April was a turbulent month for the cryptocurrency market. Heavy tariffs between the United States and China, public criticism of the Federal Reserve, and a series of economic announcements directly impacted the price of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
The Fear and Greed Index as we’ll see at the end of the article, reflected all this tension, plunging into extreme fear levels before showing signs of recovery.
Amid the drops, rallies, and widespread uncertainty, new opportunities also emerged for those who closely followed the market movements.
In this article, you’ll understand what happened, how it shaped investor sentiment, and what could influence the market’s next moves.
April 2, 2025 – Liberation Day tariff announcements
Source: CNN
On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called “Liberation Day”, implementing a series of trade tariffs that directly impact global trade and the cryptocurrency market.
The measures were set to take effect on April 5th for the universal tariff and April 9th for the country-specific tariffs.
The measures included:
- A base tariff of 10% on all imports from every country.
- Reciprocal tariffs, where the U.S. will charge half the total value of the tariffs and trade barriers other countries impose.
- A 25% tariff on all foreign cars.
Source: X
These tariffs were in addition to existing duties, such as those previously imposed on Chinese imports, culminating in an effective 54% tariff on Chinese goods after April 9th.
These actions have raised concerns about global inflation and slower economic growth, negatively affecting risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
For example, Bitcoin showed significant volatility, spiking to $87,800 during Trump’s speech but quickly dropping to around $85,500.
Also, in the financial markets, U.S. stock markets reacted negatively, with significant drops in after-hours trading. The Nasdaq, for instance, dropped over 4% following the announcement.
President Trump justified these measures by mentioning a $1.2 trillion trade deficit from the previous year, asserting that the tariffs would boost domestic production and create American jobs.
He framed the announcement as a “declaration of economic independence,” referring to April 2nd as “Liberation Day.”
Financial experts are advising caution in the short term, recommending strategies such as:
- Looking for strong projects to invest in during periods of market calm.
- Taking advantage of tactical opportunities in smaller altcoins with good potential.
- Using stablecoins and DeFi strategies for protection.
While the administration argues that these tariffs will revitalize American industry and reduce foreign trade barriers, critics warn of potential inflation, increased consumer prices, and strained international relations.
The situation remains fluid as the global community watches for further developments and potential retaliatory measures.
April, 4th – Powell Holds Firm on Rates While S&P 500 Tanks
Source: Reuters
On April 4th, 2025, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated that the Fed is not inclined to promptly reduce interest rates, citing the need for more clarity on economic conditions before making any policy adjustments.
He acknowledged that while the economy remains stable, there is high uncertainty and increasing downside risk—particularly due to newly announced trade tariffs.
Shortly after Powell’s remarks, President Donald Trump publicly criticized him, urging the Fed to cut interest rates immediately.
Trump argued that strong employment data and low inflation justify a more aggressive monetary response.
The financial markets reacted swiftly. The S&P 500 dropped 4.8%, its worst performance since June 2020.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 1,600 points, and the Nasdaq Composite plummeted 6%.
Source: Investopedia
These developments have heightened tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve.
The central bank now faces the difficult task of balancing inflation control with the risk of economic slowdown, while market volatility underscores the uncertainty surrounding future monetary policy decisions.
Fidelity Investments introduces the Fidelity Crypto for IRA
Source: Cryptopolitan
Fidelity Investments has introduced a new private retirement plan in the United States: the Crypto IRA.
This account allows investors to build their long-term retirement savings by investing directly in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC).
Unlike a standard investment account, the Crypto IRA is designed specifically for retirement, offering potential tax advantages depending on the type of IRA chosen.
It is available to any U.S. adult over 18 years old and comes with no administrative fees.
Digital assets are securely stored by Fidelity Digital Assets using cold wallets — offline devices that provide stronger protection against digital breaches, increasing the safety of crypto investments.
Customers can choose from three types of IRA accounts:
- Roth IRA – Contributions are made with after-tax income, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
- Traditional IRA – Contributions may be tax-deductible now, but withdrawals are taxed later.
- Rollover IRA – Allows the transfer of funds from a previous retirement plan, such as a 401(k).
Note: A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan sponsored by employers in the U.S., often including tax benefits and employer matching contributions.)
The launch of the Crypto IRA follows the increasing demand for diversified retirement portfolios that include crypto assets.
