In this article, we break down what to expect from Liberation Day and how it could shape the outlook for equities, the US economy and crypto markets.

 April 2, 2025 as "Liberation Day" — a moment he claims will restore America's trade fairness through sweeping reciprocal tariffs. With few concrete details confirmed, global markets remain on edge. Investors are bracing for the economic fallout of a potential trade war, and crypto traders are watching closely to assess the impact on digital assets. In this article, we break down what to expect from “Liberation Day” and how it could shape the outlook for equities, the US economy and crypto markets.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Trump has prioritized reshaping US trade policy with a renewed focus on tariffs. His administration has already announced 

 on all steel and aluminum imports. Many of these actions take effect this week, coinciding with his so-called Liberation Day.

Trump argues that tariffs are a necessary tool to reduce the US trade deficit and force foreign nations to stop what he calls "economic warfare" against the American worker. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent 

 countries with persistent trade surpluses — dubbed the 

 — as primary targets for reciprocal tariffs. These include China, the EU, Canada and Mexico.

However, critics point to the growing risk of a global trade war, with multiple partners already threatening or initiating retaliatory measures. Goldman Sachs recently 

, citing declining business confidence and mounting economic uncertainty. The tariffs, designed to protect US industries, could instead raise prices and weigh on consumer spending.

What to expect from Trump's ‘Liberation Day’ announcement

Trump is expected to reveal his tariff plans in a Rose Garden press conference on April 2. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt 

 that the president would impose tariffs on "any country that has treated the American people unfairly" — though no nation-specific exemptions have been confirmed. Trump has promised these reciprocal tariffs will be 

While final details remain under wraps, proposals have included both country-wide and sector-specific tariffs. These could range from uniform, percentage-based levies to targeted charges on industries like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and autos. Trump's advisers, including Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, claim the new tariffs could generate over $600 billion annually — though many economists dispute this figure.

Delayed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, 

 in early March, are also set to take effect this week. These include taxes on agricultural products, energy goods and automotive components. Trump has also 

 a 25% tariff on imports from countries that purchase oil or gas from Venezuela.

Given the administration's conflicting signals in recent weeks, there's a wide range of potential outcomes. Whether “Liberation Day” ushers in immediate enforcement, additional delays or future negotiation rounds remains to be seen. For now, uncertainty reigns.

Potential impact on the US economy and global markets

Economists warn that broad-based tariffs could lead to slower US growth, higher consumer prices and widening inequality. Goldman Sachs now 

 Trump's trade policies to reduce annual GDP growth to 1.5% from 2%, while the odds of a recession are being raised from 20% to 35%.

Global equity markets have already shown signs of stress. European and Asian indices dipped ahead of “Liberation Day,” while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 

 in March (respectively). Auto manufacturers, tech firms and retailers could be especially vulnerable if tariffs disrupt global supply chains.

There's also the question of the Federal Reserve's response. With inflation risks rising, policymakers may hold off on anticipated rate cuts, further complicating the economic outlook heading into Q2.

How will ‘Liberation Day’ affect the crypto industry?

Crypto markets have mirrored broader risk sentiment over the past quarter, with investors reducing exposure amid macroeconomic turbulence. As of April 1, the 

 is down 16.9% year-to-date. Bitcoin has fallen 10.48%, Ethereum 44.2% and Solana 33% — despite reaching new highs in January on hopes for pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration.

Investor optimism has since cooled as recession risks, inflation concerns and policy unpredictability drive a risk-off mood. Bitcoin dipped to $81,656 over the weekend, marking its weakest Q1 since 2018. Traders remain cautious ahead of “Liberation Day,” awaiting clarity before opening new positions.

“Liberation Day” could further weigh on crypto prices if market volatility increases and capital rotates out of risk assets. However, some analysts believe any resulting sell-off may offer an opportunity to 

 — especially if Trump follows through on crypto-friendly regulation later this year. For now, though, many eyes are on April 2.

With details still unknown, the crypto market remains in a "wait-and-see" phase. “Liberation Day” could mark a turning point — for better or worse — depending upon the scope and execution of Trump's tariff agenda.

