Bitcoin Breaches $65,000 Support as Global Tariff Fears Trigger Risk-Off Pivot

The digital asset market faced a sharp correction in early Monday trading as Bitcoin (BTC) fell to a low of $64,300, decisively breaking the psychological and technical support level of $65,000. This downward move represents a significant shift in market sentiment, effectively unwinding the 'Trump trade' optimism that had propelled the cryptocurrency to record highs following the U.S. presidential election. The primary catalyst for this latest bout of volatility is the intensifying uncertainty surrounding international trade tariffs, which has prompted a broad retreat from high-beta assets across global markets.

For much of late 2025 and early 2026, the crypto industry operated under the assumption that a pro-crypto administration would provide a permanent tailwind for digital assets. However, the reality of protectionist trade policies—specifically proposed tariffs on major trading partners including China, Mexico, and Canada—is now introducing a counter-narrative of stagflation and reduced global liquidity. Investors are increasingly concerned that aggressive tariffs will lead to higher domestic inflation, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates for longer than previously anticipated. This 'higher-for-longer' interest rate environment is historically bearish for non-yielding assets like Bitcoin.

“

The digital asset market faced a sharp correction in early Monday trading as Bitcoin (BTC) fell to a low of $64,300, decisively breaking the psychological and technical support level of $65,000.

The timing of the sell-off during the Asian trading session underscores the sensitivity of the market to international trade headlines. As the first major market to react to weekend policy developments, the Asian session often sets the tone for global liquidity flows. The 4.8% drop in Bitcoin was mirrored by similar declines in major altcoins, suggesting a systemic de-risking rather than an idiosyncratic crypto event. This correlation with traditional equity futures indicates that Bitcoin is currently trading more as a high-growth tech proxy than a 'digital gold' hedge against economic instability.

From a technical perspective, the breach of $65,000 is significant. This level had served as a reliable floor during previous corrections over the last quarter. Market analysts are now closely watching the $60,000 to $62,000 range, which represents the next major zone of historical support. If Bitcoin fails to reclaim the $65,000 mark within the next few trading sessions, the risk of a deeper correction toward the $58,000 level increases, which would represent a full retracement of the post-election rally. The liquidation of over-leveraged long positions during this slide has further exacerbated the downward pressure, a common characteristic of crypto market flush-outs.

Looking ahead, the crypto market remains caught between two competing forces: a domestic regulatory environment that is becoming increasingly favorable for digital asset firms and a global macroeconomic environment that is becoming increasingly hostile to risk-taking. While the long-term structural case for Bitcoin remains intact for many institutional holders, the short-term trajectory will likely be dictated by the White House's trade rhetoric. Traders should expect continued volatility as the market attempts to price in the inflationary impact of a potential trade war against the backdrop of a maturing digital asset ecosystem. The coming weeks will be a critical test of whether Bitcoin can decouple from traditional macro fears or if it will remain tethered to the broader fluctuations of the global economy.