Bitcoin Holds at $82K as Traders Eye $332M Exchange Move and Trump Tariff Risks

Bitcoin steadied near $82,429 as of 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, trimming early losses despite mounting concerns over potential selling pressure and global trade tensions. On-chain data revealed that roughly 4,000 BTC—worth about $332 million—were transferred to Kraken, typically a sign of impending sales.

The crypto market’s rebound came as broader risk assets recovered, though investor sentiment remains fragile. A Wall Street Journal report said President Donald Trump plans to unveil new reciprocal tariffs on April 2, potentially affecting up to 25 countries with rates as high as 20%. Such measures could disrupt global trade and amplify market volatility.

Bitcoin, often under pressure during economic uncertainty, is still down nearly 40% from its all-time highs reached around Trump’s January inauguration. Although buyers stepped in to “buy the dip,” concerns linger.

Goldman Sachs raised the probability of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months to 35%, up from 20%, citing persistent inflation, weakening consumer confidence, and trade-related uncertainty. A stronger-than-expected inflation print on Friday added to investor anxiety, pressuring speculative assets like crypto.

Altcoins had a mixed session. Ethereum rose 1.1% to $1,827.05 but remains down 19% for March, hitting a 16-month low. XRP declined 2% to $2.09, erasing gains from the SEC’s dismissal of its lawsuit against Ripple. Solana added nearly 1%, while Cardano dropped about 1%. Meme coins also struggled—Dogecoin dipped 0.7% and $TRUMP fell 1.3%.

While Bitcoin shows signs of resilience at the $82K level, market uncertainty tied to macroeconomic risks and crypto exchange outflows continues to cloud the near-term outlook.