Intermediate

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Trump's 'Liberation Day': What it means for crypto markets

Grayscale has filed to convert its private Digital Large Cap Fund, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, into a publicly available exchange-traded fund (ETF). 

Daily top performer — Compound Finance (COMP)

The S&P 500 rose 0.38% as investors awaited new tariffs amid weak factory data and declining job openings. Gold eased to $3,113 after hitting a record high, driven by profit-taking ahead of Trump's tariff announcement, but remains strong due to safe-haven demand and economic uncertainties. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, are up by 1.30%, with Bitcoin and Ether are up 3.10% and 5.19%, respectively, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is COMP, up 14.3%, following the proposal for the creation of a foundation to ensure consistent leadership and coordination by Compound.

Compound Finance (COMP), launched in September 2018, is a DeFi lending platform that allows users to earn interest on crypto assets. Built on smart contracts, it adjusts interest rates based on supply and demand, connecting lenders and borrowers without intermediaries. In June 2020, Compound decentralized with the launch of COMP and full governance transfer. However, it lacks a core operational pillar. With Compound v4 development and increased community engagement, the need for consistent leadership has grown. To address this, Compound Labs 

 creating a Compound Foundation for structure, clarity, and coordination, similar to other ecosystems like Uniswap.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 to convert its private Digital Large Cap Fund, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, into a publicly available exchange-traded fund (ETF). The fund, which currently holds 79.4% Bitcoin and 10.69% Ethereum, has grown by 478.83% since its launch in 2018. The conversion would allow everyday investors to access the crypto market, covering about 75% of the digital asset market cap. If successful, it would eliminate the current barrier that restricts access to accredited investors. The filing is still in progress, with management fees and other details pending.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETF had a total outflow of $157.8 million, with GBTC seeing a loss of $10.1 million and non-GBTC products losing $147.7 million.

 that its airdrop might be approaching, with a claim page now live. Registration for the airdrop runs from April 2 to April 17, and claims are expected to open on April 22. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Stay tuned for updates.

Beginner

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Grayscale files to convert digital large cap fund into publicly accessible crypto ETF

In this guide, we'll dive into how to trade crypto with the Bybit app, a convenient and feature-rich platform. Explore spot and derivatives trading for beginners on the Bybit app.

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on trading using the Bybit app. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from downloading the app and setting up your account to executing spot, margin and derivatives trades. Bybit is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers a fully localized and user-friendly mobile experience, making it easy for both beginning and seasoned traders to manage their investments seamlessly.

First, download the Bybit app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Once you’ve installed the app, open it and select your preferred language.

 and register using your email address or phone number. Complete the verification process by submitting your mainland Chinese ID or passport as required. This step is crucial to ensure your account is secure, and to unlock higher withdrawal limits.

After verifying your identity, head over to the 

 tab to fund your account. You can directly deposit cryptocurrencies like BTC or USDT. Our 

 (UTA) streamlines fund management, allowing you to trade seamlessly across different markets without the hassle of multiple wallets.

Spot trading with Bybit lets you buy or sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices with immediate settlement.

To begin, log in to the app and tap on the 

Choose your desired trading pair, such as BTC/USDC or ETH/USDT, from the list.

 lets you specify a price at which you want to buy or sell. 

Enter the amount you wish to trade, review the details and confirm your order.

Once your order is executed, monitor its status in the 

Bybit has an intuitive interface that displays real-time updates, so you can track your trades anytime with ease. 

How to execute a spot margin trade with the Bybit app

For traders looking to leverage their positions, Bybit offers a spot margin trading feature that allows you to borrow funds to increase your buying power. Start by logging into your account and tapping on 

Choose a trading pair, such as ETH/USDC, which supports margin trading with leverage options of up to 10x. 

Once your trading pair is selected, you’ll need to select the margin amount (e.g., 

 at which you want your limit order to execute.

You’ll also see several other important metrics, such as 

Enter the amount you wish to trade, and then carefully review all of the details.

