Bitcoin Approaches $81K; Ripple and Cardano Struggle Amid Looming U.S. Tariffs
March 31, 2025, 5:56 a.m. UTC
By Shaurya Malwa and Sam Reynolds
As global financial markets adjust to rising tensions and uncertainty over impending U.S. tariffs, Bitcoin’s value has dipped to just above $81,500. The cryptocurrency market is feeling the impact, with top tokens such as XRP and Cardano’s ADA experiencing notable declines.
Market Trends and Cryptocurrency Movements
In Asian morning trading on Monday, Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at approximately $81,500, representing a modest drop following a brief rally earlier in the week. Alongside Bitcoin, several other significant cryptocurrencies also faced losses. XRP, a digital asset linked to Ripple, saw a decrease of nearly 5% within the last 24 hours. Similarly, Cardano’s ADA reported a drop of around 1.79%, while Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) fell by 2-3%. Ethereum (ETH) also experienced a slight decrease of about 1.48%.
The downward trend in the crypto market coincides with the broader stock market, which opened lower for the fourth consecutive day. Investors are on edge as they await President Donald Trump’s forthcoming announcement regarding new tariffs, expected to be revealed on April 2. Stock Market Reactions
Global stock indices reacted negatively to the anticipated tariffs, reflecting investors’ concerns over potential economic repercussions. In the morning session, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong fell by 1.7%, the Nikkei 225 sunk by 3.8%, and Korea’s KOPSI index decreased by 3%. Futures for U.S. and European stock markets also showed declines.
As fears mount over the potential for a trade conflict, safe-haven assets such as gold surged to an all-time high, while U.S. Treasury yields decreased amidst heightened demand. Portfolio managers are shifting their strategies cautiously, opting to minimize risks and avoiding substantial investments in light of the uncertain market conditions.
Unlocking Trends in Cryptocurrency
Amid the market fluctuations, data from Tokenomist.ai indicates that approximately $751.2 million in cryptocurrency unlocks are scheduled for this week, including tokens such as SUI and DYDX. This comes at a time when traders are keenly watching for upcoming unlock cycles, with estimates suggesting that around $4.4 billion worth of assets will become available in May, depending on current market prices.
Looking Ahead
The market reactions to Trump’s tariff announcement will likely continue to influence both stock and cryptocurrency values in the coming days. Investors are advised to remain vigilant, monitoring not only the tariffs but also other macroeconomic indicators that could impact market performance.
With Bitcoin ETFs reporting significant inflows of $196 million last week, interest in Bitcoin remains strong, even as the asset faces downward pressure. In contrast, Ether ETFs experienced net outflows exceeding $8 million during the same period.
As traders brace for what lies ahead, adaptability and caution remain crucial to navigating the current landscape of both traditional and digital markets.