Oil and Gold Prices Fall Amid Renewed Tariff Threats

Oil prices fell on Friday, pressured by renewed tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and growing concerns over Chinese demand.

Brent crude for April delivery dropped 1.16% to $73.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for the same month fell 0.84% to $69.76 per barrel.

[[USOIL-graph]]

On Thursday, Trump announced that starting March 4, Chinese imports to the U.S. would face an additional 10% tariff, following a similar 10% levy imposed in early February.

Washington also plans to impose a lower 10% tariff on Canada’s energy sector. Canada accounts for 60% of U.S. crude oil imports.

Chinese Response to Tariffs

In response, Beijing vowed on Friday to take “all necessary countermeasures,” raising fears that the ongoing U.S.-China trade war could weigh on global economic growth.

Traders are also closely watching China’s oil demand. The country, the world’s largest crude consumer, is facing economic “difficulties,” according to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts warn that if China’s demand has already peaked, sustaining higher oil prices in the future will be challenging.

Gold Market

Meanwhile, in the gold market, prices continued to decline, driven by a strengthening U.S. dollar, which gained momentum after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on the European Union.

With U.S. inflation data pointing to a potential price surge, the Federal Reserve appears poised to adopt a more aggressive stance on monetary policy.

Gold prices had surged to an all-time high, nearing $3,000 per ounce, pushing the market into overbought territory and increasing the risk of short-term selling pressure.

Earlier this week, prices hit a new record for the eleventh time, reaching $2,965 per ounce, driven by heightened demand for safe-haven assets. As of the latest market data, global gold prices stood at $2,857.30 per ounce.

Bitcoin Drops Over 20% from Record High; What to Expect

Bitcoin fell to its lowest level since early November, marking a decline not seen since the last “crypto winter,” according to analysts.

The cryptocurrency’s sell-off deepened on Friday as investors rushed to safer assets following the latest tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks a stark reality check for one of Trump’s most popular trades.

[[BTC/USD-graph]]

Rising Volatility

Bitcoin initially dropped 7% at the start of the session but has since recovered slightly, rising 1% in the past 24 hours to $84,058—its lowest level since early November, according to Binance. The cryptocurrency has now fallen 23% from its all-time high less than six weeks ago. Meanwhile, Ethereum broke below the key $2,300 level.

Several factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s more than 20% decline from its record high, including the collapse of a memecoin that significantly impacted the crypto ecosystem and the Solana network, a $1.4 billion hack on the Bybit exchange, and concerns over Trump’s tariff policies, which have added to broader market volatility.

Trump Announcements

On Thursday, Trump announced that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would take effect starting March 4, dashing hopes that he might reverse course after a previous delay. He also stated that Chinese imports would face an additional 10% levy, prompting officials in Beijing to vow “all necessary measures” in response.
The Trump Trade Unravels

The sell-off highlights a rapid shift in sentiment for what was once one of the most popular trades linked to Trump’s presidency: buying Bitcoin in anticipation that his crypto-friendly stance would fuel a broad rally.

For a while, that bet paid off. Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $109,241 on January 20, the day of Trump’s inauguration. However, cryptocurrencies have recently come under pressure amid growing concerns that Trump’s aggressive trade policies could lead to widespread market disruption.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Can Bitcoin Hit $250K Amid Market Volatility?

Bitcoin continues to dominate market discussions as analysts debate its next big move. With predictions hinting at a possible surge to $250,000, many investors are questioning whether such a rally is feasible. At the same time, experts caution that a market correction may be imminent, creating uncertainty in the crypto space.

 

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Can Bitcoin Hit $250K Amid Market Volatility?

 

Bitcoin’s Bullish Outlook

According to Analytics Insight, Bitcoin’s potential surge to $250,000 is driven by increasing institutional interest and favorable macroeconomic conditions. The emergence of platforms like JetBolt, which promise to revolutionize crypto transactions, has also caught the attention of major investors. This growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value fuels optimism for a significant price increase.

Moreover, historical trends suggest that Bitcoin thrives in post-halving cycles. With the next halving event set for 2024, many traders believe a strong uptrend could follow, pushing Bitcoin toward new all-time highs. As adoption grows and supply diminishes, the $250K target does not seem entirely out of reach.

Market Correction Concerns

Despite bullish predictions, CoinTelegraph warns of a potential market correction between March and April. Analysts at Matrixport highlight historical data indicating that Bitcoin often experiences price pullbacks before making parabolic moves. Factors such as profit-taking by institutional investors and macroeconomic shifts could contribute to short-term volatility.

The anticipation of regulatory developments, particularly in the U.S., also plays a role in Bitcoin’s uncertain trajectory. Any unexpected policy shifts or market disruptions could temporarily dampen the rally, leading to price fluctuations in the coming months.

What’s Next for Bitcoin?

Bitcoin’s journey to $250,000 remains speculative but not impossible. While bullish indicators suggest strong momentum, investors must also prepare for potential short-term corrections. Whether Bitcoin soars to new heights or faces temporary setbacks, the coming months will be crucial in determining its long-term trajectory in the crypto landscape.

Is Ethereum Still Worth Buying Amid the Crypto Crash?

