Hedera’s recent pump has caught attention, but zooming out tells a different story. Price is tapping into a familiar technical zone that previously triggered a major drop, but will history repeat itself? Despite a short-term rally, Hedera ( HBAR ) continues to trend lower on the higher time frames. The current price action mirrors a past setup that resulted in a significant macro lower high. This historical parallel presents a technical case for caution, especially as Hedera tests a critical resistance zone. Key technical points Hedera is currently trading at the point of control and 0.618 Fibonacci—identical confluence to the last macro lower high. Volume remains below average, failing to support a sustained breakout. No daily candle closures above resistance confirms it as a valid rejection zone. HBARUSDT (4H) TimeFrame Source: TradingView The high time frame structure for Hedera remains clearly bearish. Price action has been following a consistent pattern of lower highs and lower lows. The last major swing high formed when price tapped into the point of control and 0.618 Fibonacci retracement, exactly where Hedera is now. This type of confluence is significant because it signals a zone where sellers have historically taken control. Currently, the volume profile shows no strong buy-side aggression, and the market is approaching this resistance with muted momentum. Without a convincing close above the level, this is simply another test of resistance within a larger downtrend. You might also like: Hyperliquid price testing range high: potential failed auction zone for a reversal ? The risk here is that this setup forms a new macro lower high, opening the path for a continuation move downward. The next key support below the current swing low sits at $0.12. A break below that would confirm the next leg down in this ongoing bearish structure. What to expect in the coming price action If Hedera confirms a rejection here, especially with a strong daily close below resistance, then it’s highly likely that we’ll see a rotation back toward the $0.12 region. This would not only continue the downtrend but also establish a fresh lower low. However, if the resistance is broken with volume and sustained candles, it could flip the bias temporarily bullish. But until then, trend traders will view this as a short opportunity at key resistance. Read more: What to know about IOTA’s Rebased upgrade: deprecated Firefly wallets, changes in validator tokenomics
Cardano (ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson announced today a series of new developments and strategic partnerships aimed at expanding Cardano’s ecosystem and strengthening its position as a major player in the blockchain industry. Hoskinson revealed that Cardano is currently in talks with Ripple regarding a potential collaboration involving Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD. “Things are going really well with Ripple. We’re in talks with RLUSD,” he said, suggesting that deeper interoperability between the two blockchain networks could be on the horizon. In another promising development, Hoskinson said that Flare Networks, the team behind the FLR token, is interested in joining the Cardano ecosystem to collaborate on oracle solutions. Related News: This Binance-Listed Altcoin Shared a Mysterious Message from its Official X Account: Price Reacts The Cardano founder also touched on talks with World Mobile Group, aiming to formalize a deeper partnership. “We talked about finalizing some formal relationships. I would like the second partner chain to be World Mobile. Right after Midnight, that’s next. We’re working in that direction,” he said. Hoskinson also touched on regulatory issues, expressing optimism about new leadership at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He praised newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, saying: “What Gensler did will fix a lot of the problems. Paul is part of the solution. All we have to do is legislate this and it will happen by August.” *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Cardano (ADA) Founder Charles Hoskinson Makes Very Special Ripple (XRP) Remarks
Bitcoin is gearing up for a significant volatility event, triggered by $7.25 billion in options that are set to expire. Bitcoin’s (BTC) derivative market may soon become a catalyst for major moves for BTC. On April 25, $7.25 billion in Bitcoin options are set to expire, typically triggering significant volatility. Still, the direction of this volatility remains uncertain. According to Marcin Kazmierczak, co-founder and COO of oracle provider RedStone, Bitcoin has shown notable resilience. Compared to traditional markets, crypto assets have fared relatively well amid recent macroeconomic uncertainty. “Tomorrow’s expiry looks particularly spicy, coming at a time when the market seems undecided about its next major move,” Kazmierczak said in a note sent to crypto.news. Bitcoin open interest by expiry dates | Source: Coinglass On April 25, a total of 32.74k put contracts