The global economy is approaching a critical juncture. As trade wars evolve into open geopolitical threats and financial indicators worsen, many investors are turning their attention to cryptocurrencies as a potential hedge. The latest reports from Fitch Ratings and the Federal Reserve, both released on June 20, 2025, highlight deepening cracks in the financial system—just as digital assets find renewed relevance.
A Global Reset in Motion?
In a statement that drew worldwide attention, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared, “Russia and China see the road to a new world order.” These words coincide with growing volatility across trade routes and energy corridors, with rumors of escalating conflict in the Middle East further shaking investor confidence.
The economic system we knew is shifting, and with traditional assets under pressure, crypto could finally claim its place as a neutral, decentralized, and borderless solution. As Dey There notes, history may be repeating itself—but with crypto playing a starring role.
Fitch Ratings: Conditions Have Worsened
In its mid-year global outlook, Fitch Ratings reported that 56 of the 288 credit outlooks reviewed so far in 2025 have been downgraded, while only 3% showed signs of improvement. This marks a significant deterioration compared to the start of the year.
“Uncertainty in trade and tariffs, weak growth expectations, persistently high interest rates in the U.S., and geopolitical risks were the dominant themes of Fitch’s June update,” the report stated.
“The investment climate is deteriorating. Performance outlooks across most asset classes are either flat or worsening. Negative outlooks have surged from 10% to 29% since January.”
Sectors hit hardest include banking, insurance, and non-bank financial institutions, all revising forecasts downward as macroeconomic stability becomes elusive.
The Fed Flags Liquidity Stress
While Fitch sounded the alarm, the Federal Reserve offered a more nuanced assessment. In its latest financial stability review, the Fed noted that tariff impacts have yet to appear in hard data, but market sensitivity is rising.
“Liquidity in key markets such as equities and bonds has improved since early 2023 but remains vulnerable to trade policy news,” the report said.
“April saw a return to orderly Treasury operations, though liquidity levels have not recovered to early 2023 benchmarks.”
This precarious environment leaves little room for policy errors. As energy prices climb and global alliances realign, any escalation in trade wars or military tension could trigger wider systemic shocks.
Could Crypto Be the Safe Haven?
The possibility of a worst-case scenario—energy blockades, prolonged conflicts, or multi-nation tariff escalations—has left many analysts divided. While doomsday projections are common in financial media, few predicted that the crypto market would remain resilient in such conditions.
Historical patterns show that when trust in fiat systems declines, interest in decentralized alternatives often surges. However, the sustainability of this trend depends on whether the world tilts further toward chaos—or pivots to diplomacy.
Political Gambits and Economic Reality
As the U.S. election cycle intensifies, former President Donald Trump is back in the spotlight. Known for bold rhetoric and surprising compromises, Trump’s dual approach to tariffs—severe declarations followed by backdoor diplomacy—has already shifted market sentiment.
Countries once sidelined are now lining up to sign trade deals. Even China and the U.S. are reportedly exploring avenues to ease tensions, while the Biden administration, despite mounting pressure, has opted for restraint over retaliation.
Energy warfare remains a looming threat, particularly with Iran’s potential to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil supply. However, even that risk might serve Russia’s geopolitical strategy, pressuring Europe into energy dependence.
Despite these dangers, cryptocurrencies could benefit from global uncertainty. A resolution to current tensions could unleash a major rally, but a collapse into open conflict would shift global focus from financial markets to survival.
As Dey There emphasizes, crypto investors should brace for both opportunity and volatility in the weeks ahead. The window for crypto to prove itself as the world’s “independent channel” may be opening—just as traditional systems start to crack.
