momentum, with posts highlighting CZ’s strategic involvement as a bid to reclaim DeFi influence from centralised exchanges.

Aster’s rise invited inevitable comparisons to Hyperliquid, an established decentralised exchange specialising in perpetual futures on its custom Layer-1 blockchain. Hyperliquid gained traction after a viral airdrop in late 2024, coinciding with an industry-wide rally following Donald Trump’s reelection.

By August 2025, Hyperliquid surpassed Ethereum and Solana in user fee revenues, commanding a 75 to 80 per cent market share in perpetual DEX volumes at its peak. Its token, HYPE, traded at a US$15 billion market cap as of September 23, with daily volumes hitting US$200 billion and a total value locked exceeding US$670 million. Hyperliquid’s efficiency stemmed from its on-chain matching engine paired with an off-chain orderbook, enabling low-latency execution and deep liquidity for professional traders.

Community-driven initiatives, like proposals for a native stablecoin USDH backed by institutional partners such as State Street and VanEck, further solidified its ecosystem. In contrast, Aster’s US$2.5 billion market cap and US$20 billion in September volumes paled against Hyperliquid’s dominance, but it flipped the latter in daily perpetual futures volumes for three consecutive days, generating higher fees temporarily.

Innovation or hype? The road ahead

In my view, Aster’s explosive entry injects healthy competition into the perpetual DEX arena, where demand for leveraged trading remains robust despite market headwinds. Narratives labelling Aster as a Hyperliquid killer echo past hype, like Solana challenging Ethereum, but history shows room for multiple innovators rather than zero-sum outcomes. Hyperliquid’s battle-tested infrastructure, with 97 per cent of revenues funnelled into HYPE buybacks and a lean team of 11 delivering consistent upgrades, gives it a durable edge over newcomers.

Aster benefits from Binance ecosystem ties and CZ’s endorsement, potentially accelerating adoption through BNB Chain integration and higher leverage caps, but its rapid ascent carries risks of sharp reversals, as seen in on-chain data showing engineered growth patterns that may lack sustainability. Beginners should approach with caution, given the volatility inherent in fresh projects; swings can erase gains in a single candle, as skeptics on X noted.

Ultimately, both platforms could thrive if they carve distinct niches, Hyperliquid for institutional-grade perps and Aster for yield-focused DeFi plays. This dynamic might even spur broader innovation, benefiting users in a sector still recovering from deleveraging shocks.

Looking ahead, the crypto market’s fragility persists, with liquidation risks and regulatory delays capping upside. If Bitcoin holds above US$105,000 and the Fed signals a tilt dovish, a relief rally could ensue, but geopolitical uncertainties and equity correlations suggest choppy waters. Aster’s story adds intrigue, proving that even in downturns, targeted narratives can drive outsized moves, but long-term success demands more than initial hype.

 

Source: https://e27.co/markets-on-edge-fed-ambiguity-fuels-risk-off-mood-as-aster-surges-amid-crypto-bloodbath-20250924/

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

Trade talks, Bitcoin surges and market moves: Navigating the July 9 deadline

Trade talks, Bitcoin surges and market moves: Navigating the July 9 deadline

With the 9th July deadline looming, trade policy remains a pivotal concern, influencing investor behaviour and market movements across stocks, treasuries, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The interplay of these factors paints a picture of cautious optimism tempered by persistent uncertainties, and it’s worth exploring each facet in depth to understand the broader implications.

Global risk sentiment and trade policy dynamics

Global risk sentiment has shown signs of improvement in recent days, driven mainly by developments in evolving trade policies. On Sunday, 29 June, Canada made a significant move by withdrawing its digital services tax on technology companies, a decision aimed at restarting trade negotiations with the United States. This step suggests a willingness to de-escalate tensions and foster a more collaborative economic relationship, which investors have interpreted as a positive signal.

Similarly, reports indicate that the European Union is prepared to accept President Donald Trump’s proposed 10 per cent universal tariff on many of its exports, though it is pushing for lower rates on key sectors. This flexibility hints at a pragmatic approach to avoid a full-blown trade war, further bolstering market confidence.

