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From dollars to digital coins: Tariffs shake the financial world

From dollars to digital coins: Tariffs shake the financial world

Solid earnings from megacap technology firms have failed to buoy broader market confidence, while movements in currencies, stock indices, Treasury yields, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin reflect a pervasive sense of caution.

I will walk you through what’s driving this retreat, weaving in my perspective on its implications for investors and the global economy.

Trump’s tariffs: The spark of uncertainty

At the forefront of this market unease is President Trump’s tariff policy update. The White House has confirmed that a minimum global tariff of 10 per cent will persist, with countries enjoying trade surpluses with the United States facing steeper duties of 15 per cent or more. Specific nations have been hit harder: Canada now faces a 35 per cent levy, and Switzerland a hefty 39 per cent.

What amplifies the market’s anxiety is the lack of clarity on when these new rates will take effect. This ambiguity leaves businesses and investors grappling with unanswered questions about how these tariffs will reshape global trade flows, corporate profitability, and economic growth.

This tariff strategy reflects Trump’s ongoing commitment to addressing perceived trade imbalances, but it risks igniting a broader trade conflict. Tariffs of this magnitude could disrupt supply chains, particularly for countries like Canada, a key US trading partner, and Switzerland, known for its precision exports. The absence of a timeline only deepens the uncertainty, forcing companies to delay investment decisions and prompting markets to price in potential downside risks.

I see this as a double-edged sword: while it may bolster certain domestic industries, it could also inflate costs for consumers and businesses reliant on imported goods, potentially stoking inflation at a time when central banks are already on edge.

The immediate market response underscores this concern. US stock markets closed lower, with the S&P 500 slipping 0.4 per cent, the NASDAQ holding flat, and the Dow Jones dropping 0.7 per cent. These declines suggest that investors are prioritising the macroeconomic fallout of tariffs over other positive signals, a theme that recurs across asset classes.

Tech earnings: A bright spot overshadowed

Amid this tariff-induced turbulence, megacap tech firms have delivered robust earnings reports. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon have showcased strong quarterly results, buoyed by resilient demand for technology products and services. Under normal circumstances, such performances might spark a rally in equity markets. They have failed to lift broader sentiment, a telling sign of the market’s preoccupation with larger forces.

In my view, this disconnect highlights a critical shift in investor psychology. While these tech giants demonstrate operational strength, their success cannot offset the uncertainty surrounding trade policies. Investors appear more focused on how tariffs might erode profit margins for multinational corporations, many of which rely on global supply chains.

For instance, higher duties on imported components could squeeze profitability, even for firms reporting solid earnings today. This suggests to me that the market is in a risk-off mode, where macroeconomic narratives trump individual company fundamentals.

Currency markets: Diverging reactions

Currency markets offer a mixed picture, reflecting the varied impacts of Trump’s policies. The US Dollar Index climbed 0.2 per cent, signaling a modest strengthening of the dollar. This uptick likely stems from its safe-haven status amid uncertainty, as well as expectations that tariffs might bolster US economic activity in the short term by favouring domestic production.

However, other currencies tell a different story. The Swiss franc edged lower, likely pressured by the 39 per cent tariff on Swiss exports, which could dent its export-driven economy. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar held steady despite a 35 per cent levy, perhaps buoyed by its linkage to commodity prices, particularly oil.

The dollar’s modest gain suggests cautious optimism about US resilience, but the stability of the Canadian dollar surprises me given the tariff burden. It may indicate that traders see Canada’s energy exports as a buffer, though I suspect prolonged trade tensions could eventually weigh on the loonie. The franc’s decline, conversely, aligns with expectations, as Switzerland’s smaller, trade-dependent economy has less room to absorb such shocks.

Treasury yields and commodities: Inflation fears and demand worries

In the bond market, US Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year yield increasing 0.4 basis points to 4.374 per cent and the two-year yield climbing 1.7 basis points to 3.957 per cent. This upward movement stands out against the risk-off backdrop, where yields typically fall as investors seek safety in bonds.

