After an initial surge in bitcoin’s price to $88,580, a rapid decline followed, leading to new monthly lows. Gains from early April dissipated, while equity markets saw significant losses. Fresh data from the US labour market and US government measures added further pressure to the markets, raising concerns about the future of risk assets.
Bitcoin loses gains, stock markets experience slump after tariffs
Bitcoin, which rose to $88,580 in the first half of April, plunged below $80,000 after the introduction of reciprocal tariffs, losing some of the gains it made at the start of the month. Due to these measures and the negative reaction of investors to the new tariffs, the price of bitcoin fell sharply. This move was accompanied by significant losses in equity markets, with the S&P 500 index posting its biggest intraday drop since the pandemic sell-off in 2020.
Fresh data from the US labour market, specifically lower new claims for unemployment benefits, contributed to further deterioration in sentiment, creating room for central bankers to continue tightening financial conditions. Investors see this as a signal that risk assets will face further challenges. Still, markets continue to focus on the possibility of a Fed rate cut , suggesting that a policy change is pending with the likelihood of a recession.
Bearish trend and market warnings
The bearish trend in bitcoin price can last for 3 to 6 months. The price of bitcoin is still at the support level of $80,000, which raises concerns among investors. According to trader Roman, the market is in a dangerous phase where nervousness is growing with each passing candle. However, according to a Byzantine General commentator, tariffs may slow down the growth and keep the market in a subdued state, causing caution and uncertainty among market participants.
Analyst firm Glassnode has highlighted a new signal on the chain that suggests deteriorating market momentum. A death cross, where the 30-day moving average of the bitcoin price has fallen below the 180-day average, usually precedes bearish trends lasting several months. This situation signals that the market may be in the calm before the storm, with speculative sell-off volumes not yet reaching levels typical of bitcoin price peaks.
