The Fed, tariffs, and digital assets: What investors are watching

Anndy Lian
The Fed, tariffs, and digital assets: What investors are watching

Investors appear to shrug off the ongoing global uncertainties, focusing instead on positive economic signals and the prospect of monetary policy easing from central banks. This resilience comes at a time when the world economy navigates a complex landscape of inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and shifting alliances.

Markets have demonstrated an ability to adapt, with equity indices pushing higher and volatility remaining contained. Yet, beneath this calm surface lies a web of risks that could unsettle the balance if not managed carefully. The ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East add layers of unpredictability, influencing everything from energy prices to investor confidence.

Despite these challenges, the broader appetite for risk assets suggests that participants believe in the underlying strength of global growth, particularly in developed economies.

The latest data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics has painted a clearer picture of the labour market’s trajectory, revealing a significant downward revision in payroll numbers. Officials adjusted the figures by 911,000 jobs for the 12-month period ending in March, exceeding estimates of a 700,000 reduction.

This equates to roughly 76,000 fewer jobs per month than previously reported, signalling a softer employment landscape than many had anticipated. Such revisions often stem from more comprehensive data sources, like tax records, which provide a fuller view of hiring trends. This adjustment has reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will act decisively to support the economy, with a rate cut appearing imminent at the next meeting.

Lower interest rates typically stimulate borrowing and investment, helping to sustain growth amid signs of cooling. However, this data also highlights vulnerabilities, as slower job creation could translate into reduced consumer spending if not offset by wage gains or other supports.

Analysts have noted that while the revision implies average monthly gains of about 71,000 jobs, the overall labor market remains robust by historical standards, avoiding the sharp contractions seen in past downturns.

Tariff escalation and trade tensions

President Trump’s escalation of tariff threats has introduced fresh volatility into international trade relations, targeting key players like India and China while proposing up to 100 per cent duties on Russia to pressure it into de-escalating tensions with Ukraine.

This move, contingent on similar actions from the European Union, aims to use economic leverage to influence geopolitical outcomes. Tariffs of this magnitude could disrupt global supply chains, raising costs for importers and potentially slowing economic activity in affected sectors.

For instance, India’s role as a major processor of Russian oil has drawn scrutiny, with US imports of these products highlighting the interconnected nature of energy markets. Critics argue that such policies risk retaliatory measures, echoing the trade wars of previous years that hampered growth. Russia has responded by downplaying the threats, suggesting efforts to strengthen ties with alternatives like China and India.

This tariff strategy reflects a broader shift toward protectionism, which could undermine multilateral efforts to resolve conflicts. While intended to bolster US negotiating power, the approach may strain alliances and complicate recovery in a post-pandemic world still grappling with inflation and debt.

Equity market rally on Fed hopes

US equities have surged to new record highs, buoyed by the payroll revision that has heightened anticipation of Federal Reserve intervention to prop up the economy. The S&P 500 advanced 0.3 per cent, the Nasdaq gained 0.4 per cent, and the Dow Jones rose 0.4 per cent, reflecting broad-based optimism across sectors.

Technology stocks led the charge, as investors bet that lower borrowing costs would benefit growth-oriented companies. This rally occurs against a backdrop of solid corporate earnings and improving consumer sentiment, though some caution that valuations are stretched. The market’s reaction underscores a belief in a soft landing, where the Fed engineers a slowdown without tipping into recession.

Historical precedents show that rate cuts often ignite equity booms, but they also carry risks if underlying economic weaknesses persist. With futures indicating mixed openings, traders are closely monitoring upcoming data releases for confirmation of this trajectory.

Bond yields and dollar movements

Bond yields have rebounded after a brief dip, with the 2-year Treasury yield climbing 7.2 basis points to 3.558 per cent and the 10-year yield up 4.8 basis points to 4.088 per cent. This movement suggests that investors are adjusting to the likelihood of a rate cut while pricing in persistent concerns about inflation. Higher yields typically signal expectations of stronger growth or stickier prices; however, in this context, they may reflect a normalisation following recent declines.

The dynamics of the yield curve play a crucial role in banking profitability and lending activity, influencing everything from mortgages to corporate debt. As the Fed prepares to ease, these shifts could ease financial conditions, encouraging investment. However, if yields rise too sharply, they might tighten conditions prematurely, countering the central bank’s intentions.

