Evaluating the $8 trillion risk – Why Bitcoin price is no longer a ‘safe haven’

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-19Last updated on 2026-01-19

Abstract

Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline, briefly nearing $92,000, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on eight European countries. The initial 10% tariff, set for February 1, could rise to 25% by June if negotiations fail. Trump administration explicitly linked the tariffs to the potential purchase of Greenland. With U.S. markets closed for a holiday, global markets absorbed the shock: S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell, Asian and European indices dipped, and the dollar weakened against safe-haven currencies like the yen and Swiss franc. Gold and silver surged to record highs, while oil prices dropped on growth concerns. Bitcoin later recovered some losses due to bargain buying. The situation remains tense as European investors hold approximately $8 trillion in U.S. assets, and any capital flow shifts could significantly impact markets. Key events to watch include economic data from China, Bank of Japan policy decisions, U.S. economic indicators influencing the Fed, and geopolitical discussions at the upcoming Davos meeting.

Bitcoin fell after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on eight European countries! With U.S. markets closed for the holiday, global markets reacted first, and crypto felt the impact.

Here’s the rundown.

BTC steadies after tariff shock

Bitcoin briefly slid close to the $92,000 mark during early Asian trading, a knee-jerk reaction to tariff threats from President Trump. The proposed measures target eight European countries –  Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Britain.

Initial level is set at 10% import tariffs for the 1st of February, and a potential increase to 25% by June if talks fail. Further, the President stated,

“This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”

With U.S. cash markets shut for the holiday, the initial shock was absorbed elsewhere. S&P 500 futures slipped about 0.7%, while Nasdaq futures dropped 1.0% during early Asian hours.

Japan’s Nikkei fell about 1%, while MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan went 0.1% lower. European markets also looked dim, with Euro Stoxx 50 and DAX futures both down around 1.1%.

The dollar slipped against other safe-haven currencies, falling about 0.3% against the yen and 0.2% versus the Swiss franc, while the Euro recovered after a dip.

Gold jumped 1.5% to a record, silver was at an ATH, while U.S. crude slipped on growth worries tied to a possible trade clash.

Source: Trading View

Bitcoin [BTC] managed to claw back some losses in the following hours, so bargain buying and steady sentiment kept the boat afloat.

All eyes on capital flows and global data

European investors hold around $8 trillion in U.S. bonds and equities.

A recent Bloomberg report stated that Deutsche Bank’s warnings that any shift could hit markets harder than tariffs themselves. They went so far as to call it a “weaponization of capital.”

There’s more to keep an eye out for. China reports growth data this week, the Bank of Japan is making policy decisions, and U.S. economic figures could influence the next Fed move.

Meanwhile, leaders are heading to Davos as well, where tensions and security issues (including the Greenland dispute) are likely to dominate discussions.

Big days ahead!


Final Thoughts

  • Bitcoin price not out of the dumps yet – $8 trillion in European holdings could change anytime.
  • Watch China, the Fed, and Davos talks; global data and tensions move markets fast.
Next: Litecoin retraces 6.5% – Can whales and ETF inflows lead to a reversal?
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Related Questions

QWhat was the immediate impact of President Trump's tariff threats on Bitcoin's price?

ABitcoin briefly slid close to the $92,000 mark during early Asian trading as a knee-jerk reaction to the tariff threats.

QWhich European countries are targeted by the proposed tariffs mentioned in the article?

AThe proposed tariffs target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Britain.

QAccording to the article, what is the estimated value of European holdings in U.S. bonds and equities that could be at risk?

AEuropean investors hold around $8 trillion in U.S. bonds and equities that could be at risk.

QHow did traditional safe-haven assets like gold and the Japanese yen react to the news?

AGold jumped 1.5% to a record high, and the dollar slipped about 0.3% against the Japanese yen, which is considered a safe-haven currency.

QWhat key events does the article suggest investors should watch that could influence markets in the near future?

AInvestors should watch China's growth data, the Bank of Japan's policy decisions, U.S. economic figures influencing the Fed, and discussions at the Davos meeting, particularly regarding tensions and the Greenland dispute.

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