After confirming your order, your margin trade will be executed. You can track your position in the 

 tab, where you can also set up stop-loss or take-profit orders to manage risk. 

How to trade derivatives with the Bybit app

Bybit also offers derivatives trading, which allows you to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without actually owning the underlying assets. Derivatives include Futures and Perpetual contracts, which can be traded with leverage, sometimes up to 100x.

To start, log in to your account and tap on 

Set your desired leverage (e.g., 50x) and choose between 

 margin modes, based on your risk preference.

 (if using limit or conditional orders) and 

Once you’re satisfied with your parameters, confirm your order and your position will appear in the 

Trading with the Bybit app offers numerous advantages that make managing digital assets both efficient and secure. The platform’s user-friendly design, high-speed execution and comprehensive risk management tools cater to traders of all levels. Our Unified Trading Account (UTA) streamlines fund management by consolidating assets for spot, margin and derivatives trading under one account, which reduces operational complexity and enhances overall efficiency. This streamlined approach lets you focus on strategy rather than logistics.

Additionally, Bybit’s state-of-the-art security measures — such as multi-factor authentication, regular independent audits and cold storage of assets — ensure that your transactions are conducted safely and transparently. With an interface designed to minimize distractions and provide real-time data, you can quickly monitor market movements and adjust positions. 

Our commitment to a secure and reliable trading experience is evident in our continuous improvements and proactive customer support. These features empower you to make informed trading decisions, fostering confidence in your ability to navigate the dynamic crypto market.

Bybit delivers a secure, robust and intuitive mobile platform that simplifies cryptocurrency trading for everyone. In this guide, we’ve explored how to set up an account, fund it and execute various types of trades — spot, margin and derivatives — using a fully localized and user-friendly interface. Our Unified Trading Account and comprehensive risk management tools ensure a smooth trading experience so you can focus on growing your investments.

Looking ahead, Bybit remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in the crypto industry. We continually refine our platform, based on user feedback and market trends, ensuring that you have access to the latest tools and features. Our commitment to transparency and security underpins everything we do as we build trust and empower traders. 

How to trade spot crypto on Bybit app.png

How to trade with the Bybit app

Approval of an Aptos Spot ETF could drive price growth and mainstream adoption by offering regulated, accessible exposure to APT for investors.

In early March 2025, Bitwise Asset Management, Inc. filed an S-1 registration statement with the SEC to launch a Aptos Spot 

 (ETF), sparking fresh excitement in the crypto market. Known for its cutting-edge blockchain architecture and lightning-fast transactions, Aptos is gaining traction, and now joins the growing list of projects seeking mainstream investment products. 

This article describes how an Aptos Spot ETF works, its potential impact on the market, regulatory hurdles and the significance of potential approval for the future of altcoin investments. Could this be the move that propels Aptos to blockchain supremacy?

An Aptos Spot ETF is an exchange-traded fund that physically holds the 

 (APT) cryptocurrency and directly tracks its real-time price, providing investors exposure to its market performance without needing to own the asset itself.

An Aptos Spot ETF would operate by acquiring Aptos tokens through authorized participants (APs), typically large financial institutions. These APs play a crucial role in the creation and redemption of ETF shares. They purchase Aptos tokens, either from the open market or directly from exchanges, and transfer them to the ETF in exchange for newly issued shares.

Once the tokens are bought, the ETF stores them securely, often through specialized custodial services that ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. The ETF tracks the value of Aptos (APT) by referencing a specific pricing benchmark, such as the CF Aptos-Dollar Settlement Price, aggregating data from major trading platforms in order to accurately reflect the APT token’s market value. 

Creation and redemption of Aptos Spot ETF shares

Creation and redemption of ETF shares takes place in large blocks, known as Baskets, which typically consist of 10,000 shares. APs are key in maintaining liquidity and ensuring that the ETF’s price stays aligned with the value of the underlying asset. 

