15-4-2025 – The cryptocurrency market has painted a mixed picture over the past day, with Dogecoin (DOGE) slipping by 3%, while heavyweights Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) held their ground amid easing concerns over tariffs. Yet, a shadow looms larger as betting markets signal growing unease, estimating a 40% to 60% chance of a U.S. recession striking in 2025. Augustine Fan, head of insights at SignalPlus, shared with CoinDesk via Telegram that such warnings from financial luminaries may shape sentiment more than reality itself. He noted that cryptocurrencies have weathered recent volatility better than equities, with Bitcoin reclaiming some of its allure as a store of value, while gold hits record highs amid tariff-driven policies.
Elsewhere, the crypto sphere buzzed with notable movers. VeThor’s VTHO surged an impressive 37% after UFC chief Dana White joined as a strategic advisor, sparking optimism for broader recognition of the token focused on real-world assets. In contrast, Mantra’s OM token staged a dramatic 20% rally to 63 cents during Asian trading hours on Tuesday, rebounding from a jaw-dropping 90% plunge late Sunday. The token’s CEO has promised a recovery plan, though scepticism lingers among market observers. Story Protocol’s IP token also rode a rollercoaster, tumbling 20% before soaring over 30% within hours on Monday, dodging fears of a repeat crash.
The broader market, as gauged by the CoinDesk 20 index, dipped nearly 2%, with Dogecoin leading the declines. Solana’s SOL, Tron’s TRX, and Cardano’s ADA each shed up to 2.5%, while BNB Chain’s BNB and XRP barely budged. Bitcoin, meanwhile, hovered steadfastly around $85,000. Singapore’s QCP Capital observed in a Telegram update that Bitcoin’s risk reversals lean towards caution until June, yet a brighter outlook is emerging for 2026, with aggressive buying of call options targeting $100,000—a bet commanding nearly $1.2 billion in open interest.
Traders are cautiously optimistic, buoyed by the Federal Reserve’s pledge to step in should tariffs spark a crisis. Jupiter Zheng, a partner at HashKey Capital, told CoinDesk that with trade talks ongoing, the worst of the tariff-induced sell-offs may be in the rearview mirror. As Bitcoin consolidates between $80,000 and $90,000, adopting a watchful stance, the crypto market braces for what lies ahead, hopeful that calmer waters will foster renewed confidence in the days to come.