The US Dollar Index strengthened 0.3 per cent to 97.79, benefiting from safe-haven flows amid global uncertainties. This appreciation pressures emerging markets, making dollar-denominated debt more expensive to service. Gold, conversely, retreated 0.3 per cent to US$3,674 per ounce, as the stronger dollar and rising yields diminished its appeal as a non-yielding asset.

Brent crude oil edged up 0.6 per cent, driven by escalating tensions between Israel and Qatar, which raise fears of disruptions in key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Oil’s sensitivity to geopolitical events underscores its role as a barometer for global stability, with prices fluctuating based on perceived risks to production and transit.

Asian equity indices opened mostly higher today, extending the positive momentum from Wall Street. This uptick reflects regional resilience, though concerns over trade tariffs linger. US equity futures point to a mixed start, suggesting caution as investors digest the latest developments.

Metaplanet expands Bitcoin strategy

Turning to the cryptocurrency space, Japan-based Metaplanet has announced plans to issue 385 million new shares, aiming to raise approximately US$1.4 billion to fuel its Bitcoin acquisition strategy. The company priced the shares at ¥553 each, upsizing from an initial 180 million shares, with proceeds primarily allocated to purchasing Bitcoin and enhancing its income-generation operations.

As of September 1, Metaplanet holds over 20,000 Bitcoins, accumulated since early 2024, and has generated significant revenue from Bitcoin options trading, reporting ¥1,904 million in the second quarter of 2025. This move positions Metaplanet as Asia’s equivalent to MicroStrategy, emphasising Bitcoin as a core treasury asset.

The firm’s strategy includes using earnings to pay dividends on preferred shares, blending yield generation with cryptocurrency holding. Institutional interest, such as a US$30 million investment from KindlyMD’s subsidiary Nakamoto, underscores growing confidence in this approach.

Metaplanet’s actions highlight a broader trend where corporations integrate digital assets into balance sheets, seeking inflation hedges and growth potential.

Bitcoin and Ethereum stance

Bitcoin’s price path depends on a dynamic interplay between institutional adoption and regulatory advancements. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen inflows of US$14.8 billion year-to-date, providing a buffer against selling pressures and indicating sustained demand from traditional finance. Legislative efforts to establish a US Bitcoin reserve, holding around 198,000 BTC, could solidify its status as a strategic asset, anchoring long-term value.

Technical upgrades like BIP-119, which introduces covenants for enhanced scalability and security, are under debate and may reach consensus by year’s end, potentially reshaping Bitcoin’s utility. These factors collectively suggest Bitcoin is maturing beyond speculative trading, evolving into a foundational element of global finance.

Ethereum has encountered resistance in its recent price movements, declining below US$4,450 and consolidating around key levels. The asset struggles to breach US$4,400, trading below this mark and the 100-hourly simple moving average. A bearish trend line forms resistance at US$4,340 on the hourly chart, with immediate hurdles at US$4,350 and US$4,380. If Ethereum clears these, it could initiate a recovery wave, targeting higher zones.

However, failure to do so might lead to further tests of support near US$4,260. Analysts predict Ethereum could fluctuate between US$4,000 and US$5,000 in September 2025, driven by network upgrades and institutional interest. The cryptocurrency’s performance ties closely to broader market sentiment, with potential for upside if rate cuts materialise and DeFi adoption accelerates.

Outlook and risks ahead

In my view, the current market environment demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation in the face of adversity. Equities reaching records despite downward data revisions and tariff escalations point to a collective bet on central bank support and economic resilience. The Fed’s likely intervention could extend this bull run, but overreliance on monetary easing risks inflating asset bubbles.

Geopolitically, Trump’s tariff tactics, while bold, may backfire by fragmenting trade and inviting retaliation, reminiscent of past protectionist pitfalls that deepened downturns. On the crypto front, initiatives like Metaplanet’s aggressive Bitcoin stacking and potential US reserves signal a paradigm shift, where digital assets transition from fringe to mainstream. Ethereum’s technical challenges notwithstanding, the sector’s institutional inflows and innovations bode well for long-term growth.

Overall, while short-term volatility looms, particularly with September’s historical weakness, the foundational trends favor cautious optimism. Investors who navigate these waters with diversified strategies stand to benefit, as the interplay of policy, technology, and sentiment continues to shape outcomes in unpredictable ways. This moment underscores the importance of vigilance, as today’s robustness could swiftly give way to tomorrow’s corrections if key supports falter.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/the-fed-tariffs-and-digital-assets-what-investors-are-watching-20250910/

The post The Fed, tariffs, and digital assets: What investors are watching appeared first on Anndy Lian by Anndy Lian.