and 44.93k call contracts are set to expire. The market value of these contracts stands at $24.20 million for puts and $127.82 million for calls. The significant gap between puts and calls, with calls outnumbering puts by roughly 5x, suggests that traders are leaning toward a bullish outcome. Smart money is betting on volatility: Kazmierczak Kazmierczak acknowledges that options expiry events often contribute to significant market swings. If all contracts were exercised, their total notional value would be $7.25 billion, a figure that could have a noticeable impact on BTC’s price. For this reason, he believes that smart money is preparing for volatility. Smart money is likely positioning for some dramatic swings, making this a perfect moment for both opportunity seekers and cautious investors to pay close attention,” Marcin Kazmierczak, RedStone. At the same time, he highlights the continued maturation of the crypto ecosystem. This provides long-term investors with a chance to capitalize on volatility and secure more favorable entry points. “While we may face volatility around options expiries, the underlying fundamentals remain exceptionally strong, with stablecoin volumes, Bitcoin adoption, and real-world asset tokenization all showing remarkable growth trajectories.” You might also like: DOW Jones down 1000 points amid uncertainty over tariffs, Fed’s future Kazmierczak also noted that the crypto markets have remained relatively steady in comparison to equities. In contrast, traditional markets have faced notable turbulence, largely due to fears surrounding the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs on major trading partners. “It’s worth noting that crypto markets have demonstrated surprising resilience compared to traditional markets, which have been rocked by tariff concerns – a sign that digital assets may be establishing their own market dynamics less correlated to traditional financial turbulence.” You might also like: How to invest in Bitcoin without buying it
Citrea, the ZK rollup designed to enhance Bitcoin’s blockspace capabilities, has launched its Clementine Bridge, marking the first complete BitVM bridge design on the Bitcoin Testnet. This deployment represents an advancement in extending bitcoin’s utility to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, addressing the longstanding challenge of creating a secure bridge between Bitcoin and secondary layers. The
The legal fallout from the dramatic FTX collapse continues, and a significant development has just emerged involving one of the most recognizable figures who endorsed the now-bankrupt crypto exchange: NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal. Recent court filings reveal that Shaquille O’Neal has reached a settlement with the group of investors who filed a lawsuit against him. The investors alleged that O’Neal’s promotion of FTX contributed to their losses following the platform’s sudden implosion in late 2022. What Does the Shaquille O’Neal FTX Lawsuit Settlement Mean? The core of the matter is the legal action taken by investors who lost funds when FTX went bankrupt. They targeted several high-profile individuals who had promoted the exchange, arguing that their endorsements lent credibility to a platform that ultimately proved to be unstable and, according to regulators, fraudulent. Shaquille O’Neal was among these prominent figures. While the settlement has been reached, the specific terms and the amount of money involved remain confidential for the time being. This information is expected to be disclosed once the preliminary court approval process is completed. Confidential settlements are common in complex legal cases, allowing parties to resolve disputes outside of a public trial while managing the disclosure of sensitive financial details. This FTX investor settlement marks a notable step in the sprawling legal challenges stemming from the exchange’s failure. It suggests a willingness from at least one high-profile defendant to resolve the claims against them rather than proceeding to trial. The Context: Celebrity Crypto Endorsements Under Scrutiny The lawsuit against O’Neal is part of a larger legal effort by affected investors to recoup some of their losses. The investors are collectively seeking substantial damages – potentially up to $21 billion – from a wide array of FTX promoters, brand ambassadors, and company insiders. The case highlights the increasing scrutiny placed on celebrity crypto lawsuit cases. For years, cryptocurrency platforms heavily relied on famous personalities from sports, entertainment, and finance to market their services to a broader audience. These endorsements often featured celebrities touting the ease of use, potential returns, and trustworthiness of platforms like FTX. However, the failures of platforms like FTX and others have led many to question the responsibility of these endorsers. Critics argue that celebrities promoting complex and risky financial products, like crypto assets and trading platforms, should