To me, this suggests that markets are anticipating higher inflation, possibly driven by tariffs raising the cost of imported goods. It could also reflect concerns about the fiscal implications of trade policies, as reduced trade volumes might not offset the revenue gains Trump envisions.

Commodities present a contrasting narrative. Gold rose 0.5 per cent to US$3,290 per ounce, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven asset during uncertain times. I view this as a classic flight to safety, with investors hedging against both geopolitical risks and potential economic slowdowns.

Brent crude, however, fell 1.0 per cent to US$72.5 per barrel, driven by expectations of increased OPEC+ output following their upcoming meeting to set September quotas. This decline puzzles me somewhat: while higher supply makes sense, softening global demand due to trade tensions could also be at play, signalling broader growth concerns.

Jobs report: A looming test

The market’s gaze now shifts to the upcoming July jobs report, due Friday, which economists predict will show a more deliberate pace of hiring and an unemployment rate rising to 4.2 per cent. This data point carries significant weight.

A softening labor market could amplify fears of an economic slowdown, especially if paired with tariff-related headwinds. Conversely, a stronger-than-expected report might offer temporary relief, though I doubt it would fully dispel the tariff overhang.

In my opinion, this report will serve as a litmus test for US economic resilience. A tick up in unemployment could prompt the Federal Reserve to reconsider its rate stance, particularly if inflation pressures from tariffs persist. For investors, it’s a moment to watch closely, as it could either reinforce or challenge the current risk-off sentiment.

Bitcoin’s plunge: A crypto microcosm

The cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin, mirrors this broader retreat. Bitcoin’s price dropped 2.18 per cent to US$115,621 over 24 hours, a decline fuelled by leveraged liquidations, technical breakdowns, and waning institutional enthusiasm. Between July 31 and August 1, over US$560 million in crypto positions were liquidated, with US$153 million tied to Bitcoin alone.

This cascade of forced selling intensified as Bitcoin breached the US$118,859 support level (the 23.6 per cent Fibonacci retracement of its 2024-2025 rally), turning it into resistance and accelerating technical selling.

Technical indicators reinforce this bearish turn. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 49.44, and a MACD histogram at -630 signals weakening momentum, with the next support at US$114,500 (38.2 per cent Fibonacci) in sight. If breached, an additional US$149 million in liquidations could follow, per technical analysis data.

Beyond technicals, institutional demand has cooled, with spot Bitcoin ETF assets under management stagnating at US$151.48 billion despite US$47 billion in corporate purchases. Meanwhile, a shift toward altcoins has seen Bitcoin’s dominance dip 0.51 per cent, as capital flows to riskier crypto assets.

Coinglass data paints a stark picture: in one hour on August 1, US$284 million in liquidations hit the crypto market, with US$276 million from long positions, including US$91.6493 million for Ethereum and US$76.0871 million for Bitcoin. Over four hours, liquidations exceeded US$409 million. The Fear & Greed Index slid to Neutral (57) from Greed (62), capturing this sentiment shift.

To me, Bitcoin’s woes encapsulate the broader market’s struggles. The liquidation wave reflects overleveraged optimism meeting harsh reality, while the technical breakdown and institutional pullback suggest a maturing market reacting to global cues. I see this as a warning sign: if even speculative assets like Bitcoin falter, the risk-off mood may be deeper than it appears.

For me, the key takeaway is adaptability. Investors must brace for volatility, balancing safe havens like gold with selective exposure to resilient sectors. The interplay of inflation risks, trade disruptions, and labor market signals will shape the near-term outlook.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/from-dollars-to-digital-coins-tariffs-shake-the-financial-world-20250801/

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

The Fed, tariffs, and Bitcoin: Unpacking the market dynamics

The Fed, tariffs, and Bitcoin: Unpacking the market dynamics

Global risk sentiment holds steady, yet an undercurrent of caution persists, shaped by a blend of robust economic data, trade policy turbulence, and a Federal Reserve that refuses to tip its hand.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently signalled that no firm decision has been reached for the September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, leaving investors guessing about the likelihood of a rate cut. With interest rates unchanged at 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent for the fifth consecutive meeting, the Fed aligns with market expectations but offers little clarity on its next move.

