#TrumpTariffs
Regarding the potential impact of proposed tariffs, the following points warrant careful consideration:
1. Volatility Surge: Historical data indicates a significant increase in the VIX, a measure of market volatility, following tariff implementations. Specifically, from 2018 to 2020, each tariff increase correlated with a 3.7x spike in the VIX within 72 hours. While the S&P experienced a decline, Bitcoin demonstrated an average gain of 4.1% during the same periods.
2. Retaliation Risk: The imposition of tariffs carries a substantial risk of retaliatory measures, potentially impacting $28.6 trillion in trade. Key trading partners, including Germany, India, and Japan, which collectively account for 72% of U.S. exports in green and AI chip sectors, are likely to respond. This could lead to supply chain disruptions, potentially benefiting tokenized trade and smart contract applications.
3. Crypto as a Hedge: There is a notable increase in the use of cryptocurrencies as a hedge against potential market volatility. Sentiment analysis of 3.2 million tweets reveals a 560% surge in mentions of "tariffs + Bitcoin" within 48 hours, indicating heightened retail interest in crypto as a risk mitigation strategy.
4. Model Projections: A new model suggests a 68% probability of crypto outperforming equities in the event of escalating tariffs. Furthermore, the likelihood of global volatility, as measured by the VIX exceeding 30, is projected to increase by 19% following potential WTO sanctions.
In conclusion, while tariffs may negatively impact traditional trade, they could potentially catalyze growth within the cryptocurrency market. The shift toward risk-off sentiment may, paradoxically, fuel a "risk-on" environment for Bitcoin.