conduct thorough due diligence and be held accountable if those platforms cause significant harm to consumers. Key points regarding celebrity endorsements and crypto: Regulatory Warnings: Financial regulators in various countries have issued warnings about celebrity crypto endorsements, noting that they may not be impartial and that the products being promoted are often high-risk. Investor Reliance: Many new investors entering the crypto space may have been influenced by the trust they place in familiar celebrities, potentially overlooking the inherent volatility and risks. Legal Challenges: Lawsuits like the one involving Shaq argue that these endorsements were misleading or constituted unregistered securities promotion, leading to financial harm. Why Did Investors Target Promoters After the FTX Collapse? The sheer scale of losses incurred during the FTX collapse fueled the investors’ determination to pursue legal action against anyone they believed contributed to the platform’s perceived legitimacy and subsequent failure. FTX was one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, and its sudden bankruptcy wiped out billions in customer funds, impacting millions globally. The investors’ legal strategy is based on the premise that the endorsements by figures like Shaquille O’Neal provided a veneer of safety and mainstream acceptance to FTX, encouraging people to deposit their money onto the platform. They argue that without such high-profile backing, fewer people would have trusted FTX, and thus, fewer would have suffered losses. While the settlement amount in the crypto endorsement settlement with Shaq remains private for now, its existence is significant. It could potentially influence other ongoing lawsuits against different celebrities and promoters involved with FTX and other failed crypto ventures. It signals that settling might be a preferable option for some defendants facing lengthy and potentially damaging litigation. What’s Next for Other FTX Lawsuits? Shaquille O’Neal was just one of many public figures sued by FTX investors. Others include comedian Larry David, NFL star Tom Brady and his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, and basketball star Stephen Curry. These individuals also face allegations related to their promotional activities for FTX. The settlement with O’Neal does not directly impact the cases against these other defendants, but it sets a precedent for how such claims might be resolved. Each case will likely proceed based on the specific nature of the endorsement, the legal arguments presented, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. The broader legal landscape post-FTX is complex, involving criminal charges against former executives, bankruptcy proceedings, and numerous civil lawsuits aimed at recovering funds for creditors and investors. The Shaquille O’Neal FTX lawsuit settlement is just one piece of this massive legal puzzle. Actionable Insights for Investors and the Crypto Industry The FTX saga and the subsequent lawsuits offer crucial lessons: Investor Due Diligence: Relying solely on celebrity endorsements is risky. Investors must conduct their own research into any platform or asset before committing funds. Understand the technology, the company behind it, and the inherent risks. Celebrity Responsibility: The legal challenges suggest a growing expectation that public figures promoting financial products have a responsibility to understand what they are endorsing and disclose potential conflicts of interest. Regulatory Focus: Expect continued regulatory attention on crypto marketing practices, particularly those targeting retail investors. The resolution of the claims against Shaquille O’Neal is a notable development, but the path to recovery for FTX victims remains long and complex, involving numerous legal battles on multiple fronts. Conclusion: A Step Towards Resolving FTX Legal Battles The news that Shaquille O’Neal has reached a settlement in the Shaquille O’Neal FTX lawsuit brought by investors is a significant, albeit confidential, step towards resolving some of the legal fallout from the exchange’s collapse. While the terms are not yet public, this agreement allows O’Neal to move past the litigation related to his endorsement activities. For the investors, this settlement represents a potential avenue for recovering some portion of their losses, though the full scope will only be known once the details are approved and released. The case underscores the considerable risks associated with celebrity-backed financial promotions and the intense legal scrutiny that follows major industry failures like the FTX collapse . As other lawsuits against promoters and insiders continue, the outcome of this FTX investor settlement may provide a roadmap or set expectations for future resolutions in the ongoing saga of one of crypto’s biggest downfalls. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends and legal developments, explore our articles on key events shaping the cryptocurrency landscape.
