Alright folks, buckle up, because the market’s been on a goddamn rollercoaster! We’re looking at a staggering $10 trillion wiped off global market capitalization since April 3rd, thanks to these ridiculous ‘reciprocal tariffs’ the US is throwing around. That’s more than half the GDP of the entire European Union – seriously!
US stocks are taking the biggest hit, with the Magnificent Seven tech giants bleeding out roughly $1.65 trillion. Apple, with its damn intricate supply chain, is getting absolutely hammered, down almost 23% in just four days. This isn’t just a correction; it’s smelling like a legit crisis.
Speaking of the source of all this mess, Trump isn’t backing down. His trade representative, Jamison Greer, says no tariff exemptions are coming anytime soon. We’re staring down the barrel of 104% tariffs on Chinese goods starting midnight tonight (Eastern Time). This is insane!
But wait, there’s some (slightly) good news. The DOJ is reportedly easing up on crackdowns of crypto exchanges and offline wallets. That’s a win for the space, but it feels like a tiny band-aid on a gaping wound right now.
On the ETF front, CBOE submitted a 19b-4 form for a Canary SUI ETF, potentially adding another option for investors. And a16z is looking to raise a colossal $20 billion for its largest fund ever – they’re betting big, even amidst the chaos.
Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture because Ray Dalio, the legendary Bridgewater Associates founder, is dropping some truth bombs. He says we’re in a ‘classic collapse’ of the monetary, political, and geopolitical order. This isn’t just about tariffs; it’s a systemic unraveling! He urges us to focus on the interplay of five forces: economic, political, geopolitical, natural, and technological.
Here’s a deeper dive into Dalio’s ‘classic collapse’:
Dalio’s assessment highlights that market fluctuations are symptoms, not the core issue. Historical patterns show these crises occur infrequently but intensely, reshaping the global landscape.
The dynamics between these five forces—economic strength, political stability, geopolitical tensions, environmental factors, and technological advancements—are crucial to understanding the shifting order.
Studying past cycles, like currency crises, provides valuable insight into potential outcomes and allows for more informed decision-making in turbulent times. A historical context is essential.
Finally, recognizing tariffs as a surface-level reaction emphasizes that the true driver is a systemic breakdown of the established world order. This is about long-term structural shifts, not short-term trade policy.
And finally, Binance co-founder He Yi, offered a breath of fresh air at the Hong Kong Crypto Finance Forum. She rightfully points out that chasing the hype isn’t enough; it’s about solving problems for users. Building a sustainable business model and fostering genuine community are paramount. She isn’t buying into the “Web2 vs Web3” nonsense, either. It’s about delivering value, plain and simple. She also reminds us that success demands ‘timing, location, people, and sheer willpower’. It’s about gritty perseverance – surviving when others don’t!
