Bitcoin Breaks Records Amid Trade War, Earnings Fears
Global markets entered mid-July with an explosive mix of headlines, causing quite a stir in trader sentiment. From Trump’s threat of 30% tariffs on European imports to a Bitcoin breakout past $120,000, it is set to look like a pretty volatile and opportunity-filled week. On a similar note, with central banks preparing to weigh in, Q2 earnings rolling out, and trade tensions mounting across the Atlantic, the global economy is facing a critical inflection point.
Whether you’re in the futures markets, trading equities, or riding the crypto wave, this week’s stories are shaping new price action and sentiment patterns across all asset classes.
Our advice? Ride the wave of volatility but tread with caution.
EU, Mexico Fire Back as Trump Revives Trade War Playbook
President Donald Trump rattled markets with a fiery proposal to slap 30% tariffs on European imports… a move that sent immediate shockwaves through European equity markets. The impact was immediate and severe: automakers, businesses, and exporters who were largely reliant on U.S. demand caused the Stoxx 600 to plummet. It was a gut-punch for European traders, bringing back memories of previous trade wars and serving as a reminder to all that when geopolitics enters the conversation, sentiment can quickly turn sour.
Europe, however, did not recoil. Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, retaliated within hours, threatening that if an agreement isn’t reached, the EU will impose retaliatory tariffs worth €20 billion ($21.7 billion).
Across the Atlantic, Mexico is now considering its own tariffs, a not-so-subtle signal to Washington that allies are done playing defense. What started as political posturing is quickly morphing into a full-scale trade chess match, with markets caught in the middle.
Sum up:
- Trump proposes sweeping 30% tariffs on EU imports
- Stoxx 600 and major EU indices drop on trade war fears
- EU responds with potential €20B in counter-tariffs
- Mexico signals retaliation, increasing global tension
European Stocks Struggle, Sentiment Softens Amid Global Uncertainty
The story goes beyond the headlines about tariffs. Beneath the surface, European markets are displaying more profound signs of fragility, as every movement is amplified by thin summer trading volumes, soft economic data, and rising political risk. In actuality, exporters and cyclical names drove the CAC 40 down 0.4% and Germany’s DAX down 0.2%. Many people perceive this as a gradual decline in confidence rather than a market correction.
Things aren’t exactly going well in the United States, which is on the other side of the world. Although S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures saw a slight increase, traders are obviously losing ground as they prepare for a barrage of central bank commentary, retail data, and earnings reports.
Volatility is creeping back in, quietly, but unmistakably, and many are sensing that the next big move is right around the corner.
Sum up:
- CAC 40 and DAX dip amid broad-based weakness
- Low summer liquidity increases market whipsaws
- U.S. futures cautious ahead of Q2 earnings and retail data
- Volatility indicators rising as investor confidence fades
Bitcoin Breaks $120K as Crypto Optimism Surges Before Asia’s ‘Crypto Week’
While traditional markets wrestle with politics and policy, crypto traders are celebrating a breakout of historic proportions. Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of $120,000 on Sunday, sparking a rally in other digital assets. The action was taken right before Singapore’s Crypto Week, a significant blockchain conference that is anticipated to generate even more investor excitement with big announcements and well-known collaborations.
Bitcoin isn’t the only thing taking center stage. Due to renewed interest in DeFi and next-generation NFT ecosystems, Ethereum broke $6,800, while Solana and Avalanche reported double-digit gains. Retail sentiment is rising back to 2021 levels, and institutional capital is still entering the market through ETFs and derivatives. With macro uncertainty growing, Bitcoin is reasserting its role as a hedge against fiat fragility, and traders are piling in fast.
Sum up:
- Bitcoin hits new all-time high near $120K
- Anticipation builds ahead of Asia’s “Crypto Week” in Singapore
- Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche post strong gains
- Institutional and retail demand converging, ETF flows rising
What’s on the Watchlist for This Week?
As one could expect, this upcoming week is loaded with high-impact events that could reshape market direction across asset classes. Here’s what should be front and center on your radar:
- U.S. Earnings Season Begins
Banks like JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs report earnings, offering a read on lending trends, credit stress, and capital markets activity in a higher-rate world. - Retail Sales Data – Consumer Strength in Focus
July’s retail sales report will test the resilience of the U.S. consumer. A weak read could be a red flag for growth and risk appetite. - Central Bank Commentary – Powell and Lagarde Speak
Both the Fed Chair and the ECB President will give key speeches. Expect the market to hang on every word for clues about rate cuts, inflation, and economic softness. - China GDP & Industrial Data Drop
Beijing is expected to post Q2 GDP growth of just 4.9%, with industrial output and retail sales pointing to a fragile recovery. Soft numbers could rattle Asian markets. - Trade Negotiation Headlines
With U.S.-EU tensions rising, any progress, or breakdown, in negotiations could jolt risk sentiment. Keep alerts on for diplomatic updates.
Final Thoughts: Trade the Storm with BullRush
There’s a rare clarity that comes in market chaos, a moment where sharp traders get the opportunity to rise above the noise. This week is one of those moments. It’s not about playing it safe. It’s about playing it smart. Tariffs, inflation, cryptocurrencies, and global uncertainty are pushing markets into uncharted waters, yet again.
At BullRush, we don’t just weather the storm. We build in it. And thrive.
Whether you’re shorting volatility, swing trading the crypto rally, or hedging through gold or practicing with trading simulators, BullRush gives you the platform, the insights, and the community to stay ahead of the next big move.
Join the competition. Sharpen your edge. Trade the moment. Trade with BullRush.
