Crypto prices plunge as Trump hits China with 100pc tariffs

Group 1: Tariff Announcements and Market Reactions - Donald Trump announced a new 100% tariff on Chinese goods, effective November 1, which would increase the total tariff rate to approximately 130% [30][31][32] - Following the tariff announcement, US stocks experienced significant declines, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.71%, marking its worst trading day since April [4][34] - The Nasdaq fell by 3.56% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 1.9%, reflecting broader market fears regarding the potential escalation of the US-China trade war [3][35] Group 2: Cryptocurrency and Commodity Impact - Cryptocurrencies plummeted in value, with Bitcoin falling over 10% to below $110,000 before recovering slightly, while Ethereum dropped by 11.2% [5][24] - Soybean prices fell by 1.9% to $10.0275 per bushel, as investors anticipated reduced Chinese purchases of US soybeans due to the trade tensions [25][26] - The US dollar weakened by 0.69% against a basket of currencies, indicating market uncertainty following the tariff threats [29] Group 3: Rare Earths and Export Controls - China's recent export controls on rare earth minerals have raised concerns in the US, as China produces approximately 90% of the world's rare earths, critical for various industries [12][13] - Trump criticized China's export restrictions, stating that the US would impose export controls on "critical software" in response [9][32] - Analysts suggest that the US's reliance on Chinese rare earths could undermine its manufacturing base and economic growth, particularly in AI development [46][47] Group 4: Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - Market analysts express concerns that the renewed trade tensions could lead to a recession in the US, with the potential for higher inflation due to increased import costs [72] - The volatility in the stock market has led to a surge in the "fear index," indicating heightened investor anxiety regarding the economic outlook [71] - Some analysts believe that the current situation may be a negotiating tactic by the Trump administration, but the risk of retaliation from China remains significant [16][47]