Ethereum’s (ETH) price has fallen below $2,500 in recent weeks due to the decline in the cryptocurrency market and other economic issues. Investors are now wondering if Ethereum is still a good investment. Some perceive a chance to purchase at a discount, while others are afraid of additional falls. But given the state of the market, is Ethereum still a wise investment?

 

Is Ethereum Still Worth Buying Amid the Crypto Crash?

 

Ethereum’s Current Standing

Ethereum continues to dominate the cryptocurrency market in spite of the recent decline in price. Strong long-term demand is indicated by the fact that 82% of ETH holders are still profitable. Both developers and institutional investors are drawn to Ethereum’s strong ecosystem, which includes its smart contract capabilities and broad adoption.

Furthermore, for long-term investors, Ethereum’s current pricing offers a strong entry point. Future price growth may be fueled by the impending Ethereum network upgrades and the growing usage of decentralized apps (dApps).

Post-Trump Market Impact on Ethereum

The wider market response to Trump-related economic changes is a significant component in Ethereum’s recent difficulties. Following market moves connected to Trump’s influence over financial regulations, Ethereum has lost almost half of its value. The cryptocurrency market has become more volatile as a result of uncertainty around macroeconomic trends and regulatory changes.

But according to some analysts, Ethereum’s long-term fundamentals are still solid, and the present decline might only last a short while. Ethereum might see a comeback in the upcoming months if the overall market steadies and institutional interest in the cryptocurrency holds firm. 

Should You Buy Ethereum Now?

The current price levels of Ethereum may present a worthwhile purchasing opportunity for long-term investors. Resilience in the face of market downturns is demonstrated by its robust ecosystem, ongoing innovation, and high holder profitability. Short-term traders should be on the lookout for additional volatility, though, particularly given the persistent regulatory and economic concerns.

Ultimately, Ethereum’s potential remains high, but investors must weigh the risks against their investment horizon and risk tolerance.

DAX Gains on Better Retail Sales & Unemployment Data, Hopes for Coalition Government Increase

Retail sales were higher than expected, and unemployment change decreased more than forecast.

dax rallies on better than expected data

  • Retal Sales YoY up 2.9%, forecast 1.5%
  • Unemployment change up 5k, forecast 15k
  • Chancellor in waiting already holding coalition talks
  • Bundesbank warns of recession in 2025

The DAX rallied from today’s lows and is posting a gain of 0.36%, spurred largely by a surprise jump in retail sales and a drop in unemployment numbers.

Better than Forecast Economic Data

This morning’s data turned the [[DAX]] around, the index was losing 0.63% on the day before the news hit the screens.

Retail Sales YoY for January was forecast at 1.5%, a sharp decline from last month’s 2.8% increase. Today’s data showed that despite recent declines in consumer confidence spending is rising.

Another concern for consumers is the perception of a contracting job market. However, today’s unemployment change showed only 5k additional unemployed for February.

Analysts had expected a rise of 15k from 11k last month, so the surprise is more than unexpected given the general sentiment.

DAX Live Chart

[[DAX-graph]]

 

Three-party Coalition Talks

The chancellor in waiting, and leader of the CDU Merz, has already begun talks with his peers from the Socialist and Green parties.

Merz has stated his intention to get the government formed as quickly as possible. Various hurdles are bound to arise given the very different stances on spending and renewable energy.

The leader of the CDU has already back tracked on pre-election promises of closing the border, something both left wing parties are against.

However, extra spending, limited under the constitution and green energy subsidies are where the right and left parties are most divided.

Bundesbank Warns of 3rd Year of Stagnation

Joachim Nagel, the head of the German central bank warned of the increasing risk of a 3rd year of stagnation if action is not taken.

The Bundesbank president stated that fiscal reforms are necessary to stimulate demand, and that the new government needs to act quickly. The central bank is set to make proposals to increase borrowing but maintain fiscal stability.

Will Dell and AMD Stock Extend Their Losses in a Rough Week?

The AMD stock has lost 14% this week while Dell stock is 11% lower, and if the negative sentiment continues today, the decline could be even larger.AMD Stock Weekly Chart Continue reading “Will Dell and AMD Stock Extend Their Losses in a Rough Week?”

SEC’s Next Move? Ripple Lawsuit Update After Confidential Meeting

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had a closed meeting on February 27, 2025 and we’re wondering how it impacts the Ripple lawsuit.

The case has been going on since December 2020 and the SEC claims Ripple sold XRP as an unregistered security. With regulatory uncertainty and political pressure mounting, investors and legal experts are waiting for any sign of a resolution.

Continue reading “SEC’s Next Move? Ripple Lawsuit Update After Confidential Meeting”

Uniswap Rolls Out Fiat Off-Ramps – Crypto to Bank Transfers Just Dropped

Uniswap Labs has dropped a major update for you: a built-in fiat off-ramp for the Uniswap wallet!

This means you can convert your digital assets to traditional currency and send to your bank account directly. The magic happens through integrations with Robinhood, MoonPay and Transak to expand the Uniswap ecosystem.

Continue reading “Uniswap Rolls Out Fiat Off-Ramps – Crypto to Bank Transfers Just Dropped”