Bitcoin soars, Markets rattle on fresh Tariffs 14/07/2025

HOT stories for today

US market wrap:

• Stocks ended a losing week after a red Friday, though major indexes remain near record highs, with the S&P 500 down 0.31% for its first weekly loss in three, the Dow off 1.02% ending a three-week winning streak, and the Nasdaq slipping 0.08% to snap its own streak. It was a volatile stretch, as record prices mixed with paused tariffs and a fresh 35% threat on Canada if trade talks stall, yet early earnings reports revealed resilient U.S. consumers still spending despite higher costs. 
• Earnings season picks up later this week, with major banks like JPMorgan Chase reporting from Tuesday, while investors eye growing tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, after National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that Trump could fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell “if there’s cause.”

Bitcoin soars, Markets rattle on fresh Tariffs

• Bitcoin surged to a new record above $122,000 on Monday, driven by strong inflows into bitcoin ETFs, with prices briefly touching $122,249.90, according to Coin Metrics. Thursday marked the biggest ETF inflow day of 2025, totaling $1.18 billion. Meanwhile, global markets faced pressure after President Trump announced a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1. Despite recent signs of progress in negotiations, the EU received a fresh tariff warning from Trump after he withdrew an earlier 50% threat. 
• The EU, which collectively exports more to the U.S. than any single country, with over $553 billion in goods shipped in 2022, is preparing to open lower. However, officials say they remain “ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1.”

Stocks on the move:

• Penn Entertainment (PENN): Shares of the casino and gaming company slid over 5% after disappointing regional gaming revenue reports. Both Iowa and Indiana posted year-over-year declines in statewide gaming income on Friday.
• Robinhood (HOOD): The trading platform climbed 1.5% to reach a record high, boosted by bitcoin’s surge to fresh all-time highs. MicroStrategy (MSTR) similarly advanced more than 2%.
• Levi Strauss (LEVI): The denim brand jumped 10% after its second-quarter earnings exceeded analyst forecasts.
• Performance Food Group (PFGC): The stock surged 8% after a Bloomberg report suggested that US Foods (USFD) is exploring a potential acquisition of the food distributor.

Watchlist: COIN, PENN, FAST, RBLX, NVDA, MSFT, META, JPM

Today’s action

• Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday, with bitcoin reaching record highs and investors weighing the impact of U.S. President Trump’s 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico. Chinese exports exceeded forecasts, and imports rebounded in June, while Singapore avoided a technical recession but warned of ongoing economic uncertainty. 
• In the U.S., equity futures retreated as tariff concerns persisted. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.4%, Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.5%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 183 points, or 0.4%. Investors are also awaiting key U.S. inflation data this week to gauge the economic effects of tariffs. Meanwhile, earnings season picks up pace, with major banks like JPMorgan Chase (JPM) reporting starting Tuesday.

Bitcoin

• Crypto markets are surging: Bitcoin hit a fresh record above $121K, while Ethereum climbed past $3,000, driven by strong ETF inflows and renewed staking interest. Solana and other altcoins are also gaining as investor sentiment improves. In the U.S., Congress is advancing key crypto laws on stablecoins and digital assets, aiming for clearer industry rules.
• Meanwhile, EU regulators are cracking down on misleading crypto marketing under MiCA rules, and the Bank of England has warned banks against launching their own stablecoins. Institutional adoption and global regulations remain key drivers behind the crypto rally.
  Watchlist: BTC: 99,000–123,000 | ETH: 2,000–3,100 | SOL: 140–220

Forex

• The Japanese Yen remains weak near a three-week low against the US Dollar, pressured by trade tensions, falling real wages, and reduced expectations for BoJ rate hikes in 2025. Domestic political uncertainty further dampens yen sentiment. Meanwhile, steady USD strength is supported by fading bets on a near-term Fed rate cut.
• In parallel, the EUR/USD pair trades cautiously around 1.1670, as the Euro struggles after the U.S. announced 30% tariffs on EU imports starting August 1. EU leaders, including Von Der Leyen, have warned of potential countermeasures. Upcoming US CPI data later this week could provide the next major catalyst for the dollar.
  Watchlist: EUR/USD: 1.1000–1.1850 | USD/JPY: 140–162

Basic Materials

• WTI crude dipped toward $67.30 per barrel in Asian trading Monday, after last session’s 2.5% rally. Rising supply from Saudi Arabia, which surpassed its OPEC+ output target, combined with escalating global trade tensions, pressured oil prices. Traders are also watching for potential new U.S. sanctions on Russia, which could impact supply.
• Meanwhile, gold (XAU/USD) eased slightly from a three-week high near $3,374, though its downside appears limited. Reduced bets on near-term Fed rate cuts support the U.S. dollar, acting as a headwind for gold. However, escalating tariff tensions continue to drive safe-haven demand, providing underlying support for bullion.
  Watchlist: Gold: 2,600–3,500 | US Oil: 55.60–75.80

Economic Calendar (EST):

No major economic data today!
 

Earnings:

BMO (Before Market Open)
FAST      Fastenal Company

AMC (After Market Close): FBK, EQBK, SLP


The TEFS Analyst team wishes you a successful day!