Meanwhile, economic indicators like a strong US GDP and employment figures paint an optimistic picture, only to be muddied by new tariffs and a volatile commodity market. Add to this mix the evolving cryptocurrency narrative, highlighted by Bitcoin’s potential to hit US$141,000, and the stakes for understanding these dynamics grow even higher. What does this all mean for traditional markets and digital assets alike? I will try to explain.

Global risk sentiment and the Federal Reserve’s stance

Global risk sentiment remains balanced, neither plunging into panic nor surging with unchecked optimism. This stability stems from a tug-of-war between encouraging economic signals and unsettling policy developments.

The Federal Reserve plays a central role in this narrative. By maintaining rates at 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent, the Fed reinforces a wait-and-see posture, a decision that met market forecasts but left room for debate. Two voting members dissented, the most since 1993, hinting at internal divisions over the path forward.

Powell’s remarks during the post-meeting news conference underscored this uncertainty, dampening expectations for a September rate cut. According to the CME FedWatch tool, the odds of a cut dropped to 47 per cent from 63 per cent just a day prior, reflecting a market recalibration after the Fed’s cautious tone collided with upbeat economic data.

This steady sentiment faces pressure from external forces. New tariffs on India and Brazil, coupled with the removal of the “de minimis” exemption for small packages, signal a tougher US stance on trade. The White House’s proclamation of 50 per cent tariffs on “processed” copper (but not “refined” copper) starting August 1st sent shockwaves through commodity markets, with Comex copper prices plummeting by as much as 20 per cent at one point.

These moves threaten to disrupt global supply chains and stoke inflation, challenges the Fed must weigh as it plots its course. For now, the central bank opts for patience, balancing the vigour of the US economy against these looming risks.

Economic data: A bright spot amid uncertainty

The US economy offers compelling reasons for optimism. Second-quarter GDP growth clocked in at a robust 3.0 per cent quarter-over-quarter seasonally adjusted annual rate, surpassing expectations and signalling resilience. July’s ADP employment report added to the good news, revealing a surprising 104,000 new private-sector jobs.

These figures suggest a labor market and broader economy that continue to defy slowdown fears, providing a counterweight to global uncertainties. Investors and policymakers alike find reassurance in these numbers, which bolster the case for the Fed’s steady-hand approach.

Yet, this strength does not exist in a vacuum. Rising Treasury yields hint at underlying concerns. The 10-year US Treasury yield climbed 5 basis points to 4.370 per cent, while the 2-year yield jumped 7.2 basis points to 3.941 per cent. Higher yields often reflect expectations of inflation or a belief that rate cuts remain distant, both of which align with the Fed’s current rhetoric and the tariff-driven pressures on prices.

The US Dollar Index advanced 0.93 per cent, buoyed by the Fed’s stance and perhaps some safe-haven demand amid trade tensions. Gold, typically a refuge in uncertain times, slipped 1.5 per cent to US$3,275 per ounce, possibly due to the stronger dollar or profit-taking after recent gains. Brent crude oil, however, rose 1.0 per cent to US$73 per barrel after President Trump threatened tariffs on India over its energy purchases from Russia, a reminder of how geopolitics can sway commodity prices.

Market reactions: A mixed bag

US stock markets mirrored the broader uncertainty, closing with varied results. The S&P 500 dipped 0.12 per cent, the Dow Jones fell 0.38 per cent, and the NASDAQ eked out a 0.15 per cent gain. This patchwork performance reflects investor efforts to parse positive economic data against trade policy risks.

