Anndy Lian
Consumer confidence rises amid trade optimism, Bitcoin surges as institutions pile in
The global financial landscape has experienced a shift in recent days, driven by a series of interconnected developments that have bolstered risk sentiment worldwide. At the heart of this shift is the openness expressed by both the United States and the European Union to pursue a trade agreement, a move that has temporarily eased tensions in what had been a brewing tariff war.
President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone the implementation of a 50 per cent tariff on EU goods until July 9 has acted as a catalyst, sparking a rally in risk assets and providing markets with a much-needed reprieve. Coupled with an unexpected uptick in US consumer confidence, a surge in cryptocurrency investments, and nuanced movements in equities, bonds, and commodities, these events paint a complex picture of optimism tinged with lingering uncertainties.
I’ll walk you through the key elements, their implications for the global economy and financial markets, and the potential risks that remain on the horizon.
The US-EU trade thaw: A turning point for risk sentiment
The decision to delay the 50 per cent tariff on EU goods marks a significant departure from the aggressive trade rhetoric that has characterised US-EU relations in recent months. This postponement, announced following a weekend call between President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reflects a mutual recognition of the stakes involved. The US-EU trade relationship is the largest in the world, with billions of dollars in goods and services exchanged annually.
A full-blown trade war would have disrupted supply chains, increased costs for consumers, and rattled global markets. By pushing the tariff deadline to July 9, both sides have bought themselves time to negotiate a broader agreement, signalling a willingness to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
This development has had an immediate and profound effect on global risk sentiment. Investors, who had been bracing for the economic fallout of heightened tariffs, have responded with a wave of optimism. The S&P 500 surged by 2.1 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.8 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.5 per cent—a clear indication that markets are breathing a sigh of relief.
This rally in US equities underscores the sensitivity of financial markets to trade policy and highlights the potential for even modest de-escalation to drive significant gains. However, this optimism is not without its caveats. The postponement is a temporary measure, and the success of ongoing negotiations will determine whether this newfound stability endures or gives way to renewed uncertainty.
Consumer confidence: A bright spot amid cooling tensions
Adding to the positive momentum is the latest reading from the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which surprised on the upside, breaking a five-month streak of declines.
This uptick is particularly significant given the backdrop of a cooling tariff war. Consumer confidence is a bellwether for economic health, as it directly influences spending behaviour—the lifeblood of the US economy, which relies heavily on consumer activity for growth. The fact that this improvement coincides with the trade thaw suggests that Americans are feeling more optimistic about their financial prospects, likely buoyed by the prospect of stable prices and job security that a trade agreement could reinforce.
This data point carries broader implications. Stronger consumer sentiment could translate into increased spending in the coming months, providing a tailwind for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers. It also strengthens the case for a resilient US economy, which has faced headwinds from inflation, interest rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions.
However, consumer confidence can be fickle, and any setbacks in the US-EU trade talks could quickly erode these gains. For now, though, this upside surprise serves as a powerful complement to the improving risk sentiment, reinforcing the narrative of a market rebound.
Market reactions: Equities, bonds, and commodities in focus
The financial markets have wasted no time in reflecting these developments, with a broad rally in risk assets accompanied by nuanced shifts in other asset classes. The US Dollar Index, which had been under pressure in recent weeks, reversed its losses and gained 0.6 per cent.
This rebound reflects renewed confidence in the US economy and the potential for a more predictable trade environment. A stronger dollar has implications for global trade, as it can make US exports more expensive while lowering the cost of imports—a dynamic that could influence the ongoing negotiations with the EU.
In the bond market, Treasuries have seen a strong rally, particularly at the long end of the yield curve. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note fell by 7 basis points to 4.44 per cent, signalling a flight to safety even amid the risk-on rally in equities.
This seemingly paradoxical movement suggests that investors are hedging their bets, seeking the security of government bonds while the trade situation remains fluid. It also hints at expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve, which may opt to keep interest rates steady—or even cut them—if trade stability supports economic growth without stoking inflation.
Commodities, meanwhile, have presented a mixed picture. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, slid by 1.2 per cent to US$3,305 per ounce as demand for safety waned in the face of improving risk sentiment. This decline is a direct consequence of the reduced fear of economic disruption, as investors pivot toward riskier assets like stocks.
Brent crude oil, on the other hand, fell by 1.0 per cent, pressured by concerns over potentially rising supply from OPEC+ producers. The oil market remains a wildcard, sensitive to both geopolitical developments and production decisions, but the broader improvement in risk sentiment has helped stabilise prices and prevent a sharper sell-off.
