Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Rally on Hold as Trade Tensions and Leverage Loom

Bitcoin's recent nosedive below $110,000-triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's 100% tariff threat on Chinese goods-has cast doubt on the cryptocurrency's ability to reclaim its $125,000 peak. Analysts and traders now point to three key factors that could prolong the bearish correction and delay a sustained rally.

The immediate catalyst for Bitcoin's collapse was Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs and export controls on China, escalating trade tensions to their highest level since 2019 . The move sent global markets reeling, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq plunging and Bitcoin tumbling from $122,000 to $104,600 within hours . "This is a textbook risk-off event," said Ram Ahluwalia, founder of Lumida Wealth, noting that geopolitical uncertainty often triggers flight to gold and safe-haven assets, leaving crypto vulnerable Why Is Crypto Down: Bitcoin (BTC) Down 10%, ETH, XRP, SOL in^[1]. The lack of clarity on whether Beijing will retaliate or seek dialogue has left traders in limbo, with Bitcoin struggling to retest its $115,000 support level .

The crash was exacerbated by leveraged positions, which triggered a cascade of liquidations. CoinGlass data revealed $19 billion in closed positions, with over 1.6 million traders affected . High leverage-common in crypto-turned a sharp sell-off into a self-reinforcing spiral as margin calls and forced sales deepened the downturn. "Leverage amplifies volatility in a 24/7 market," said Hashdex CIO Samir Kerbage, adding that the altcoin complex was hit hardest, with some tokens dropping 40% . Even as Bitcoin rebounded to $114,800 by Monday, the market remains fragile, with $259 million in short liquidations fueling a tentative recovery Bitcoin Price Slips to $114,800 as US Tariff Shock Triggers Crypto ...^[2].

While short-term optimism has emerged-driven by easing trade rhetoric and $2.71 billion in Bitcoin ETF inflows-broader macroeconomic risks persist Bitcoin (BTC) Price News: Bulls Stifled Again - CoinDesk^[4]. Analysts warn that Trump's unpredictable policy shifts, combined with the U.S. government shutdown delaying SEC decisions on crypto ETFs, could reignite panic. "The market is still pricing in a potential escalation," said Mudrex CEO Edul Patel, noting that Bitcoin's on-chain strength remains intact but requires a dovish Federal Reserve stance to gain momentum Bitcoin Price Slips to $114,800 as US Tariff Shock Triggers Crypto ...^[2]. Meanwhile, the prospect of a prolonged trade war between the U.S. and China threatens to disrupt global supply chains, including critical sectors like semiconductors and AI, which underpin blockchain infrastructure .

Bitcoin's ability to reclaim $125,000 will hinge on de-escalating trade tensions and stabilizing leverage ratios. For now, traders are bracing for volatility, with technical indicators suggesting a consolidation phase between $110,000 and $118,000 Bitcoin (BTC) Price News: Bulls Stifled Again - CoinDesk^[4]. "This is a recalibration, not a bear market," said Avinash Shekhar of Pi42, citing Ethereum's rebound above $4,100 as a sign of resilience Bitcoin Price Slips to $114,800 as US Tariff Shock Triggers Crypto ...^[2]. However, until geopolitical risks abate and institutional confidence returns, Bitcoin's rally remains on hold.