In the creation process, an AP delivers cash for an amount equivalent to the value of the ETF shares it wants. The fund’s sponsor then uses this cash to acquire Aptos tokens from pre-approved trading counterparties, who operate independently of the APs. Once the tokens are acquired, the ETF issues the corresponding number of shares to the AP, which can then sell them on the open market.

On the flip side, during the redemption process, an AP wishing to redeem ETF shares returns the specified number of shares to the fund. In return, the AP receives cash for an amount equivalent to the value of the underlying Aptos tokens. To fund this redemption, the sponsor arranges for the sale of the required Aptos tokens to approved counterparties, and the cash proceeds are used to fulfill the redemption request.

Once created, ETF shares are listed and traded on public stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell them as they would traditional stocks during market hours. This provides liquidity and accessibility to a broader range of investors.

The ETF provider charges an annual management fee for overseeing the fund's operations. These fees compensate the provider for managing the fund and ensuring its alignment with the underlying asset's performance. This mechanism ensures that the Aptos Spot ETF stays closely aligned with the market value of Aptos tokens, while offering investors the convenience of trading ETF shares on traditional financial markets.

On Mar 5, 2025, Bitwise Asset Management submitted an 

 to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking approval to launch an Aptos Spot ETF. To address regulatory concerns, Bitwise has decided to exclude a staking provision from the Aptos ETF. (

 allows users to earn rewards by holding their cryptocurrency instead of selling it, but this can complicate ETF structures and raise issues with the SEC.) 

Bitwise still needs to submit an SEC Form 19b-4 for its Aptos Spot ETF application. Once the SEC acknowledges receipt of the 19b-4, the review process will officially begin, which could take several months. With the SEC grappling with an increasing number of Spot ETF applications, Bitwise's filing is expected to draw significant attention. The outcome could set an important precedent for the future of altcoin ETFs in the US.

Current impact of Aptos Spot ETF applications on the crypto market

The announcement of Bitwise’s filing for an Aptos Spot ETF had an immediate and positive effect on the crypto market. In response to the news, 

, jumping more than 18% to around $6.48. This spike reflected investor optimism surrounding the potential approval of the ETF and the impetus it would provide for growing acceptance of Aptos in traditional financial markets.

The market’s reaction highlights a rising interest in alternative cryptocurrencies, as well as the anticipation of more diversified investment options. While the approval of the Aptos Spot ETF is still uncertain, the filing has already had a significant impact on market sentiment, demonstrating the powerful influence of regulatory developments on cryptocurrency valuations.

What will it mean if an Aptos Spot ETF application is approved?

​The approval of an Aptos Spot ETF by the US SEC would mark a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency and traditional finance sectors. 

Looking to capture the market and trade APT tokens? Bybit offers the 

The potential approval of an Aptos Spot ETF represents a transformative moment for both the crypto and traditional finance sectors. It promises increased accessibility and liquidity for Aptos, while also offering institutional and retail investors a regulated means to gain exposure to Aptos via its APT token. Enhanced price discovery and regulatory validation could stabilize the token’s value and boost market confidence. Finally, success in this application may pave the way for additional altcoin ETFs, broadening investment opportunities and further integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets.

aptos etf.png

Aptos Spot ETF: Fast track to blockchain supremacy

Bybit Learn

Crypto

If you've been keeping up with the crypto space, chances are, you've heard of token burning. Read this article to find out what it is and why it's needed.

Maintaining the value of an asset can be difficult to accomplish. When it comes to cryptocurrency, many people worry about the high number of coins in circulation and the oversupply of coins that dilutes their value. This has led to several innovative ways to incentivize investors and help maintain a coin’s value.

Burning cryptocurrency is a popular method of boosting the value of a coin or token. Essentially, token burning removes coins from circulation, permanently decreasing the overall supply of the cryptocurrency. This helps to increase scarcity and raise the value of each remaining coin, which is crucial for coins that can be mined quickly.

Token burning means removing coins from the overall supply of a cryptocurrency. This typically involves sending the coins or tokens to a wallet with no known private keys. This wallet can only receive assets, thus effectively making them inaccessible.