Fidelity, which already offers crypto-linked ETFs and is seeking approval for a Solana (SOL) ETF on the Cboe, continues to expand its retirement investment options with this move.
April, 8th – White House confirms 104% tariffs on China will be imposed
Source: Times Of India
On April 8th, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced that the United States will be imposing a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, set to take effect at midnight.
The move is a direct response to China’s recent implementation of a 34% tariff on American goods, which has heightened tensions between the two countries.
U.S. officials have justified the new measure by citing longstanding trade imbalances and the belief that China remains more dependent on access to the U.S. market than the other way around.
The administration has also stated that the U.S. is open to forming more “tailored” trade agreements with individual countries, though tariffs of 17% to 25% on imports from allies like Japan, South Korea, Israel, and the European Union are still expected to proceed for now.
In response, China has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as unilateral and aggressive and have promised to take “legitimate countermeasures” to defend their economic interests and maintain their position in international trade.
The situation remains fluid, but early reactions suggest concerns are growing over a potential re-escalation of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
Bitcoin relief rally fizzles as White House confirms 104% China tariffs
Source: Coinmarketcap
Initially, Bitcoin experienced a rebound to $81,180 due to false reports suggesting a pause on U.S. tariffs.
However, the official confirmation of the new 104% tariff hit the crypto market like a bomb: Bitcoin plummeted, approaching the critical $75,000 range — its lowest level since November 6th, 2024.
April, 9th – China announces 84% tariffs on US
Source: Republic World
On April 9th, 2025 on a new development in trade relations between the United States and China.
In response to Trump imposing a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, China announced an 84% tariff on American goods, a level that could significantly impact exporters in the U.S.
In addition to the increased tariff levy, China’s Commerce Ministry imposed export controls on 12 American companies, barring Chinese companies from supplying them with dual-use items that have both military and civilian applications.
Although neither side used the word “trade war” directly, the dynamic bears several similarities to previous episodes in recent history.
Financial markets across Asia and Europe have reportedly reacted with unease.
Analytics mentions notable declines in stock indices, which may reflect investor concerns about broader economic repercussions. Higher tariffs, after all, tend to lead to increased prices for businesses and consumers, and that pressure, if sustained, could add to existing inflationary trends.
Some economists have even suggested that prolonged tension might carry risks for global growth.
Public statements from both Washington and Beijing, suggest little willingness to compromise at this stage.
Chinese officials were quoted as saying they would “fight to the end” to protect national interests, while U.S. officials framed their decision as a necessary step in rebalancing trade.
April, 9th – Trump increases China tariffs to 125% and announces a 90-day pause for other countries.
Source: Neptune Prime
The United States government announced on Tuesday (April 9th) a temporary 90-day pause on the enforcement of reciprocal tariffs for countries that have not retaliated against Washington and have shown interest in discussing new trade agreements.
The measure immediately reduces tariffs to a baseline rate of 10%.
According to President Donald Trump, more than 75 countries have approached U.S. representatives — including the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury — to open the door for negotiations related to tariffs, trade barriers, and currency manipulation.
These countries did not respond with retaliatory measures to previous tariffs imposed by the U.S., which made them eligible for the temporary suspension.
The initiative aims to reward diplomacy and encourage a multilateral negotiation environment. “We’re giving fair trade a chance,” Trump said, according to sources close to the White House.
However, the tariff suspension does not apply to China.
The Asian country was excluded from the measure after raising its tariffs on U.S. products to as high as 84%.
In response, the United States increased tariffs on Chinese products to 125%.
Source: X
How It Affected the Cryptocurrency Market?
Source: Coinmarketcap
On Tuesday (April 9th), Bitcoin (BTC) jumped 5.72%, reaching a price of $81,262.02.
The surge came shortly after Trump announced a 90-day suspension of trade tariffs with China.
During this period, tariffs will be reduced to 10%.
The signal of easing trade tensions was enough to reignite investor appetite for riskier assets — and Bitcoin was among the first to reflect the positive sentiment.
The momentum also carried over to other cryptocurrencies, such as:
- Ethereum (ETH): up 7.69%
- XRP: climbed 10.95%
This movement highlights how deeply sensitive the crypto market remains to political and macroeconomic decisions, especially those involving the United States and China — the two largest economies in the world.
April, 10th – U.S. Tariffs on China Hit 145%: Full Breakdown and Economic Impact
Source: Reddit
On April 10th, 2025, CNBC reported significant developments in the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.
