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#TrumpWithdrawsEUTariffThreats
What Are Markets Pricing When Tariffs Are Rolled Back?
Trade tensions between the US and the EU are not just a political headline for global markets; they are also a structural factor that directly influences risk perception, capital flows, and asset balance. Trump’s decision to withdraw tariffs on some European countries, expected to take effect on February 1, initially appeared to be a “relieving” signal. However, a closer look at market reactions suggests that it is still unclear whether this move is superficial or structural in nature.
Is It Relief or Time Buying?
Signals of easing in trade policies generally lead to short-term gains in risky assets. But this time, the picture is more complex. The withdrawal of tariffs does not mean that tensions have completely disappeared. On the contrary, it may simply postpone uncertainty. Markets seem to be pricing a “temporary no crisis” message rather than definitive solutions.
Why Is Bitcoin Unresponsive?
If markets had perceived this news as a genuine reduction in risk, we would expect to see a clearer and more substantial upward movement in BTC. However, Bitcoin is still searching for direction. This tells us:
Macroeconomic uncertainties are not fully resolved, and major players remain cautious. Bitcoin’s inability to initiate a strong trend at this point may be a sign of limited confidence in the news flow.
Why Is Gold Staying Strong?
The most notable signal is on the gold side. During risk-off periods, gold typically stands out, and it is not weakening despite the rollback of tariffs. This indicates that the market has not fully bought into the “relief” story. Investors still feel the need for protection, which supports gold’s strong stance.
What Do the Indices Say?
Stock indices are caught between optimism and caution. There is no strong risk-on sentiment; a “wait-and-see” approach dominates. This suggests that global funds have not yet reached a consensus on a clear scenario.
The Big Picture
Putting this together, we arrive at the question:
Are markets truly pricing a new trend, or are they just postponing uncertainty to a later date?
When we consider Bitcoin’s indecision, gold’s strength, and the cautious stance of indices, the second scenario seems more likely. The rollback of tariffs alone is not enough to create a structural transformation. What will be decisive is whether this easing is supported by lasting policy measures.
Conclusion
At this stage, a controlled wait-and-see approach prevails in the markets rather than “definite relief.” News is being priced in, but confidence remains limited. During such periods, it is more prudent to observe how assets react to news rather than trying to predict the direction.
The real question is:
Have markets truly relaxed, or are they just taking a deep breath?