If you’ve been watching markets and feel like they’ve lost the plot, you’re not alone. Bitcoin jumped over 6% in 24 hours, breaking above $94,000 on April 23, its highest level since March, before easing slightly to current levels. It broke out of its month-long trading range just as macro uncertainty peaked. Table of Contents When risk-off becomes risk-on Bitcoin finally goes its own way? Powell, politics, and the Fed’s fragility Greed for Bitcoin returns The end of market logic? Final thoughts Signals clashed. Logic folded. The usual correlations began to fray. Bitcoin, the digital wildcard once written off as pure speculation, surged. Stocks rose, then fell, reacting more to tweets and headlines than to earnings or data. The dollar slipped, with the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) hovering near 99, down from over 105 in late March. And the Fed found itself back in the spotlight, enduring a verbal barrage from the president, who branded its chair a “major loser.” It’s tempting to read crypto’s rise in isolation. But what’s happening is bigger. It’s a symptom of a market system where risk, safety, and strategy no longer play by the rules. When risk-off becomes risk-on Normally, when equities drop and geopolitical tensions flare, investors flock to safe havens, cash, treasuries, gold . Not Bitcoin. And yet here we are: BTC is up in a single day, and the broader altcoin market has followed, the total altcoin market cap rose from $997.56 billion on April 22 to $1.04 trillion on April 24. CMC Altcoin Season Index. Source: CoinMarketCap The Altcoin Season Index sits at 12, proof that this is a Bitcoin-led move. Investors aren’t rotating into crypto for fun. They’re hedging against politics, confusion, and a dollar losing its grip. And against the feeling that no one, not even Powell or Trump, knows what happens next. Bitcoin finally goes its own way? A month ago, Bitcoin’s 30-day correlation with the S&P 500 hovered around 0.9, almost indistinguishable from the major stock indexes. But by April 22, that figure had sharply declined. The correlation with the S&P 500 dropped to 0.35, with the Nasdaq Composite to 0.34, while the correlation with gold climbed to 0.39. Bitcoin 30-Day Pearson Correlation. Source: The Block But here’s where it gets interesting: gold spiked to a record $3,500 on April 22, then fell sharply as the dollar rebounded and stocks rose. Bitcoin didn’t flinch. It held its ground, echoing equities more than bullion. The takeaway is that Bitcoin isn’t copying gold or tech. It’s interpreting the noise in real time, with its own kind of logic. This makes Bitcoin’s divergence all the more striking in a macro landscape shaped by protectionism, tariff threats, and mixed messaging on trade. After Trump imposed a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing retaliated and accused the U.S. of unilateralism, demanding all tariffs be lifted. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied any plans for unilateral cuts, calling the current setup “the equivalent of an embargo” and “unsustainable.” Meanwhile, Trump himself hinted at tariff de-escalation, calling 145% “too high” and promising to be “very nice” to China, only for China to reject all overtures as “groundless.” The result? Market confusion and diplomatic gridlock. Investors saw gold spike before pulling back as Bessent’s comments boosted the dollar and stocks. Amid the chaos, Bitcoin remained steady. Like a generator in a blackout, it held firm while sovereign assets twisted with every headline. Untethered from policy posturing, it’s showing what it means to move outside the old script. So has Bitcoin finally gone its own way? It may be too early to say definitively, but the signs suggest it’s beginning to. Powell, politics, and the Fed’s fragility Political targeting of central banks is new terrain. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is under direct attack from Trump, who accuses him of political sabotage and hints at his replacement. Yet amid the backlash, Trump has also tried to reassure markets, stating he has “no intention” of firing the Fed Chair — at least for now. The mixed messages only heighten the atmosphere of uncertainty — forcing investors to think about where monetary policy might go when the referee is being booed off the field. Bitcoin, meanwhile, keeps inching higher. It’s not that investors suddenly trust crypto more — they just may trust it more than the headlines. Greed for Bitcoin returns Alongside Bitcoin’s breakout, investor sentiment has flipped sharply. In just one week, the crypto market sentiment has jumped from Fear to Greed. As of April 24, 2025, the Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index sits at 63, firmly in “Greed” territory, while CNN’s Fear & Greed gauge for U.S. equities remains in “Fear” territory at 28. But this isn’t classic bull euphoria, it’s survival optimism. Investors aren’t buying Bitcoin because the future looks bright. They’re buying it because everything else looks worse. This makes the shift in correlation with gold even more profound: it signals that greed isn’t fueled by momentum, it’s fueled by macro anxiety. The end of market logic? This could be the real takeaway: the cycle might