In a move that shook the markets, the Trump administration announced that tariffs on Chinese products will soar to an impressive 145%, further escalating the trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
According to economist Erica York of the Tax Foundation, Trump’s 145% total tariff on Chinese imports would stop most trade between the U.S. and China.
“Depending on how broad or limited the application is, crossing into triple-digit tariffs essentially means cutting off most trade,” said York on CNBC’s program “The Exchange”.
What’s Included in the 145% Tariff?
- Base Tariff: 125% – applied broadly to targeted Chinese goods.
- Additional Levy: 20% – specifically tied to China’s alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain.
The news triggered a wave of uncertainty across global markets, especially in industries dependent on U.S.-China trade routes.
Companies sourcing from China are now facing steep cost increases—forcing many to rethink logistics and vendor relationships.
April, 11th – China raises retaliatory duties on U.S. goods to 125% as dollar sinks
Image created with AI
On April 11th, China countered by raising tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the U.S. actions as “economic bullying” and pledged to defend international economic integrity.
European leaders have called for urgent negotiations to prevent a prolonged trade conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the escalating tensions.
As the situation develops, the global economy remains on edge, closely monitoring the actions of the world’s two largest economies.
April 15th – US Imposes Higher Tariffs on China
Source: Brunswick Group
In April 2025, the United States significantly increased tariffs on Chinese products, with surcharges reaching up to 245% on some categories.
However, this number refers to the cumulative effect of multiple tariffs on specific products such as electric vehicles and syringes, rather than a new general 245% tariff imposed by the Trump administration.
Direct Impact on Markets
Technology Hit First
The measures mainly affected US semiconductor companies, such as Nvidia:
- Nvidia warned that it would lose up to $5.5 billion in future revenue due to its inability to export chips to Chinese customers.
- This caused Nasdaq futures to drop more than 2%, signaling that the technology sector would be one of the hardest hit.
Big Tech companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and AMD were also mentioned as vulnerable due to their supply chain exposure to China.
Flight to Gold
Gold rose more than 2%, hitting a new record above $3,300/oz, for one simple reason:
In times of geopolitical instability, investors flock to “safe havens.”
Why Is This So Serious?
This situation is not just a short-term noise. It suggests:
- Global supply chain reconfiguration: Could lead to more expensive products and shortages of items that are part of everyday consumption, such as cell phones and automobiles.
- Global inflationary pressure: Rising prices of everyday products, such as food and electronics, both in the US and in other countries.
- Greater Economic Polarization: The US and China are increasingly building “parallel economies” with their own rules and technologies.
April 17th – Ethereum Fees Drop to Lowest Level in 5 Years Due to Low Network Activity
Source: Mitrade
Ethereum fees have reached their lowest point in the past five years, marking a significant shift in the network’s dynamics.
With transactions costing an average of just $0.168, this new scenario is a direct reflection of reduced user activity and global economic uncertainty.
According to data from the platform Santiment, the decline in Ethereum fees is closely linked to a drop in the number of transactions.
With fewer people using the network to transfer ETH or interact with smart contracts, there is less competition for block space—naturally reducing the average transaction cost.
Brian Quinlivan, Marketing Director at Santiment, highlighted that lower fees are not always good news for the market.
They usually indicate a period of low activity and reduced interest from traders, making a price recovery in the short term more difficult.
Despite the phase of low activity, the Ethereum network is preparing for a major update: the Pectra upgrade, scheduled to be activated on the mainnet on May 7th, 2025.
During the same period, Ethereum’s price has fallen by more than 12.5% in the past 14 days, trading below $1,600.
This decline, combined with low activity, increases caution among investors who are waiting for signs of recovery, both in price and network usage.
The current drop in Ethereum transaction fees signals a slowdown, but also paves the way for a new growth phase with the arrival of the Pectra upgrade.
The expectation is that, with lower costs and enhanced usability, the network will once again attract developers, DeFi projects, and end users.
April 18th – Cryptocurrencies Close the Week with Gains as Bitcoin Follows US-China Trade Talks
Source: Cointelegraph
The cryptocurrency market experienced an explosive week, with significant gains across various tokens.
Some altcoins rose by up to 60%, while Bitcoin kept its focus on the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, which continue to influence global investor sentiment.