Not all trade-related news is conciliatory. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump suggested maintaining 25 per cent tariffs on Japanese cars as negotiations between the US and Japan continue. This stance introduces a layer of uncertainty, signalling that some trade disputes remain unresolved and could potentially escalate.

With the 9th July deadline approaching, likely tied to a critical juncture in these trade talks, the global financial community is watching closely. The mixed signals from these developments suggest that while there’s room for optimism, the path forward is far from clear, and the risk of renewed tensions lingers.

Stock markets reflect cautious optimism

The US stock markets have responded to these trade policy shifts with gains, reflecting a degree of investor confidence. The S&P 500 rose by 0.52 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.63 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.47 per cent.

These advances indicate that investors are encouraged by the prospect of easing trade frictions, particularly between the US, Canada, and the EU. The anticipation of smoother trade relations could enhance corporate earnings and economic stability, driving equity prices higher.

Yet, this optimism isn’t uniform across all regions. In Asia, equity indices displayed mixed performances during early trading sessions, suggesting that investors there are adopting a more wait-and-see approach. This regional divergence might stem from uncertainties about how US-centric trade policies will ripple through global supply chains, particularly with Japan’s tariff situation unresolved.

Meanwhile, US equity index futures point to a higher opening for American stocks, reinforcing the notion that domestic markets, at least, are leaning toward a bullish outlook in the short term.

Treasury yields and the US dollar signal underlying concerns

While stocks trend upward, the bond market tells a more nuanced story. US Treasury yields eased across the curve, with the 10-year yield dropping 4.9 basis points to 4.228 per cent and the two-year yield falling 2.9 basis points to 3.719 per cent. Typically, declining yields suggest a flight to safety, as investors seek the relative security of government bonds amid uncertainty.

In this context, the yield drop might also reflect anticipation of the upcoming US June jobs report, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. A weaker-than-expected report might fuel expectations of rate cuts, pushing yields down further.

The US Dollar Index adds another layer of complexity, having weakened by 0.54 per cent in a single session and suffering a staggering 10.8 per cent decline since the start of 2025, its worst first-half loss since 1973. This dramatic depreciation could be attributed to several factors, including the shifting trade landscape, economic data signalling a slowdown, or central bank policies diverging from those of other major economies.

A weaker dollar often boosts the appeal of US exports, aligning with the dynamics of trade negotiations, but it also raises questions about the greenback’s long-term strength and its implications for global markets.

Commodities: Gold shines, oil holds steady

In the commodities sphere, gold has emerged as a standout performer, rising 0.88 per cent to US$3,303 per ounce. This uptick underscores its role as a safe-haven asset, appealing to investors wary of economic instability or inflationary pressures.

The trade policy uncertainties, coupled with the dollar’s decline, likely contribute to gold’s allure, as it often thrives when traditional currencies falter. Conversely, Brent crude oil edged down by 0.09 per cent to US$68 per barrel, a marginal shift that suggests stable demand expectations despite the evolving trade environment. Oil’s muted response might indicate that markets don’t yet foresee significant disruptions to global energy flows from these trade talks.

The cryptocurrency surge: Bitcoin takes centre stage

Perhaps the most intriguing development lies in the cryptocurrency market, where Bitcoin is experiencing a notable resurgence. Its price climbed 0.54 per cent to US$107,937, spurred by comments from President Trump urging Republicans not to fret over deficit spending.

Analyst Will Clemente argues that such a stance reinforces the bullish case for Bitcoin and gold, as expansive fiscal policies could stoke inflation, driving investors toward alternative stores of value. This view gained traction as a Trump family-associated cryptocurrency venture raised US$220 million for Bitcoin mining, signalling high-profile endorsement and investment in the digital asset space.

Beyond the headlines, Bitcoin’s dominance is growing. Its share of the total cryptoasset market value has surged to 64 per cent in 2025, the highest since January 2021, according to CoinMarketCap. This rise contrasts sharply with the fate of altcoins, digital assets beyond Bitcoin and stablecoins, which have seen over US$300 billion in market value erased this year.