be dead. We used to expect post-halving rallies, altcoin seasons, and ETF-driven hype. But it seems that this rhythm is gone and investors aren’t playing the old game. Instead, they’re preparing for a different one, one where the dollar weakens, trade decouples, central banks become political battlegrounds, and the only rational bet is something that sits outside the system. Final thoughts Markets usually move on patterns. But what if the pattern now is dislocation itself? What if Bitcoin’s strength isn’t a sign of investor confidence, but of investor disillusionment? That’s what makes this moment so important. It’s not just a rally. It’s a referendum. And for now, Bitcoin, that old symbol of rebellion, might be the closest thing we’ve got to rationality in a world where everything else has gone mad.
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Nvidia’s accelerator program appears to sidestep digital assets startups, with its help section listing crypto-focused companies as ineligible to join the tech giant's global network of founders. According to the program website, crypto companies and four other types of businesses are excluded from participating in Nvidia's Inception: consulting and outsourced development firms, cloud service providers, resellers and distributors, and companies that are already public. Nvidia’s Inception membership criteria. Source: Nvidia The move indicates a shift in Nvidia's policy regarding crypto startups in its accelerator program. For instance, in 2018, the company accepted Ubex — a startup combining blockchain and AI for digital advertising — in its Inception program. A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment on the eligibility policy. The Inception Program is designed for companies younger than 10 years in all stages of funding. Nvidia is best known for its semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering microchips for data centers. That same processing power has also made Nvidia’s hardware popular among crypto miners, with the company having previously explored crypto-related use cases for its products. Related: Public mining firms sold over 40% of their BTC in March — Report Nvidia and the US-China AI race Nvidia is one of the most valuable companies in the world in terms of market capitalization and a key player in the global artificial intelligence race. The company introduced its H20 chip in 2024, designed to comply with US export restrictions imposed during the Biden administration aimed at limiting China's access to advanced AI hardware. Despite being less powerful than Nvidia's top-tier chips, the H20 chips could still enable significant AI advancements in China. In response, the Trump administration imposed stricter export controls to require special licenses for H20 exports to China — a move that could impact Nvidia's sales. According to the BBC, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s sales in 2024. The company anticipates a $5.5 billion revenue hit tied to US export restrictions. Related: The next frontier for crypto will be decentralizing AI
In the dynamic world of global finance, understanding macro trends is crucial, not just for traditional investors but increasingly for those in the cryptocurrency space. While crypto often operates on its own unique drivers, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Major shifts in traditional markets, like the EUR/USD forecast from leading institutions, can signal broader economic forces at play that might indirectly influence liquidity, investor sentiment, and even the relative value of digital assets when converted back to fiat. What’s Behind the Deutsche Bank EUR/USD Forecast? Recently, a significant projection from Deutsche Bank caught the attention of market watchers. The influential financial institution has laid out a bold long-term view for the Euro-to-US Dollar exchange rate, forecasting a climb to 1.30 over the remainder of the decade. This isn’t just a short-term swing prediction; it represents a fundamental belief in the future trajectory of these major global currencies. Why such a strong conviction? Deutsche Bank’s outlook is based on several interconnected factors: Economic Rebalancing: The forecast anticipates a gradual shift in economic momentum between the Eurozone and the United States. While the US economy has shown robust performance in recent years, Deutsche Bank expects factors like demographics and structural reforms to potentially favor the Eurozone in the long run. Interest Rate Convergence: Although current interest rate differentials play a significant role in short-term currency movements, the long-term forecast suggests a convergence or even a reversal of these trends as central banks navigate inflation targets and economic growth objectives over the next several years. Current Account Dynamics: Changes in trade balances and international investment flows (current accounts) are powerful drivers of currency values over time. Deutsche Bank likely projects a scenario where the Eurozone’s current account position strengthens relative to that of the United States, increasing demand for the Euro. Capital Flows: Investor decisions on where to allocate capital globally are heavily influenced by perceived