Source: CoinMarketCap
The price of Bitcoin reached approximately $84,700, driven by net inflows of $107.83 million into US ETFs.
Bitcoin’s market dominance rose to 63%, signaling the return of institutional capital to more established assets.
Additionally, the macroeconomic environment remains on investors’ radar. The recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on China and the potential resumption of trade talks between the two powers are directly impacting market confidence.
Despite the significant gains, futures trading volume dropped by 23%, reflecting a slight reduction in liquidity.
The VIX index, which measures market volatility, also declined, indicating reduced risk aversion in the global landscape.
Cryptocurrencies Are at the Mercy of Donald Trump’s Narratives
Source: X
Amid global economic uncertainty and political polarization in the United States, cryptocurrencies are at the mercy of Donald Trump’s narratives, as his statements have the power to sway markets and shape public perception around regulation and the adoption of digital assets.
A new analysis by the platform Santiment has revealed an increasingly evident factor influencing the performance of cryptocurrencies: the statements and political strategies of former US President Donald Trump.
According to the analysis, the narratives created by Trump—including his criticisms of the Federal Reserve and trade confrontations with China—are directly affecting market sentiment and Bitcoin’s volatility.
Even without concrete decisions on interest rates or new stimulus measures, Trump’s tweets, interviews, or public announcements are enough to quickly alter investor movements.
This highlights how political factors remain a critical variable for those following or investing in the crypto market.
Another key finding from the analysis is that Bitcoin remains highly correlated with the traditional stock market, despite its decentralized nature.
Thus, when Trump mentions sanctions, tariffs, or changes in monetary policies, the impact is not only felt on Wall Street—cryptocurrency prices are also affected.
Donald Trump’s influence on the cryptocurrency market shows that, in 2025, political factors continue to play a decisive role in price formation and investor behavior.
For those seeking to understand Bitcoin and altcoin movements, it is essential to follow not just charts and technical indicators, but also the speeches coming from Washington.
April 21st – Circle Launches Global Payment Network Using USDC and EURC
Source: MyCryptoChannel
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, announced in April 2025 the launch of a global payment and remittance network using its stablecoins USDC (U.S. dollar) and EURC (euro).
The initiative aims to transform international transfers, making them faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
Circle’s new solution is designed to enable instant cross-border payments, using blockchain infrastructure to ensure security, transparency, and cost reduction.
The network is targeted at both businesses and consumers, serving as a modern alternative to traditional banking systems, which are often expensive and slow.
How It Works:
- Users will be able to send and receive payments in USDC or EURC.
- Transactions will be recorded on the blockchain, eliminating intermediaries and increasing efficiency.
- The system will support integration with various wallets and financial platforms.
Advantages of the Payment Network with Stablecoins:
- Speed: Near-instant transfers, available 24/7 without relying on banking hours.
- Low Cost: Significant reduction in international transfer fees.
- Global Access: Ideal for regions with limited or inefficient banking services.
- Transparency: Every transaction is publicly recorded on the blockchain.
Circle’s move highlights a growing trend: the use of stablecoins for international payments.
Businesses, freelancers, startups, and individual consumers now have the opportunity to operate in a faster, more flexible economy, less dependent on traditional financial systems.
As stablecoin adoption grows, initiatives like this show how blockchain technology can reshape the future of global payments.
April 23rd – Trump Signals Potential Reduction in China Tariffs Amid Trade Tensions
Source: JSB Market Research
President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to significantly reduce the current 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, contingent upon reaching a favorable trade agreement with Beijing.
While emphasizing that the tariffs “won’t be zero,” Trump suggested they would “come down substantially,” signaling a possible shift from his previously aggressive trade stance.
Despite these overtures, Chinese officials have denied the existence of ongoing trade negotiations.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that there are currently no consultations or negotiations on tariffs between the U.S. and China.
The prospect of tariff reductions has positively influenced financial markets, with the S&P 500 experiencing notable gains amid investor optimism.
While the potential for reduced tariffs offers a glimmer of hope for easing U.S.-China trade tensions, the absence of formal negotiations and mutual agreements underscores the complexity of the situation.
Trump Offers Private Dinner to Top 220 Investors in His Memecoin
Source: Coinmarketcap
On April 23, 2025, the $TRUMP memecoin experienced a significant surge of over 50% following President Donald Trump’s announcement of an exclusive dinner event for top token holders.
