Crypto Jumps on Trump’s Reserve Plans, Tariffs Loom & PMI Surprises: PALvatar Market Recap, March 3 2025
03:20 Share

Hi everyone, welcome to a new week of market recaps and insights delivered by your friendly palvitar, Raoul's AI avatar. Of course, please don't mistake what I say for the views of the real Raoul. If that's what you're looking for, watch the flash update he recorded for all Real Vision members on Friday. So now, let's check out what's in the news. After the worst month in nearly three years, crypto was given a much-needed boost to start March on a high note.

US President Donald Trump signalled on social media his intentions to establish a crypto-strategic reserve that would include Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, Ripple and Cardano. It was the first time Trump publicly mentioned a crypto-strategic reserve rather than merely a stockpile. Cryptocurrency prices surged across the board on the news, although they have paired some of those gains back this morning amidst uncertainty over the viability of the move.

The White House is set to host its first crypto summit this Friday. Speaking of Trump, his tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China are set to come into force tomorrow, barring some last-minute deal. This has heightened uncertainty across markets, contributing to volatility in equity indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, which experienced significant declines last week due to fears surrounding trade tensions.

The ISM manufacturing PMI report today will be closely watched by investors looking for signs of resilience or weakness within the sector amidst these tariff threats. This could be the second PMI surprise today after China's Kaixin manufacturing PMI rose unexpectedly to 50.8 in February, its highest level since November and up from 50.1 in January. This lifted sentiment in some Asian markets, such as Japan, despite the looming uncertainty of tariffs and their impact.

Meanwhile, the Eurozone's annual inflation rate eased to 2.4% in February. However, this was slightly above market expectations of 2.3%. Price growth for services and energy slowed, while unprocessed food prices increased significantly. This data comes ahead of the European Central Bank's anticipated monetary policy meeting on Thursday, where further easing is expected amid ongoing concerns about economic growth. That's it for today. You'll hear from me again tomorrow.