economic stability, growth potential, and return prospects. A positive long-term view on the Eurozone could attract more investment, boosting the Euro. This Forex outlook is not just a number; it’s a complex assessment of how major economies are expected to evolve. How Do Currency Trends Impact the Broader Financial Landscape? Understanding currency trends is vital because they act as a fundamental layer in the global financial system. For cryptocurrency investors, while direct correlation might not always be obvious, the indirect effects are meaningful: Relative Value: The strength or weakness of the US Dollar (or the Euro) affects the purchasing power of investors globally and can influence how attractive dollar-denominated assets (like many cryptocurrencies when priced in USD) appear to international buyers. Capital Mobility: Stronger confidence in a major currency bloc like the Eurozone could potentially shift capital flows, impacting liquidity pools across different asset classes, including digital assets. Inflation and Policy: The factors driving currency forecasts, such as inflation expectations and central bank policy (like interest rates), are also key drivers for risk asset valuations, including cryptocurrencies. A forecast like Deutsche Bank’s provides insight into these underlying macro pressures. Think of it this way: if you’re holding crypto and live in the Eurozone, a strengthening Euro against the Dollar means your crypto (if its value is stable in USD terms) is becoming relatively cheaper in your local currency. Conversely, if you’re a US-based investor, a weaker Dollar (implied by EUR/USD rising) could make international assets, including potentially certain crypto projects or markets, seem more appealing. What are the Challenges to This Long-Term Forecast? While Deutsche Bank presents a compelling case for their long-term forecast , it’s important to acknowledge that predicting currency movements over several years is fraught with challenges. Several factors could derail this projection: Unforeseen Economic Shocks: Global recessions, pandemics, or major financial crises can dramatically alter economic trajectories and currency valuations in ways models cannot predict. Geopolitical Events: Wars, political instability, or shifts in international relations can cause rapid and significant currency volatility, overriding economic fundamentals. Policy Divergence: While convergence is anticipated, central banks (like the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve) might pursue vastly different monetary policies based on their unique domestic conditions, maintaining or widening interest rate gaps. Structural Changes: Unexpected technological advancements, demographic shifts, or changes in global trade agreements could alter economic landscapes in unpredictable ways. Therefore, while the Deutsche Bank EUR/USD forecast provides a valuable framework, it should be viewed as one potential scenario among many, subject to a wide array of external risks. Actionable Insights for the Discerning Investor So, what can investors, including those focused on digital assets, take away from this Forex outlook ? Monitor Macro Trends: Pay attention to major economic indicators (inflation, GDP, employment) and central bank communications in both the Eurozone and the United States. These are the building blocks of the long-term forecast. Understand Currency Risk: If you invest internationally or hold assets denominated in a currency different from your own, be aware that currency fluctuations can impact your overall returns. A strong EUR/USD forecast suggests potential Euro strength, which has different implications depending on your base currency. Diversification Context: Consider how major currency shifts fit into your overall diversification strategy. While crypto is one asset class, understanding the potential shifts in major fiat currencies provides a broader perspective on global capital movements. Long-Term Perspective: Like Deutsche Bank’s forecast, successful investing often requires a long-term view. Avoid getting caught up in short-term volatility and focus on the underlying fundamental trends shaping economies and markets. The EUR/USD forecast from a major institution like Deutsche Bank serves as a reminder that traditional financial markets and their underlying economic drivers remain highly relevant in understanding the broader context in which all assets, including cryptocurrencies, operate. Concluding Thoughts Deutsche Bank’s projection of EUR/USD reaching 1.30 by the end of the decade is a significant statement about the potential future relative strength of the Euro against the US Dollar. This long-term forecast is underpinned by expectations of economic rebalancing, potential interest rate convergence, and shifts in global capital flows. While challenges and uncertainties abound, this Forex outlook provides a valuable data point for investors seeking to understand the potential trajectory of major currency trends and their potential indirect impact on the wider financial ecosystem, including the evolving world of digital assets. To learn more about the latest Forex market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping currency trends.
