The global financial market remains gripped by uncertainty following U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff announcements. Experts are divided on the future of the economy, stocks, and the cryptocurrency market, as fear and volatility spike across sectors.
Economist Raoul Pal, CEO of RealVision, remains bullish despite the chaos. Meanwhile, others like Spencer Hakimian of Tolou Capital Management urge caution, suggesting the worst may not be over.
Asian Markets Plunge Amid Rising Tariff Tensions
Asian and Australian stock markets opened deep in the red on Monday, reacting sharply to Trump’s tariff news. Key highlights include:
- Taiwan Stock Index: Dropped nearly 10%
- Nikkei (Japan): Down by 7.35%
- ASX 200 (Australia): Fell by 4%
This sharp selloff underscores rising global concern over a potential trade war and its impact on economic recovery.
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Experience Heavy Outflows
Cryptocurrencies haven’t been spared. Bitcoin and Ethereum continue their downward trends, along with heavy outflows in their spot ETFs:
- Ethereum ETFs:
- US$58.5 million outflow over three consecutive days
- A minor recovery on Friday with US$2.1 million in inflows
- Bitcoin ETFs:
- Saw US$218.1 million in net inflows on April 2
- Followed by US$164.7 million in outflows on Thursday and Friday
Despite the crypto dip, some investors see this as a temporary correction. Raoul Pal described it as a “gift” in a bull market, urging traders to look for spare cash and prepare to “buy the dip.”
“In a bull market, such opportunities are a gift. I hope you are ready to look for spare cash under the sofa to add very very soon.”
— Raoul Pal, RealVision
Analysts Remain Split: Is It Time to Buy the Dip?
While Pal remains optimistic, Spencer Hakimian believes investors should wait unless:
- Trump reverses all newly announced tariffs
- The NASDAQ plunges 40%
Until then, he advises against jumping into the markets blindly.
Trump’s Stance Heightens Market Fears
President Trump doubled down on his policy, stating:
“I’m not ready to negotiate with the EU unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis — for the present and also for the past.”
This aggressive stance further intensified fears of prolonged trade tensions and global economic slowdown.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Crypto and Global Trade?
The next moves from Trump — and retaliatory responses from other global players — will determine whether markets stabilize or continue to bleed. As uncertainty looms, both retail and institutional investors are treading carefully.
For crypto traders, this may be a test of conviction. For economists, it’s a defining moment for international trade relations and the resilience of decentralized assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
