- Bitcoin surged nearly 27% in April, ending at around $95,000, highlighting its potential as a safe-haven asset amid trade uncertainties.
- Analysts debate whether a finalized U.S.-China trade deal will cool Bitcoin’s momentum or further fuel gains, as it could bring stability or boost market liquidity.
- A completed trade deal might reduce concerns about investing in BTC, with expectations of increased institutional interest as global economic conditions stabilize.
Bitcoin’s recent performance amid global economic uncertainty is reigniting the debate over its role as a safe-haven asset. As the United States and China edge closer to sealing a major trade deal, crypto analysts and investors are closely watching Bitcoin’s price reaction for clues on its evolving market identity.
In April, Bitcoin defied traditional market trends. While U.S. equities slumped following former President Donald Trump’s surprise tariff announcement on April 7, dubbed “Liberation Day” by some, the flagship cryptocurrency staged a strong recovery. After briefly dipping to $75,000, Bitcoin rallied nearly 27%, closing the month around $95,000. In contrast, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both ended April in negative territory.
Prominent crypto analyst Daan Crypto noted the divergence, highlighting Bitcoin’s resilience during the equity sell-off. “Bitcoin outperformed stocks and held up incredibly strong,” he said on May 11. The move led some to speculate that global actors could be turning to Bitcoin as a tool to bypass trade restrictions, effectively using it as a decentralized hedge against tariffs.
$BTC Has outperformed stocks since "Liberation" / Tariff Day on the 2nd of April.
— Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) May 11, 2025
It held up incredibly strong during a sharp sell off on stocks in April.
It then also proceeded to outperform as the markets bounced and tariffs were implemented.
Back then people were wondering… pic.twitter.com/gfvfH80TVP
Trade Deal Progress Could Cool Bitcoin Momentum
However, Daan cautioned that Bitcoin’s continued outperformance might soon face a reality check. On May 11, the White House revealed that trade talks between the U.S. and China had made “substantial progress.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed, “We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive.” If a deal is finalized, Daan argued, and if Bitcoin’s recent strength was indeed fueled by trade uncertainty, its upward momentum may fade.
“Theoretically speaking, if the uncertainty was what made BTC outperform, it should stop outperforming after we hit the most important deal, which includes China,” he explained.
Yet other analysts believe a finalized U.S.-China trade deal could drive further gains for BTC, especially if it boosts overall market confidence and unlocks fresh liquidity. Jeff Mei, Chief Operations Officer at BTSE, stated, “We believe institutional investors are less apprehensive about investing in Bitcoin and crypto as U.S.-China trade talks conclude and the likelihood of rate cuts increases.”
Bitcoin Awaits Catalyst in Trade Talks
Adding to the bullish outlook, Jupiter Zheng, a researcher at HashKey Capital, suggested a completed trade agreement could signal broader market stability. “A U.S.-China trade deal could stabilize global markets, potentially driving investors to seek growth opportunities and allocate capital to alternative assets like Bitcoin,” Zheng explained. He also noted that Bitcoin could hit new highs, particularly if the deal weakens the U.S. dollar or boosts liquidity in emerging markets.
Despite optimism, not all analysts are convinced Bitcoin’s rally will sustain without a formal, impactful announcement. Market strategist Will Clemente commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Feels like you’re going to need a real, tangible announcement on the China front to keep things moving here locally. Momentum is starting to stall out on BTC for the first time in a bit.”
Feels like you're gonna need a real tangible announcement on the China front to keep things moving here locally, momentum starting to stall out on BTC for the first time in a bit pic.twitter.com/GHxCkEQ7hm
— Will (@WClementeIII) May 11, 2025
As Bitcoin continues to test resistance levels, traders and institutions alike will be watching closely. Whether it acts as a digital safe haven or a speculative growth asset, Bitcoin’s reaction to global macro events like the U.S.-China trade deal will be crucial in shaping its narrative in the months to come.
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