China has rejected Trump’s claims about trade talks and insisted that the U.S. lift all unilateral tariffs imposed on China. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the “astronomical” duties on Chinese goods will “come down substantially.” He promised to be “very nice” in future negotiations and said he would not raise the subject of the COVID-19 outbreak when the two sides meet. Those remarks cheered investors who hope smaller tariffs will reduce costs for businesses and consumers. Beijing, however, showed little interest. “He who tied the bell must untie it,” Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a Thursday briefing, repeating a Chinese proverb. “The unilateral tariff hikes were initiated by the United States. If Washington truly wishes to solve the problem, it should completely remove all unilateral tariff measures against China and handle differences through equal dialogue.” China’s officials dispute Trump’s claims Chinese officials also disputed Trump’s claim that trade talks are already underway. Late Wednesday, the president told reporters that U.S. and Chinese representatives speak “every day” about trade, though he offered no details. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed those comments the next morning. “These are all fake news,” Guo said. “To my knowledge, China and the United States have not engaged in any consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached any agreement.” Advisers close to Beijing’s leadership say Trump’s softer tone shows he is under domestic pressure from business and financial circles worried about the economic cost of the trade war. They argue that China, despite slower growth, can afford to wait while the United States deals with inflation and market swings. Xi has been trying to get Southeast Asia on his side Last week, President Xi Jinping toured Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand to pitch China as a steady economic partner for Southeast Asia. The trip aimed to highlight Beijing’s regional influence, but analysts note that China’s own economy is no longer expanding at the double-digit pace it once enjoyed, a factor that may eventually push it back to the negotiating table. Trump’s latest comments followed a private White House meeting with the chief executives of Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. According to people briefed on the session, the retailers warned that high import taxes, coupled with uncertainty about future policy, were squeezing profit margins and clouding holiday sales forecasts. Major investment banks have long argued that the U.S. tariffs, along with China’s 125 percent retaliatory duties on American exports, could tip both economies—and perhaps the world—into recession. While Trump did not spell out how deep the cuts might be, a senior White House official told the Wall Street Journal that Washington is thinking about trimming the current 145 percent tariff rate to somewhere “between roughly 50 percent and 65 percent.” News of a possible retreat was met with scorn on Chinese social media. On Wednesday, the hashtag “Trump chickened out” rose to the top of the popular Weibo platform, drawing more than 150 million views. Another tag discussing a plan to slice the duties to 50–65 percent also trended on Thursday. “Our side says we don’t care about that!” one user wrote, earning more than 1,000 likes. A second popular comment read, “If the so-called reciprocal tariffs aren’t even canceled—don’t bother negotiating with them!” Despite the online retaliation, both economies face mounting challenges. U.S. consumers are paying higher prices for Chinese-made goods, while exporters in many American farming states are struggling to regain lost market share. In China, factories that rely on U.S. demand report thinner order books month after month. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot