Bitcoin News Today: Trade Tensions Trigger Crash, But Institutional Resolve Fuels Bitcoin's Comeback

Bitcoin's price surged back to $116,000 on October 13, 2025, following a volatile weekend marked by a flash crash triggered by U.S.-China trade tensions. The cryptocurrency had plummeted to a low of $103,000 on Friday after President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff increase on Chinese goods in response to rare earth metal export controls. The move triggered a record $19 billion in liquidations, with Bitcoin dropping nearly 10% in five days Trump’s new 100% tariffs on China triggered a $19 billion ... - CNN^[3]. Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) also saw sharp declines, with ETH falling 14.2% to $3,742.88 and SOL dropping 20% to $178.72 Trump’s new 100% tariffs on China triggered a $19 billion ... - CNN^[3].

The market rebounded as trade tensions eased, with Bitcoin testing a "golden cross" technical pattern-a historically bullish signal where the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day average. Analysts cited this as a potential precursor to a parabolic price surge, referencing historical gains of 2,200% in 2017 and 1,190% in 2020 Daily Crypto Signals: Bitcoin and Ethereum Rally as US-China Trade Tensions Ease Market Recovers from Flash Crash - FXLeaders^[2]. By October 13, Bitcoin had reclaimed $115,000, while Ethereum stabilized above $4,100, with some analysts predicting a rebound to $4,500 Daily Crypto Signals: Bitcoin and Ethereum Rally as US-China Trade Tensions Ease Market Recovers from Flash Crash - FXLeaders^[2].

Institutional confidence remained resilient despite the volatility. Strategy Inc. (MSTR), the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder, acquired 220 BTC at an average price of $123,561 between October 6–12, 2025, despite the subsequent crash Strategy Boosts Bitcoin Holdings to 640,250 BTC After $27.2M … - Yahoo Finance^[5]. The firm's total holdings now stand at 640,250 BTC, valued at $47.38 billion, with a year-to-date yield of 25.9% . The purchases were funded through equity offerings, highlighting the company's long-term commitment to Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Market resilience was further underscored by record trading volumes. Weekly Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) trading surged to $53 billion, double the 2025 average, with Bitcoin ETFs alone attracting $2.67 billion in inflows Bitcoin and Ethereum Stage Dramatic Comeback Post-Crash: A … - Markets.FinancialContent^[4]. Funding rates in perpetual futures markets normalized within two hours of the crash, signaling a short-term shock rather than a structural market shift Daily Crypto Signals: Bitcoin and Ethereum Rally as US-China Trade Tensions Ease Market Recovers from Flash Crash - FXLeaders^[2].

Analysts noted that the correction served as a "leverage reset," unwinding excessive positioning and creating a healthier environment for sustained growth. While Bitcoin remains 8.8% below its peak of $126,000, the broader market's ability to absorb the shock reinforced its status as a strategic asset. Morgan Stanley's recent decision to open crypto access to all clients, including retirement accounts, further signaled growing institutional acceptance Bitcoin (BTC) Price News: Bulls Stifled Again - CoinDesk^[1].