The event, scheduled for May 22 at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., invites the top 220 holders of the $TRUMP token, with the top 25 receiving additional perks, including a VIP reception and a special tour.
Despite the recent surge, the $TRUMP coin still trades nearly 85% below its all-time high of over $75, recorded shortly after its launch in January 2025.
Currently, the token’s total market capitalization sits at around $2.6 billion.
A key concern among analysts is the coin’s centralized distribution. Nearly 80% of the supply is controlled by Trump-affiliated entities, raising red flags about potential price manipulation and long-term sustainability.
While the exclusive dinner event has generated excitement and increased trading activity, analysts question the long-term viability of the $TRUMP memecoin.
The lack of inherent utility and the high concentration of token ownership may pose challenges to sustained growth.
Unless the project addresses these concerns and provides clear value propositions, the current price levels may be difficult to maintain.
April 25th – Price Analysis: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP
Image Created with AI
Bitcoin (BTC)
Currently trading around $95,000, holding steady above $90,000 with a modest gain of +1.67% over the past 24 hours. BTC has fluctuated between ~$93,400 and $95,500 in the last day, with an estimated market capitalization of $1.88 trillion.
1. Bitcoin Surpasses Silver and Reclaims 7th Place Among the World’s Most Valuable Assets
In April 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) achieved another major milestone: it reclaimed the 7th spot among the most valuable assets worldwide, surpassing silver in market capitalization.
According to updated data, Bitcoin’s market cap reached approximately $1.9 trillion, overtaking both silver and corporate giants such as Meta (Facebook) and Saudi Aramco.
During this surge, Bitcoin briefly surpassed companies like Amazon and Google, reaching as high as 5th place globally. Although it later stabilized back at 7th place, this movement reinforced the growing global interest in the digital asset.
2. Bitcoin Faces Resistance at $94,000
The psychological barrier around $94,000, formed by long-term holders (LTHs), remains strong. This price range has become a key profit-taking zone for early investors, making it a temporary challenge for BTC to break above this level.
3. Capital Flow from Traditional Markets to Crypto
It’s estimated that over $60 billion shifted into the cryptocurrency market. This influx followed the withdrawal of trillions of dollars from stocks and other traditional assets in response to global economic instability.
4. Impact of Bitcoin ETFs
Spot Bitcoin ETFs, launched earlier this year, continue to attract significant trading volumes.
In April alone, the top ETFs recorded billions of dollars in net inflows, further driving demand for Bitcoin.
Ethereum (ETH)
Trading around $1,802, showing an increase of approximately +2.05%. ETH has been struggling to maintain levels above $1,800 after recent rallies.
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Ethereum Also Secures a Spot Among the World’s Largest Assets
In addition to Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) has also carved out its place in the global rankings. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap currently holds the 62nd position, with an estimated market capitalization of around $216 billion.
Solana (SOL)
Trading near $151.65, with a slight gain of approximately +0.03% over the past 24 hours. SOL has reclaimed the $150 level and even traded around ~$155 earlier this week after dropping to $135 last week.
Ripple (XRP)
Trading around $2.19, with a slight daily decrease of about -0.4%. XRP remains above $2 after recovering from last week’s lows of $2.12 and reaching highs of $2.22 before consolidating.
Fear and Greed Index Analysis – Last 30 Days
Source: Coinmarketcap
Over the past 30 days, the index has shown a remarkable trajectory, reflecting intense shifts in risk perception and opportunity. Here are the key highlights of the period:
- In the first week of April, the index reached its Yearly Low for the second time, plunging into the “Extreme Fear” zone, below 20 points. This movement coincided with a sharp correction in Bitcoin’s price, which dropped below $80,000, and a significant increase in trading volume.
- Starting from April 10, sentiment began to stabilize. The index progressively climbed, mirroring Bitcoin’s price recovery.
- The most notable point of this rebound occurred between April 21 and 23, when the index jumped to 52 points, entering the “Neutral” zone.
What’s particularly interesting in this analysis is that within less than a week, sentiment shifted from extreme fear to neutrality, highlighting how external factors—such as price swings and news—can rapidly reshape investor confidence.
The current level of 52 points suggests the market has moved out of panic, but hasn’t entered a phase of euphoria yet. It’s a time for strategic attention: opportunities often arise when fear dominates, while risks tend to grow when greed takes over.
