Bitcoin Stable at $94K While Market Waits for U.S. Data

Bitcoin continues to hold steady above the $94,000 mark after rebounding from last week’s correction. As traders brace for major macroeconomic updates—including U.S. PCE inflation, GDP data, and unemployment figures—the crypto market remains resilient.

Market Overview

On Monday (April 28, U.S. time), the Dow Jones and S&P 500 saw modest gains, while the Nasdaq dipped 0.1%. Futures were slightly higher. Gold adjusted to $3342/ounce and oil hovered near $61.8/barrel.

Bitcoin remained around $94,000. Most major altcoins were flat. Total crypto market capitalization reached $3.077 trillion.

U.S. BTC spot ETFs brought in a strong $591.2 million in net inflows, predominantly from BlackRock’s IBIT. ETH spot ETFs also registered $64.1 million in inflows via ETHA.

Tariff Tensions and Mixed Signals Between U.S. and China

Amid the ongoing U.S.–China trade conflict, market attention turned to conflicting messages. Chinese officials claimed President Xi has not spoken to President Trump and denied any ongoing trade talks. In contrast, the White House asserted that negotiations had taken place daily last week with the Chinese delegation.

Though discrepancies remain, market reaction has become more muted. Investors seem desensitized after multiple rounds of tariff tension, with more focus now on potential Fed rate cuts than trade surprises. Treasury Secretary Scott Basson noted that while he wasn't sure if the two presidents had spoken, he had personally communicated with Chinese officials on financial stability and trade. He suggested that differing definitions of "negotiation" could explain the disagreement.

Basson emphasized that China stands to lose more, given its exports to the U.S. are five times those in reverse. India is now seen as a frontrunner for securing a new trade deal with the U.S., with Japan potentially following.

Global Trade Sentiment Improves Outside China

Countries like Germany and Japan have voiced support for a “zero-for-zero” trade framework with the U.S., signaling optimism. Meanwhile, consumer impacts in the U.S. are already being felt. E-commerce platform Temu added an average 145% import fee, raising product prices dramatically. For instance, a summer dress rose from $18.47 to $44.68, while a child’s swimsuit jumped from $12.44 to $31.12. Temu may now lose its low-price edge.

Chinese factories are also feeling pressure. Many are reducing output, furloughing workers, or pivoting to domestic e-commerce. Export-heavy hubs like Yiwu and Dongguan are seeing major slowdowns. Cameron Johnson of Tidalwave Solutions stated some factories had halved staff and halted production.

The Economic Risk of Prolonged Tariff Conflict

U.S. consumers may eventually face higher prices, but China, as the larger exporter, is bearing the brunt. Sixty-two percent of U.S. CEOs predict a coming recession or growth slowdown, mainly due to tariff instability. While the U.S. government has paused tariff hikes for 90 days, economists remain skeptical about long-term damage.

Still, not all recessions are alike. A brief downturn—like the 2-month 2020 event resolved by Fed intervention—may not derail markets. Historically, asset prices often rally after economic shocks.

Bitcoin Price Forecast: $120K or Even $210K This Year?

Standard Chartered projects Bitcoin could reach $120,000 in Q2, fueled by capital shifting from USD-linked assets. With U.S. Treasury bond term premiums at 12-year highs, investors are flocking to alternatives like BTC. Whale accumulation and ETF inflows from gold to BTC further support this trend.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that under President Trump, Bitcoin is becoming a normalized financial asset. He argued Bitcoin should be treated like a commodity—akin to gold or oil—rather than a currency or security.

Other forecasts are even more bullish. Quant trading firm Presto sees BTC hitting $210,000 in 2024. They argue Bitcoin mirrors tech stocks in bull markets and gold in uncertainty. NYDIG observed Bitcoin gained 13% in April while stocks and the USD declined, highlighting BTC’s growing role as a value-preserving “digital gold.”

Strategic Bitcoin Accumulation and Regulatory Developments

Arizona passed a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, which awaits the governor's signature. If approved, Arizona would become the first U.S. state to officially hold Bitcoin.

On Monday, Strategy added 15,355 BTC (~$1.42 billion), bringing total holdings to 553,555 BTC with a $68,459 average cost basis.

Coinbase is launching a new institutional-only Bitcoin yield fund on May 1, targeting 4–8% annual returns paid in BTC. Meanwhile, Nexo will resume full services in the U.S. after a two-year regulatory standoff, citing a more favorable innovation climate under the Trump administration.

Senator Josh Hawley introduced the PELOSI Act to ban stock trading by members of Congress.

Donald Trump Jr. announced a new private club, Executive Branch, with a $500,000 entry fee and a waitlist. Founders include David Sacks and the Winklevoss twins, aiming to recreate the networking vibe of the former Trump Hotel.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s march toward $100K is supported by institutional inflows, macro instability, and tariff-induced uncertainty. As investors look for alternatives to dollar-based assets and navigate volatile trade dynamics, BTC’s positioning as a hedge and store of value becomes increasingly credible.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct independent research or consult with a professional before making financial decisions.