While burning a small portion of coins can help maintain the value of a cryptocurrency, the token burning process is often a community effort. Occasionally, substantial token holders or persons with a large social media following will encourage a community burn. When everyone burns a small number of their holdings simultaneously, it can make a notable difference in the overall number of coins in circulation — and, therefore, in a coin’s value.

In other cases, token burning happens steadily over time. Many users don’t even notice it. For example, 

 burns a small percentage of Ether during each transaction. This adds up over time, which can increase the coin’s value as supply steadily decreases.

Cryptocurrencies generally have specific instructions and processes in place for burning tokens. The most common burn mechanism involves sending tokens to an unusable wallet address, effectively taking them out of circulation. Technically, therefore, all a user needs to do in order to burn coins is send them to a wallet with an invalid 

Some cryptocurrency projects establish their own token burn mechanisms. For example, in April 2022, Shiba Inu released an easy-to-use burn portal. By working with Ryoshis Visiondevelopers, Shiba Inu offers rewards to anyone using the burn portal to destroy SHIB tokens.

Other cryptocurrencies use a burn function to destroy assets. Binance Coin has a burn function that any cryptocurrency holder can execute simply by stating how many coins in their wallet they’d like to destroy. A 

 first checks to see if the holder has the coins available in their wallet, and then subtracts them. Binance Coin then automatically updates the total number of coins in circulation.

Keep in mind that any coins burned will be permanently removed from your account — and there’s no way to return them. Before you execute a burn function or send tokens to a null address, double-check to make sure that all of the amounts and information you’ve specified are correct.

In other cases, the token burning process is automatic. For example, some networks burn a small portion of cryptocurrency during mining, or as a transaction fee.

There are several reasons why cryptocurrency holders burn coins and tokens. As technology continues to expand, people are finding more innovative ways to utilize burning. Here are a few examples of how token burning can be used.

Proof of burn (PoB) is a consensus mechanism that verifies and validates a transaction. This algorithm enables miners to burn coins effectively with no energy waste. PoB can be verified using a blockchain explorer if needed.

PoB has several practical uses. It’s primarily used to prevent fraud by automatically verifying each transaction. It also maintains miners’ ability to mine new coins, as several cryptocurrencies require miners to burn coins first in order to mine new blocks.

Typically, token burning aims to reduce the overall supply of a cryptocurrency, thus raising demand. Theoretically, prices will rise if demand is high and token supply is low.

Another possible reason coin prices can increase after a burn is publicity. Many large token burns are community-driven. In some cases, these token burns are coordinated through social media. At other times, an investor will intentionally burn a large portion of the tokens in circulation and post about it on social media. This can raise awareness of the cryptocurrency, further increasing demand and raising the price per token.

Keeping a network efficient can be difficult. Every time a new token is created it reduces mining speed. This gives many early miners an unfair advantage over new users. Token burning grants miners the right to mine new tokens. Rather than burning one token when mining first begins, the process is spread out and, consequently, more proportionate.

In some cases, miners don’t need to burn the same token they’re mining. Because proof of burn is customizable, networks can offer a variety of rewards to miners. This encourages healthy network activity.

Token burning can impact a token’s value and price. Ultimately, the goal is to create a balance between supply and demand. Although it may not be the main factor causing a significant shift in token price, removing a number of tokens from circulation creates scarcity and potentially increases the value of the remaining tokens. This ensures that demand for the token remains the same or increases.

It’s essential to note that plenty of other factors can influence a token’s price movement, including market sentiment, project fundamentals, overall market conditions, investor perception, political changes and more. Token burning isn’t a guaranteed price appreciation strategy. In most cases, however, there’s a correlation between scheduled token burns and price volatility.

Overall, while token burning can impact coin prices, it’s just one factor among many that can influence the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market.

While destroying coins and tokens may seem counterproductive, there are several reasons why users burn their crypto.

Maintaining the Value of Coins for Investors

The goal of token burning is to stabilize prices and boost confidence among investors. When demand remains steady, decreasing the overall supply of a coin can lead to higher prices. By burning cryptocurrency regularly or with each transaction, many altcoins can steadily increase demand over time.

