President Trump's new tariffs on imported cars and parts have sent shockwaves through global markets, causing major European and UK carmakers to experience significant stock drops and raising concerns about a potential trade war. The tariffs, set to take effect on April 2nd, threaten the UK automotive industry, which relies heavily on exports to the US.
WH Smith, a British retail giant with a 233-year history, has sold its high street division to Modella Capital for £76 million, marking the end of the brand's presence on UK high streets. The company will now focus on its growing travel division, which operates stores in airports, train stations, and hospitals across 32 countries.
UK retail sales unexpectedly rose by 1% in February, defying expectations of a downturn, as consumers continued to spend on clothing, homewares, and household goods despite economic uncertainty. This positive trend suggests a potential shift in consumer spending towards non-essential items and raises hopes for an earlier interest rate cut by the Bank of England.
Capital Flows, a macro analyst, identifies Bitcoin's increasing correlation with low-quality banks as key to its price trajectory, emphasizing the need for a "durable change in macro liquidity" for Bitcoin to reach $100,000. While short-term concerns exist, Bitcoin's historical performance and integration into the financial system offer a long-term perspective.
Bitcoin is nearing another "death cross," a technical indicator that historically triggers sell-offs, but these events are often followed by strong rallies, according to Benjamin Cowen, founder of IntoTheCryptoverse. Cowen believes that if Bitcoin holds above $73,000 during the next pullback, it could indicate that the market structure remains intact and a rally may follow, similar to the pattern observed in 2017.