This divergence suggests a flight to quality within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with investors favouring Bitcoin’s established reputation over riskier, less proven alternatives.

London’s Bitcoin boom: A corporate shift

The cryptocurrency trend extends beyond individual investors to corporate boardrooms, particularly in London. At least nine London-listed companies, ranging from web design firms to gold miners, have recently announced plans to buy Bitcoin or have already done so, aiming to boost their share prices.

This strategy echoes the success of Japan’s Metaplanet, Germany’s Bitcoin Group, and US-based MicroStrategy, whose valuation skyrocketed nearly 400 per cent since adopting a Bitcoin-centric approach in August 2020.

For London’s equity market, which has historically been light on digital asset exposure and constrained by regulatory limits on crypto-linked products, this marks a significant shift in sentiment. Companies are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a treasury asset, a hedge against inflation, and a means to attract investor interest.

Synthesising the big picture

Stepping back, the current global risk sentiment is a tapestry of interwoven threads, improving trade relations, persistent uncertainties, and innovative financial strategies. Canada’s tax withdrawal and the EU’s tariff flexibility have injected optimism into markets, evident in US stock gains and futures pointing to further upside.

Yet, Trump’s hardline stance on Japanese tariffs, falling Treasury yields, and the dollar’s historic weakness suggest that not all risks have dissipated. Investors are hedging their bets, flocking to gold and Bitcoin while keeping an eye on economic indicators like the upcoming jobs report.

The cryptocurrency narrative adds a forward-looking dimension. Bitcoin’s ascent, fuelled by corporate adoption, political rhetoric, and market dynamics, positions it as a potential mainstay in the financial landscape. London’s embrace of this trend, alongside the Trump family’s crypto ventures, underscores a broader acceptance of digital assets, even as altcoins falter. This selective enthusiasm highlights a discerning market that prioritises stability amid volatility.

My point of view

In my view, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment where traditional and emerging markets are converging under the weight of shifting trade policies and economic uncertainty. The improvement in global risk sentiment is real but fragile, hinging on the outcomes of negotiations by the 9th July deadline.

Stock market gains reflect hope, but the bond and currency markets reveal a cautious undercurrent that shouldn’t be ignored. Gold’s rise and Bitcoin’s dominance signal a search for resilience in an unpredictable world, whether against inflation, currency devaluation, or geopolitical friction.

For investors, this environment demands a balanced approach: capitalising on equity opportunities while diversifying into safe havens, such as gold and Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency surge, particularly among London-based firms, suggests that digital assets are no longer a fringe consideration but a strategic one for mainstream finance.

The altcoin collapse serves as a reminder that not all innovations endure. As trade talks progress and economic data unfold, flexibility and vigilance will be key. The global market is in flux, but within that flux lies opportunity for those who navigate it wisely.

 

Source: https://e27.co/trade-talks-bitcoin-surges-and-market-moves-navigating-the-july-9-deadline-20250701/

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

Consumer confidence rises amid trade optimism, Bitcoin surges as institutions pile in

Consumer confidence rises amid trade optimism, Bitcoin surges as institutions pile in

The global financial landscape has experienced a shift in recent days, driven by a series of interconnected developments that have bolstered risk sentiment worldwide. At the heart of this shift is the openness expressed by both the United States and the European Union to pursue a trade agreement, a move that has temporarily eased tensions in what had been a brewing tariff war.

President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone the implementation of a 50 per cent tariff on EU goods until July 9 has acted as a catalyst, sparking a rally in risk assets and providing markets with a much-needed reprieve. Coupled with an unexpected uptick in US consumer confidence, a surge in cryptocurrency investments, and nuanced movements in equities, bonds, and commodities, these events paint a complex picture of optimism tinged with lingering uncertainties.

I’ll walk you through the key elements, their implications for the global economy and financial markets, and the potential risks that remain on the horizon.