In Asia, early trading showed similarly mixed equity indices, while US equity futures pointed to an indecisive opening. The day ahead promises more clues, with China’s July manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMI data, alongside Taiwan and Hong Kong’s second-quarter GDP figures, set to influence sentiment further. These releases could either reinforce the steady outlook or tip the scales toward caution, depending on their strength.

Commodity markets, meanwhile, felt the tariff fallout acutely. The copper price collapse underscores how swiftly policy shifts can ripple through global trade. Such volatility could feed into inflation, challenging the Fed’s efforts to maintain stability. For now, markets navigate a landscape where economic growth coexists with policy-induced turbulence, leaving investors on edge but not in retreat.

Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency angle

Bitcoin offers a compelling subplot in this financial drama. On-chain analytics firm Glassnode highlights US$141,000 as a potential next significant resistance if Bitcoin breaks higher with conviction. This projection ties to the Short-Term Holder (STH) Cost Basis, which tracks the average acquisition price for investors holding coins for less than 155 days.

Currently at US$105,400, this level shows STHs enjoying an 11.5 per cent unrealised profit at recent prices. Historically, trading above this basis signals bullish momentum, a pattern Bitcoin has followed since breaching it earlier this year.

Glassnode’s analysis adds depth with standard deviation bands. The +1 SD band, at US$125,100, has repeatedly capped Bitcoin’s upward moves, with two rejections in recent months. A decisive break above this could target the +2 SD level at US$141,600, where STH profits would swell, possibly triggering profit-taking and new resistance. For now, Bitcoin hovers between US$105,000 and US$125,000, a range that may hold until a catalyst, be it policy or market sentiment, sparks a breakout.

The Fed’s announcement and Powell’s remarks dented cryptocurrency prices, with Bitcoin sliding in afternoon trading. This sensitivity to monetary policy underscores Bitcoin’s role as a barometer for risk appetite and expectations of Fed action. Matthew Sigel of VanEck argues Bitcoin serves as a hedge against monetary debasement, suggesting that signals of easier policy could ignite crypto enthusiasm.

Historical data support this: Bitcoin rose after four of the year’s prior FOMC meetings, though it dipped post-June before recovering. Lower rates, by reducing borrowing costs, often drive investment into alternative assets like Bitcoin, a dynamic worth watching if the Fed shifts gears.

The White House’s digital asset vision

The White House’s new report, Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology, adds another layer to the crypto story. Compiled by the Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, it champions digital assets and blockchain as transformative forces for finance and beyond.

Legislative priorities like the Genius stablecoin act and the Clarity Act aim to provide structure. At the same time, recommendations urge the SEC and CFTC to clarify rules on trading, custody, and record-keeping at the federal level. Support for decentralised finance through safe harbors and regulatory sandboxes signals openness to innovation, a boon for the sector.

The report’s stance on a Bitcoin reserve stands out. Administered by the Treasury, this stockpile of seized digital assets will be held, not sold, as reserve assets. This move could legitimise Bitcoin further, boosting confidence among investors wary of regulatory hostility.

Conversely, the report opposes a US central bank digital currency, aligning with the Anti-CBDC Act and reinforcing a decentralised ethos that crypto advocates cherish. These developments suggest a regulatory tailwind for Bitcoin, though their full impact will unfold over time.

My take on the situation

I see a world of opportunity and risk in equal measure. The US economy’s strength, evident in GDP and jobs data, offers a solid foundation, but trade tensions and tariffs threaten to erode it. The Fed’s caution makes sense given these crosscurrents, yet its indecision leaves markets vulnerable to swings.

For traditional assets, volatility seems likely as investors grapple with these forces. Bitcoin, meanwhile, intrigues me most. Its potential to hit US$141,000 hinges on breaking key resistance, a feat that regulatory clarity and a dovish Fed could enable. The White House’s embrace of digital assets feels like a game-changer, though execution will matter.

I lean cautiously optimistic on crypto, believing its hedge appeal and policy support could shine amid uncertainty. Still, prudence dictates watching the Fed and global data closely—volatility cuts both ways.

