Escalating recession fears rocked global financial markets Monday, evoking the ghost of 2008 for traders as crypto markets shed over $100 billion in value since April began. Bitcoin retreated below $79,000, currently near $75,700, while Ethereum tested $1,600.

Why Are Recession Fears Gripping Markets Now?

The sharp downturn follows President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff implementation, combined with Goldman Sachs reportedly hiking its U.S. recession probability to 45%. 

Increased risk aversion sent investors fleeing assets perceived as vulnerable to an economic slowdown. The Dow plunged late last week, and digital assets followed suit Monday as recession anxiety intensified, reflected in soaring Google searches for the term.

Is Panic Selling Confirming Recession Worries?

Signs of panic emerged, including whale activity. Lookonchain data showed a Bitcoin whale realizing a $2.53 million loss after dumping 778.5 BTC (~$64 million) on Binance, having misjudged the market bottom – selling just before Monday’s deeper crash fueled by recession fears.

Could Trump Tariffs Engineer a Pre-Recession Crash?

Amidst the chaos, a theory suggests the tariff timing might be strategic. Some analysts point out that spooking markets could drive investors into U.S. bonds, lowering yields and potentially helping refinance America’s $7 trillion debt load more cheaply ahead of a potential recession.

Related: Trump Tariffs Shock Markets: Crypto Loses $100B, Bitcoin Price Unstable

How Might Bitcoin Perform Under Recession Pressure

Bitcoin’s performance during this potential recessionary period is now under scrutiny. It must establish higher lows, similar to its pattern in late 2023, to demonstrate resilience. Failure to hold current levels could see altcoins nosedive further. While some hope for a cleansing dip, Bitcoin’s reaction to recession pressure remains key.

Will the Fed Act to Prevent a Deeper Recession?

With recession concerns mounting, focus shifts to the Federal Reserve. Traders must closely monitor bond yields for signs of stress and watch for any potential emergency rate cuts or Quantitative Easing (QE) from the Fed aimed at countering recession risks. 

Related: Even Whales Bailing? TRUMP Token Rocked by $14M Loss Sale Before Unlock

A strong dovish pivot could spark a sharp crypto rebound; otherwise, volatility driven by recession fears likely continues.