The US-EU trade thaw: A turning point for risk sentiment

The decision to delay the 50 per cent tariff on EU goods marks a significant departure from the aggressive trade rhetoric that has characterised US-EU relations in recent months. This postponement, announced following a weekend call between President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reflects a mutual recognition of the stakes involved. The US-EU trade relationship is the largest in the world, with billions of dollars in goods and services exchanged annually.

A full-blown trade war would have disrupted supply chains, increased costs for consumers, and rattled global markets. By pushing the tariff deadline to July 9, both sides have bought themselves time to negotiate a broader agreement, signalling a willingness to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

This development has had an immediate and profound effect on global risk sentiment. Investors, who had been bracing for the economic fallout of heightened tariffs, have responded with a wave of optimism. The S&P 500 surged by 2.1 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.8 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.5 per cent—a clear indication that markets are breathing a sigh of relief.

This rally in US equities underscores the sensitivity of financial markets to trade policy and highlights the potential for even modest de-escalation to drive significant gains. However, this optimism is not without its caveats. The postponement is a temporary measure, and the success of ongoing negotiations will determine whether this newfound stability endures or gives way to renewed uncertainty.

Consumer confidence: A bright spot amid cooling tensions

Adding to the positive momentum is the latest reading from the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which surprised on the upside, breaking a five-month streak of declines.

This uptick is particularly significant given the backdrop of a cooling tariff war. Consumer confidence is a bellwether for economic health, as it directly influences spending behaviour—the lifeblood of the US economy, which relies heavily on consumer activity for growth. The fact that this improvement coincides with the trade thaw suggests that Americans are feeling more optimistic about their financial prospects, likely buoyed by the prospect of stable prices and job security that a trade agreement could reinforce.

This data point carries broader implications. Stronger consumer sentiment could translate into increased spending in the coming months, providing a tailwind for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers. It also strengthens the case for a resilient US economy, which has faced headwinds from inflation, interest rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions.

However, consumer confidence can be fickle, and any setbacks in the US-EU trade talks could quickly erode these gains. For now, though, this upside surprise serves as a powerful complement to the improving risk sentiment, reinforcing the narrative of a market rebound.

Market reactions: Equities, bonds, and commodities in focus

The financial markets have wasted no time in reflecting these developments, with a broad rally in risk assets accompanied by nuanced shifts in other asset classes. The US Dollar Index, which had been under pressure in recent weeks, reversed its losses and gained 0.6 per cent.

This rebound reflects renewed confidence in the US economy and the potential for a more predictable trade environment. A stronger dollar has implications for global trade, as it can make US exports more expensive while lowering the cost of imports—a dynamic that could influence the ongoing negotiations with the EU.

In the bond market, Treasuries have seen a strong rally, particularly at the long end of the yield curve. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note fell by 7 basis points to 4.44 per cent, signalling a flight to safety even amid the risk-on rally in equities.

This seemingly paradoxical movement suggests that investors are hedging their bets, seeking the security of government bonds while the trade situation remains fluid. It also hints at expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve, which may opt to keep interest rates steady—or even cut them—if trade stability supports economic growth without stoking inflation.

Commodities, meanwhile, have presented a mixed picture. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, slid by 1.2 per cent to US$3,305 per ounce as demand for safety waned in the face of improving risk sentiment. This decline is a direct consequence of the reduced fear of economic disruption, as investors pivot toward riskier assets like stocks.

Brent crude oil, on the other hand, fell by 1.0 per cent, pressured by concerns over potentially rising supply from OPEC+ producers. The oil market remains a wildcard, sensitive to both geopolitical developments and production decisions, but the broader improvement in risk sentiment has helped stabilise prices and prevent a sharper sell-off.

Asian equity indices were mixed in early trading, reflecting a cautious optimism that mirrors the global mood. Some markets gained ground, while others remained subdued, indicating that investors are still weighing the risks of renewed trade tensions.

US equity index futures, however, suggest that stocks are poised to open higher, building on the momentum from the previous session. This resilience in US markets is a testament to their ability to navigate uncertainty, though it also underscores the importance of a lasting resolution to the trade standoff.