 

Source: https://e27.co/the-fed-tariffs-and-bitcoin-unpacking-the-market-dynamics-20250731/

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

Economic crosscurrents: Tariffs, politics, and the crypto conundrum

Economic crosscurrents: Tariffs, politics, and the crypto conundrum

Lately, the mood among investors worldwide has been pretty cautious. When we talk about global risk sentiment being subdued, it’s akin to saying people are tiptoeing around, unsure about where to invest their money.

They’re not exactly jumping into risky investments with both feet. Why? A significant portion of that hesitation stems from the drama surrounding trade tariffs.

The United States is flexing its muscles with new tariff threats, and the European Union is gearing up to push back. This tug-of-war is causing widespread anxiety, and it’s having a ripple effect on markets in some particularly interesting ways.

Stocks might look shaky if trade wars intensify, bonds could become appealing if people start playing it safe, and then there’s this wild card: cryptocurrencies, bucking the trend and shooting up. It’s a lot to unpack.

Trade tariffs: The US vs EU showdown

At the heart of this uncertainty is a bold move from the US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dropped a bombshell, stating that as of August 1, the US plans to impose high tariff rates on imports from various countries. His logic? It’s a pressure tactic. He figures that by increasing the cost of doing business with the US, other nations will rush to the negotiating table with better trade deals. It’s a classic power play: turn up the heat and see who blinks first.

But the European Union isn’t sitting quietly. EU diplomats are hinting that they’re not thrilled with how things are going. The chances of striking a trade deal with the US that everyone can live with are slipping away. So, they’re devising countermeasures, such as retaliatory tariffs or other economic measures.

This isn’t just a little spat. It’s shaping up to be a full-on trade standoff, and the stakes are high. When two economic giants, such as the US and the EU, start squaring off, it rattles global markets. Companies that rely on smooth trade flows get jittery, supply chains could get snagged, and prices for all sorts of goods might climb. That’s the kind of uncertainty that keeps investors up at night.

Bessent’s strategy might work in the short term, but some countries could cave and offer sweeter deals. But it’s a gamble. If the EU digs in and fires back, we could see a spiral of tit-for-tat tariffs that drags down global growth. It’s bold, but it’s risky, and markets hate that kind of unpredictability.

How markets are reacting

Let’s zoom in on what’s happening in the US markets, because they’re giving us some big clues about how investors are feeling. The equity markets wrapped up with a mixed bag. The S&P 500 nudged up by 0.14 per cent, and the NASDAQ climbed 0.38 per cent, thanks to heavy hitters in big tech holding strong.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones slipped slightly, down 0.04 per cent. What’s that telling us? Tech stocks are still the darlings, shrugging off some of the trade noise, while other sectors, like industrials in the Dow, aren’t feeling as chipper.

Then there’s the bond market. The 10-year US Treasury yield dropped four basis points to 4.38 per cent, and the two-year yield eased 1 basis point to 3.86 per cent. Lower yields mean bond prices are up, and that’s a classic sign of a “flight to safety.” When people are worried, they pile into Treasuries, figuring they’re a safe bet compared to stocks or other riskier investments. It’s like putting your money under the mattress, but with a little interest.

The US Dollar Index also took a hit, falling 0.64 per cent. That’s partly because those sliding Treasury yields make the dollar less attractive. If you’re not earning as much on US bonds, why hold dollars? Gold, on the other hand, jumped 1.3 per cent. That’s no surprise, gold loves a good crisis. When the world feels shaky, people turn to it as a safe haven. Brent crude oil, though, stayed flat at US$69 a barrel. Oil’s holding steady, which suggests energy markets aren’t panicking just yet.

My view here is that we’re seeing a split personality in the markets. Tech stocks are hanging tough, but the rush to bonds and gold shows there’s real unease bubbling underneath. The dollar’s tumble might hint at doubts about the US tariff plan paying off. It’s a messy picture, but it’s fascinating to watch unfold.

