This week saw significant volatility in the cryptocurrency markets, with Bitcoin recovering from a sharp decline to reclaim the $85,000 level. Trade tensions between the US and China, along with shifting policy signals from the White House, dominated market sentiment. Meanwhile, institutional players continued to make strategic moves despite the uncertainty.
Top Stories This Week
Bitcoin Rebounds to $85K as Trump Exempts Key Tech from Tariffs
Bitcoin has recovered to around $85,000 after falling as low as $74,000 earlier in the week, largely due to President Trump’s announcement exempting key technology components from reciprocal tariffs with China. This partial relief from trade war concerns has eased investor anxiety and helped Bitcoin buck its three-month downtrend.
Our take: The exemption of semiconductor and technology components from tariffs represents a significant policy shift that could reduce inflationary pressures on the tech sector, which has historically been positive for crypto markets. This recovery demonstrates Bitcoin’s resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Link to original article on CoinDesk
Michael Saylor’s Strategy Acquires $285M in Bitcoin Amid Market Uncertainty
Strategy, led by Michael Saylor, disclosed in an SEC filing that it acquired 3,459 BTC between April 7 and April 13 for $285.8 million, at an average price of approximately $82,600 per bitcoin. This purchase comes despite ongoing market volatility and global trade concerns.
Our take: Saylor’s continued accumulation strategy, even during periods of uncertainty, signals strong institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. This purchase is particularly notable as it occurred during a week when many investors were reducing risk exposure. Link to original article on Cointelegraph
Crypto Investment Products See $7.2B in Outflows Since February
Cryptocurrency investment products have experienced $7.2 billion in outflows since February, nearly wiping out all gains made in 2025. Last week alone saw $795 million exit these products, with CoinShares attributing the trend to ongoing uncertainty around US trade policies and their potential impact on global markets.
Our take: These significant outflows highlight how macroeconomic factors continue to influence institutional crypto investment. The contrast between retail sentiment (which remains relatively positive) and institutional positioning suggests a divergence in market outlook between different types of investors. Link to original article on Cointelegraph
Kraken Partners with Mastercard to Bring Bitcoin Payments to 150 Million Merchants
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard that will enable Bitcoin payments at over 150 million merchants worldwide. The integration will allow Kraken users to make purchases directly from their crypto balances, with automatic conversion to fiat currencies at the point of sale.
Our take: This partnership represents one of the largest mainstream adoption moves for cryptocurrency payments to date. By removing friction from the crypto spending process, Kraken and Mastercard are addressing one of the key barriers to everyday cryptocurrency use. Link to original article on Bitcoin Magazine
XRP Surges 13.7% as Rare Bullish Cross Signals Potential Rally
XRP has experienced a significant price surge of 13.7% over the past week, outperforming most major cryptocurrencies. Technical analysts point to a rare bullish cross in XRP’s indicators, with consistent higher lows and breakout volume suggesting further upside potential.
Our take: XRP’s strong performance comes despite the broader market uncertainty, indicating renewed investor interest possibly related to developments in Ripple’s ongoing regulatory clarity. This movement could signal a decoupling of certain altcoins from Bitcoin’s price action. Link to original article on CoinDesk
Market Overview
Bitcoin closed the week at approximately $85,000, recovering from a low of $74,000 on Monday—an impressive 14.8% rebound. Ethereum followed a similar pattern, currently trading around $3,900. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $2.9 trillion, with Bitcoin dominance at 52.3%. Trading volumes have increased by 23% week-over-week, reflecting heightened market activity amid the volatility.
What We’re Watching Next Week
All eyes will be on further developments in US-China trade relations, particularly any additional exemptions or policy clarifications from the White House. Additionally, upcoming inflation data could significantly impact market sentiment, as investors continue to assess the Federal Reserve’s likely policy path. On the crypto-specific front, several major protocol upgrades are scheduled, which could introduce volatility to various altcoin markets.