Asian equity indices were mixed in early trading, reflecting a cautious optimism that mirrors the global mood. Some markets gained ground, while others remained subdued, indicating that investors are still weighing the risks of renewed trade tensions.
US equity index futures, however, suggest that stocks are poised to open higher, building on the momentum from the previous session. This resilience in US markets is a testament to their ability to navigate uncertainty, though it also underscores the importance of a lasting resolution to the trade standoff.
The crypto angle: Trump media, Bitcoin, and beyond
In an unexpected twist, Trump Media and Technology Group, the social media company founded by President Trump, has announced plans to raise US$2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin. This move injects a new layer of intrigue into the market narrative, blending politics, finance, and the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin has been trading between US$107,000 and US$110,000 since hitting a new all-time high of US$111,970, with market sentiment cooling somewhat. Unlike past rallies driven by retail frenzy, this uptrend has been fuelled by institutional and whale accumulation—a sign of a more mature and potentially sustainable market.
Over the past week, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen US$2.9 billion in inflows, while the number of Bitcoin whales holding at least 1,000 BTC has risen to 1,455, according to Glassnode data. The Accumulation Trend Score, which climbed to 0.93 last week, further confirms this strong buying activity.
Ethereum, too, is making waves, having reclaimed a key technical level that has historically preceded sharp price gains and sparked “altseasons”—periods when alternative cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin. At US$2,643, Ether remains fragile, with US$123 billion in supply near its cost basis at risk of flipping into a loss if momentum falters.
Still, the potential for an altcoin market cap surge toward US$15 trillion looms large if Bitcoin dominance follows its post-halving pattern and declines. This dynamic highlights the interconnectedness of the crypto market, where gains in one asset can ripple across others.
Standard Chartered has also entered the fray, predicting that Solana, a blockchain rival to Ethereum, will reach US$275 by year’s end, while Ethereum hits US$4,000. However, the bank cautions that Solana is likely to underperform Ethereum over the next two to three years due to scaling issues that limit its application beyond meme coins.
Currently trading at US$180, Solana has gained 19 per cent over the past month, while Ethereum, at nearly US$2,700, has surged nearly 50 per cent over the same period, per CoinGecko data. These predictions underscore the competitive landscape of cryptocurrencies, where technological innovation and adoption will dictate long-term winners.
My point of view: Optimism tempered by caution
From my perspective, the improvement in global risk sentiment is a welcome development that reflects the power of diplomacy to stabilise markets and economies. The postponement of the 50 per cent tariff on EU goods, combined with the uptick in US consumer confidence, paints a picture of a world economy that is regaining its footing after months of uncertainty.
The rally in risk assets, the rebound in the US dollar, and the resilience of US equities all point to a market that is eager to embrace positive news. Even the cryptocurrency space, with Trump Media’s bold Bitcoin play and Ethereum’s technical breakout, suggests that innovation and risk-taking are alive and well.
Yet, I can’t help but temper this optimism with caution. The trade agreement between the US and EU is far from finalised, and the July 9 deadline looms as a potential flashpoint. Any breakdown in negotiations could reignite tensions, sending shockwaves through markets that have grown accustomed to this newfound stability.
The mixed performance of Asian equities and the decline in commodity prices like gold and Brent crude remind us that not all corners of the global economy are fully convinced of a lasting recovery. In the crypto realm, the fragility of Ethereum and the scaling challenges facing Solana highlight the speculative nature of these assets, where gains can vanish as quickly as they appear.
For investors, this is a time to balance opportunity with vigilance. The potential benefits of a stronger US economy, supported by consumer spending and trade stability, are significant, but so are the risks of a reversal. The intersection of traditional finance with cryptocurrencies, as exemplified by Trump Media’s move, adds an exciting yet unpredictable dimension to the landscape.
My view is that while the current trajectory is encouraging, the global economy remains at a crossroads. The next few weeks, as US-EU talks progress and key economic data rolls in, will be critical in determining whether this rally has legs—or whether it’s merely a pause before the next storm.
In summary, the improvement in global risk sentiment is a multifaceted story of trade diplomacy, consumer resilience, and market dynamics. It’s a narrative that offers hope but demands scrutiny, as the interplay of these factors will shape the financial world for months to come.
I’ll be watching closely, ready to report on the twists and turns that lie ahead. For now, the markets are cheering—but the applause may yet turn to silence if the underlying challenges resurface.
Source: https://e27.co/consumer-confidence-rises-amid-trade-optimism-bitcoin-surges-as-institutions-pile-in-20250528/
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