Behind some of the most popular altcoins are great communities. Successful blockchain projects tend to have several participants advancing them, and numerous investors actively using them. Large community-driven token-burning initiatives can inspire others to invest or become involved with a project.

Before you start burning tokens, there are several things to consider. If you aren’t burning coins to gain mining rights, you need to consider how token burning affects your portfolio. If the token burning is automatic, consider how often you’ll make cryptocurrency transactions. The way in which a cryptocurrency handles token burning can also influence your investment choices.

In order to burn tokens, you first need to own them. Once the token burn is completed, the tokens are permanently removed from your wallet. That means you no longer own those assets, even if the price per token skyrockets afterward. With some coins valued at well under a penny, this could lead to regret later, especially if you’re burning thousands of tokens at a time.

Before you burn tokens, consider the cryptocurrency’s current and expected value. Identify all of the factors that impact the coin’s price. Then, carefully think about how much you want to burn. Remember that you can’t undo a transaction once it’s completed.

Large Amounts Are Needed to Make an Impact

One of the biggest cons of token burning is that small amounts won’t greatly impact price. For example, there are over 

 (SHIB) coins currently in circulation. Burning a few thousand $SHIB wouldn’t affect the overall supply. However, the community has burned more than 263 billion $SHIB since October 2021, roughly 0.05% of the total circulating supply.

Any cryptocurrency can be burned. For example, an estimated 4 million bitcoins have been burned or lost. Other cryptocurrencies have adopted regular token burning into their strategies.

In 2021, Ethereum (ETH) introduced the EIP-1159 upgrade, restructured the fee model and began burning Ether with each transaction. 

Ethereum will transition its existing token model to a deflationary crypto asset. Over 3.4 million ETH have been burned using this controlled, steady method, which grows daily. The change in its protocol entails that a fraction of each transaction fee or gas fee will be burned on every successful transaction on the Ethereum blockchain network. Currently, the estimated 

 is about 1.63 ETH per minute in (24h) as of July 11, 2023.

 (SHIB) is often in the headlines for initiating large token burns. One way investors are encouraged to burn coins is via the burn portal, which was introduced in April 2022. However, Shiba Inu began making headlines for token burning long before that. About one year after the coin was launched, its creators sent Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin 50% of the total SHIB supply. In response, Buterin 

 (BNB) is known for its Auto-Burn and the Pioneer Burn program. This strategy automatically reduces the number of total coins in circulation each quarter. The first BNB Auto-Burn was in October 2017, when 0.49% of the total supply was destroyed. Because each coin-burning event is automatic, and is based on price and the number of new blocks created on BNB Smart Chain (BSC), investors don’t need to worry about too large a portion of the supply being burned at once.

In addition to the Auto-Burn, Binance Coin (BNB) burns a portion of the gas fees associated with each transaction on the BNB Smart Chain. BNB burns take place once every quarter, and they just completed their 23rd quarterly BNB burn of 2023 in April, with a total of 

Sweat Coin is one of the first blockchains to let its community decide whether to burn tokens or not through decentralized governance votes. In April’s governance vote, Sweat Coin introduced a scheduled 100 million tokens for distribution and burning. Over 150,000 SWEAT token holders voted, with 59.487% opting for token distribution and 40.513% for token burning, translating to over 59 million tokens being distributed and more than 40 million being burned.

Token burning isn’t essential in order for a cryptocurrency to function. However, as discussed above, regularly burning tokens helps maintain a balance between supply and demand. Investors may focus on the impact coin burning can have on the value of a token, and miners may find coin burning necessary in order to mine new tokens on a network effectively.

While there’s no guarantee that coin burning will increase a cryptocurrency’s prices, it can be a helpful tool for maintaining value and incentivizing investors. 

If you invest in a cryptocurrency, examine its burn strategy to see if it aligns with your own goals. Whether you plan on manually burning coins or using a coin that automatically burns portions of its supply, always have a clear idea of what you’re investing in.

Token Burning: What Does Burning Crypto Mean?

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