Bitcoin (BTC) is showing faint signs of resilience as traditional markets react sharply to fresh U.S. employment data and escalating trade tensions. While stocks tumbled following former President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, BTC managed to stay steady around $82,600, hinting at a potential shift in its market behaviour.

U.S. Jobs Growth Surpasses Expectations

The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March, far exceeding the 135,000 forecast. The unemployment rate, however, ticked up to 4.2%, slightly higher than February’s 4.1%. Strong employment data could complicate the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, as markets had been pricing in four rate cuts for 2025, with a potential first cut in June.

Stock Markets in Freefall After Tariff Shock

Markets were already in turmoil after Trump’s midweek tariff announcements, which sent the Nasdaq down 6% and the S&P 500 nearly 5% on Thursday. Hopes of a recovery faded when China retaliated with its own tariffs, causing futures to signal further declines. Investors fled to safe havens, pushing gold near its record high of $3,200 per ounce and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields down to 3.89%.

Bitcoin’s Role as a Safe Haven?

Despite following the Nasdaq’s declines in recent weeks, Bitcoin showed some signs of decoupling. On Thursday, BTC held the crucial $80,000 level, even as tech stocks continued their slide. This stability is fueling speculation that Bitcoin may be evolving into a safe-haven asset, much like gold and bonds.

What’s Next for Bitcoin?

With March inflation data due next week, all eyes are on how Bitcoin reacts. Both core and headline CPI are expected to hover around 3%, which could influence Fed policy and investor sentiment. If inflation remains sticky and rate cuts are delayed, Bitcoin’s newfound stability could be further tested.

For now, BTC remains in a wait-and-watch mode, navigating the storm of economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks. Whether it truly emerges as a safe-haven asset or continues mirroring traditional markets will be the key question in the weeks ahead.