Crypto Jitters: Why Market Fear Lingers Despite US-China Tariff Truce

Trade tensions ease, but crypto markets refuse to celebrate.

The Temporary Ceasefire

Washington and Beijing shake hands on tariffs, yet digital assets continue trading sideways. Global economic uncertainty persists despite the diplomatic breakthrough.

The Fear Factor

Institutional money remains cautious, retail traders hesitate, and volatility indicators stay elevated. Traditional market relief isn't translating to crypto confidence.

Regulatory Overhang

SEC scrutiny continues unabated, while global compliance standards tighten. The tariff truce does nothing to address crypto's regulatory headaches.

Market Psychology

Investors remember 2018's false dawns and 2022's collapses. Once burned, twice shy—especially when Wall Street bankers still don't understand the technology they're supposedly embracing.

Until crypto proves it can decouple from traditional market sentiment and regulatory pressure, even trade war resolutions won't spark the rally true believers crave.

In brief

• 19 billion dollars evaporated after Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
• The Fear & Greed index stagnates, the crypto market has not regained its breath.
• The USA-China truce suspends key sanctions without triggering crypto rebound.
• Altcoins like Solana struggle to take off despite encouraging technical fundamentals.

Red October: When the memory of crashes paralyzes the market

Certain dates imprint on minds like burns. On October 11, 2025, Donald Trump threatened to overtax China at 100%. The crypto market took the hit: 19 billion liquidated in 24 hours.

Since then, the Crypto Fear & Greed index remains frozen. It quietly climbs from 33 to 37, but fear still dominates. Bitcoin hovers around $110,000, Ether around $3,900. Nothing reassuring.

For some, like Michael van de Poppe, this kind of crash represents a floor. Yet investors remain defensive. Confidence is eroded, altcoins lag behind. Resilience moves backward. Even with a calmer atmosphere, no one jumps on the bull run train. Too early, too risky.

Trump-Xi truce: promises abound, doubts fill heads

The agreement signed between Donald TRUMP and Xi Jinping looks like a turning point: lifting measures against rare metals, massive purchases of American soy, suspension of controls on key sectors. On paper, this should boost the global economy and the crypto industry.

But crypto operators are not fooled. They know these agreements can sometimes be illusions. Their trust is measured by facts. Every tweet, every political U-turn can destroy what has been built.

On X, Ash Crypto speaks of a “bullish” outlook for markets. Conversely, other observers note that major announcements are not enough. Experience has shown stability is fragile. In reality, the crypto market remains cautious. For the slightest misstep, the agreement could become a double-edged sword again.

Crypto still cautious: why the recovery hasn’t started (yet)

Volatility is a way of life for the crypto market, but since the FTX–Covid–October black series, investors act with restraint. The USA-China tariff truce could have brought new impetus. Yet few players see it as a lasting impulse.

Solana, Chainlink, and a few others rise timidly. Volumes improve. But overall, mistrust dominates. Technical signals say “why not”, traders’ instincts answer “not yet”.

Proof? Reactions on X oscillate between feigned euphoria and acknowledged skepticism. Everyone keeps in mind that the protagonists of this agreement are the same who, just yesterday, shook markets with sanctions.

Five facts to remember about the Trump-Xi truce and its effect on cryptos

• On October 11, 2025, $19 billion was liquidated in 24 hours in crypto;
• The Fear & Greed index remains stuck between 33 and 37 despite announcements;
• China will buy 25 million tons of US soy/year until 2028;
• Exports of rare metals to the USA are reauthorized;
• The bitcoin price and Ether’s price have not exploded despite the Seoul agreement.

October certainly did not give bitcoin a break. The expected “Uptober” turned into a black month. It remains to be seen if November will take over, with a less sharp memory and dynamics finally launched.

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