Asia steps into the spotlight

Now, let’s hop over to Asia, where Japan’s political scene is adding its flavour to this global stew. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba got a rough wake-up call when his Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the Upper House election on July 20. That’s a big deal. Losing control like that shakes up the political landscape.

The USD/JPY exchange rate tanked 0.96 per cent, dropping from a high of 147.08. A weaker dollar against the yen often ties back to uncertainty, and Japan’s political wobbles are stirring the pot.

Ishiba’s sticking to his guns, saying he’ll keep leading despite the loss. But a fractured coalition could mean trouble pushing through policies, especially on the economic front. That uncertainty hit the yen hard, and it’s got traders watching closely. Still, Asian equity markets mostly rose, with Japanese stocks rebounding in a relief rally. It’s like investors are betting that the chaos might not be as bad as it looks, or at least, not yet.

I think Japan’s situation is a wildcard. Political instability could spook markets more if Ishiba can’t steady the ship. But that relief rally suggests some optimism that things won’t fall apart completely. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Bitcoin and crypto: The wild ride

Okay, now let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Bitcoin and the crypto market. While traditional markets are fretting over tariffs and politics, Bitcoin’s on a tear, blasting past its old highs to hit US$118,000. That’s not just a number: it’s a statement.

This surge wiped out over US$1 billion in short positions, meaning many individuals betting against Bitcoin suffered significant losses. The US$100,000 mark was a mental hurdle, and once it broke through, the mood shifted. Profit-takers stepped aside, and buyers with big dreams stepped in, pushing the price higher.

What’s driving this? Part of it ties back to companies like Strategy, run by Michael Saylor. They’re doubling down on Bitcoin, raising US$500 million through preferred equity sales to scoop up more coins. They’re offering Series A Perpetual Stretch preferred stock, worth US$5 million, with a nine per cent dividend, priced at a discount between US$90 and US$95 per share.

It’s a creative move, and it’s paying off. Strategy’s common shares popped 0.4 per cent to $428 after hours, and their recent share increases have raked in US$119 billion, with US$71 billion of that fuelling Bitcoin buys. Saylor’s all-in on this, and it’s boosting confidence in the crypto space.

Other cryptocurrencies are also riding the wave. Ethereum cracked US$3,000, and coins like Solana, XRP, and Binance Coin are up. Even memecoins, which had been quiet, are perking up. Bitcoin’s dominance dipped from 66 per cent to 64.3 per cent, showing altcoins are stealing some of the spotlight. A trader named Bluntz thinks SPX6900 could hit its all-time high soon, which could spark more meme madness.

Bitcoin’s run feels like a rebellion against the gloom in traditional markets. While tariffs and politics spook stocks and bonds, crypto is carving its path. Saylor’s strategy is a big piece of that; his faith in Bitcoin is contagious. I reckon we could see US$250,000 if this momentum holds, similar to what Crypto Twitter’s Cobie predicted. The hard part was getting past US$100,000, and now it’s like the sky’s the limit.

Pulling it all together

So, where does this leave us? Global risk sentiment is downbeat, and it’s easy to see why. The US-EU trade spat is a slow-burning fuse, and Japan’s political hiccup isn’t helping. Markets are reacting in fits and starts; tech stocks are holding up, while bonds and gold serve as safe havens, and the dollar is wobbling. Then there’s Bitcoin, charging ahead like it doesn’t care about any of it.

If the tariff threats turn into a full-blown trade war, we could see more volatility, stocks might stumble, and safe assets could shine. But crypto’s surge suggests some investors are looking beyond that chaos, betting on a future where digital assets outshine the old guard. It’s a bold move, and I’m intrigued by how it’s playing out. Strategy’s Bitcoin grab feels like a vote of confidence, and it might just pay off big.

What do you think? Are you leaning toward the safety of bonds or the wild ride of crypto? Either way, it’s a heck of a time to be watching the markets.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/economic-crosscurrents-tariffs-politics-and-the-crypto-conundrum-20250722/

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