As the market cycle unfolds, altcoins are trading at critical levels. In today’s update, we’ll take a closer look at the broader market landscape to assess whether momentum is shifting and what that could mean for the days ahead.

Additionally, we’ll analyze key macroeconomic factors to offer a well-rounded outlook on what’s next for altcoins and for the first time, we share a community chart request!

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

Let’s dive in!

An unusual situation emerged when reports suggested that U.S. manufacturer Emerson considered listing tariffs as a separate line item on customer receipts, a move that would have directly shown consumers the added costs resulting from trade policy decisions made in recent years. 

While tariffs have often been described politically as costs paid by foreign countries, in practice they function as import taxes paid by U.S. companies at the border and are commonly passed on to consumers through higher prices. Emerson’s reported push for transparency would have revealed this dynamic more clearly, challenging the narrative that other nations are bearing the cost. 

According to sources, the White House reacted swiftly, with senior officials reportedly contacting executives to express concern over the potential political fallout. Public denials followed shortly thereafter, suggesting that pressure may have led to a retreat from the original disclosure plan. 

Meanwhile, broader economic indicators reflect growing strain. The U.S. trade deficit has widened to a record $162 billion, suggesting that tariffs have not achieved their intended effect of reducing import reliance. Consumers are facing higher prices on goods such as cars and electronics, major shipping firms have begun laying off workers, and retaliatory tariffs have hit American farmers particularly hard.

The Emerson case underscores a deeper issue: the economic impact of tariffs is materializing across multiple sectors, while public transparency about who bears the cost remains limited. 

The latest JOLTS report shows a clear softening in the US labor market. Job openings fell to 7.192 million, below expectations and marking the lowest level since September. The ratio of openings to unemployed workers also declined, signaling reduced demand for labor. This matters because the Federal Reserve closely monitors labor market tightness as a key input into its inflation outlook.

A declining openings-to-unemployed ratio points to easing wage pressures and potentially softer inflation ahead. In short: one of the Fed’s biggest concerns, an overheated labor market, is losing steam.

Next week’s Fed meeting is unlikely to bring a rate cut, but data like this gives policymakers more confidence that the economy is rebalancing without needing further tightening. We’re tracking all key indicators closely and frequently update our subscribers about the macroeconomic developments with each report. 

After a brief pause in February, capital is once again pouring into US spot Bitcoin ETFs and the chart tells the story clearly: despite geopolitical tensions and rising concerns over trade tariffs in April, investor appetite for Bitcoin exposure through regulated ETF vehicles has surged, marking a sharp rebound from the outflows seen earlier this year.

ETF flows are more than just numbers, they reflect institutional sentiment. As traditional assets wobble under macroeconomic stress, Bitcoin is increasingly being treated as a hedge and a portfolio diversifier.

The renewed inflows suggest that market participants view recent price weakness not as a threat, but as an opportunity.