The crypto angle: Trump media, Bitcoin, and beyond

In an unexpected twist, Trump Media and Technology Group, the social media company founded by President Trump, has announced plans to raise US$2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin. This move injects a new layer of intrigue into the market narrative, blending politics, finance, and the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin has been trading between US$107,000 and US$110,000 since hitting a new all-time high of US$111,970, with market sentiment cooling somewhat. Unlike past rallies driven by retail frenzy, this uptrend has been fuelled by institutional and whale accumulation—a sign of a more mature and potentially sustainable market.

Over the past week, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen US$2.9 billion in inflows, while the number of Bitcoin whales holding at least 1,000 BTC has risen to 1,455, according to Glassnode data. The Accumulation Trend Score, which climbed to 0.93 last week, further confirms this strong buying activity.

Ethereum, too, is making waves, having reclaimed a key technical level that has historically preceded sharp price gains and sparked “altseasons”—periods when alternative cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin. At US$2,643, Ether remains fragile, with US$123 billion in supply near its cost basis at risk of flipping into a loss if momentum falters.

Still, the potential for an altcoin market cap surge toward US$15 trillion looms large if Bitcoin dominance follows its post-halving pattern and declines. This dynamic highlights the interconnectedness of the crypto market, where gains in one asset can ripple across others.

Standard Chartered has also entered the fray, predicting that Solana, a blockchain rival to Ethereum, will reach US$275 by year’s end, while Ethereum hits US$4,000. However, the bank cautions that Solana is likely to underperform Ethereum over the next two to three years due to scaling issues that limit its application beyond meme coins.

Currently trading at US$180, Solana has gained 19 per cent over the past month, while Ethereum, at nearly US$2,700, has surged nearly 50 per cent over the same period, per CoinGecko data. These predictions underscore the competitive landscape of cryptocurrencies, where technological innovation and adoption will dictate long-term winners.

My point of view: Optimism tempered by caution

From my perspective, the improvement in global risk sentiment is a welcome development that reflects the power of diplomacy to stabilise markets and economies. The postponement of the 50 per cent tariff on EU goods, combined with the uptick in US consumer confidence, paints a picture of a world economy that is regaining its footing after months of uncertainty.

The rally in risk assets, the rebound in the US dollar, and the resilience of US equities all point to a market that is eager to embrace positive news. Even the cryptocurrency space, with Trump Media’s bold Bitcoin play and Ethereum’s technical breakout, suggests that innovation and risk-taking are alive and well.

Yet, I can’t help but temper this optimism with caution. The trade agreement between the US and EU is far from finalised, and the July 9 deadline looms as a potential flashpoint. Any breakdown in negotiations could reignite tensions, sending shockwaves through markets that have grown accustomed to this newfound stability.

The mixed performance of Asian equities and the decline in commodity prices like gold and Brent crude remind us that not all corners of the global economy are fully convinced of a lasting recovery. In the crypto realm, the fragility of Ethereum and the scaling challenges facing Solana highlight the speculative nature of these assets, where gains can vanish as quickly as they appear.

For investors, this is a time to balance opportunity with vigilance. The potential benefits of a stronger US economy, supported by consumer spending and trade stability, are significant, but so are the risks of a reversal. The intersection of traditional finance with cryptocurrencies, as exemplified by Trump Media’s move, adds an exciting yet unpredictable dimension to the landscape.

My view is that while the current trajectory is encouraging, the global economy remains at a crossroads. The next few weeks, as US-EU talks progress and key economic data rolls in, will be critical in determining whether this rally has legs—or whether it’s merely a pause before the next storm.

In summary, the improvement in global risk sentiment is a multifaceted story of trade diplomacy, consumer resilience, and market dynamics. It’s a narrative that offers hope but demands scrutiny, as the interplay of these factors will shape the financial world for months to come.

I’ll be watching closely, ready to report on the twists and turns that lie ahead. For now, the markets are cheering—but the applause may yet turn to silence if the underlying challenges resurface.

 

Source: https://e27.co/consumer-confidence-rises-amid-trade-optimism-bitcoin-surges-as-institutions-pile-in-20250528/

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