Bitcoin Price Declines, Aptos Crypto Faces Uncertainty, & Blockdag’s Next 3 Milestones May Lead To $1

Summary:

The Bitcoin price has fallen below $80,000, pulling the wider crypto market down along with it. Roughly $1 trillion has vanished from the market in just one month. Concerns about inflation and uncertainty around the Federal Reserve’s next move have made investors hesitant. This isn’t just Bitcoin’s struggle—other major cryptocurrencies are also under strain. Aptos crypto, for example, is testing its key $5.1 support level, which has previously served as a safety net.

While some digital assets are losing ground, others are preparing for what could be significant changes. BlockDAG (BDAG) is one of those projects. Over the next 100 days, several major developments could reshape its position in the market. A final beta testnet launch, an important keynote event, and anticipated exchange listings are on the schedule—each sparking talk that BDAG could reach $1 soon. With a 2,380% increase so far, BlockDAG is gaining attention as one of the best long term crypto options today.

Bitcoin Price Drops as Investors Await Federal Reserve Signals

The Bitcoin price has dipped below $80,000, contributing to a larger sell-off that has erased $1 trillion from the crypto space over the past month. This decline has been fueled by persistent inflation worries. BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink has warned that rising trade disputes could push costs higher, making things more complicated for the Federal Reserve’s approach to monetary policy.

Although February’s inflation numbers hinted at some relief, many analysts believe tariffs and unstable markets could keep inflation elevated for longer. Investors are holding back, waiting for clear direction from either the Fed or the White House. Stock markets have shown some signs of recovery, but the Bitcoin price—and crypto markets in general—haven’t yet regained meaningful momentum.

Aptos Crypto at a Crossroads as $5.1 Support Gets Tested Again

Aptos crypto is currently challenging its long-standing support level of $5.1, a price that has previously held up during past declines, including back in February. Despite noticeable accumulation over the past six weeks, Aptos has not been able to build upward momentum.

Meanwhile, negative funding rates have risen again, reaching levels similar to those seen a month ago. This suggests a large number of traders still anticipate more downside.

Even so, the Aptos crypto network itself remains steady. Its total value locked (TVL) and stablecoin market cap are hovering near their highest recorded levels. Demand remains muted, but many traders are closely watching for potential signs of a recovery—or an indication that the downtrend will continue.

BlockDAG’s Next 100 Days Could Redefine Its Path—Key Developments Approaching

Crypto projects often experience pivotal cycles, and BlockDAG appears to be entering one now. The project has already raised $206 million through its presale, distributing 18.8 billion BDAG coins and gaining 2,380% since its initial batch. What’s coming next, however, has the community paying close attention.

On March 28, BlockDAG’s final beta testnet is set to launch. This event marks the last significant technical milestone before a full system rollout. In the crypto world, testnets are often a signal that a project is nearing operational readiness, and this could be BlockDAG’s turning point.

Adding to the anticipation, Keynote 3 is scheduled for the same day. Speculation is growing that the event may announce the long-awaited mainnet launch date, new exchange listings, or even institutional partnerships. Many in the crypto space believe that BlockDAG is becoming one of the best long term crypto projects to watch.

Meanwhile, demand for BDAG is surging. Batch 27 is currently priced at $0.0248, and each subsequent batch pushes the price higher. Some analysts are predicting BDAG could reach $1 after these upcoming milestones are achieved, a dramatic leap from its early presale price.

If exchange listings go live and interest continues to grow, the gap between the current price and the $1 target may close much faster than anyone expects. The next 100 days are likely to determine whether BlockDAG’s early supporters are rewarded or whether others will have missed the opportunity.

Final Thoughts

The Bitcoin price remains unpredictable as inflation fears and the Federal Reserve’s pending decisions weigh on market sentiment. For now, crypto markets seem locked in a cautious holding pattern, with Bitcoin waiting for its next catalyst.

Aptos crypto also finds itself at a critical juncture. Its $5.1 support is holding, but weak demand and negative funding rates are raising concerns. A recovery is possible if momentum returns, but traders remain divided.

BlockDAG, on the other hand, is moving toward what could be a defining phase. The final testnet, an important keynote, and potential exchange listings are all drawing interest. With supply decreasing and several major events ahead, many see BDAG as the best long term crypto play on the table right now.

Source: CryptoSlate

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Henry Thompson

Technical Analysis

Financial markets entered Tuesday on a subdued note, with the Asian session notably quiet. While US stocks managed a rebound overnight on speculation that the April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff rollout might be narrower in scope than initially feared, sentiment failed to fully carry into Asia. Equity indices across the region were mixed, reflecting ongoing investor caution. In the currency markets, major pairs remained trapped within yesterday’s ranges, signaling a broader wait-and-see mode among traders.

Yen is seeing some mild recovery after Monday’s selloff, partially supported by signals from BoJ’s latest January meeting minutes. The central bank reaffirmed its readiness to tighten policy further. Still, external developments—particularly the uncertainty over global trade and US tariffs—are making the policy path less clear, forcing BoJ to move with greater caution in coming months.

Looking ahead to the European session, Germany’s Ifo Business Climate data will be watched. Still, most of the optimism linked to Germany’s fiscal expansion appears to be already priced in. Unless there’s a sharp upside surprise, the report may not trigger much market movement.

Later in the day, US Consumer Confidence figures are in focus. Expectations are for a continued decline, reflecting growing concerns over the economic fallout from reciprocal tariffs. Yet, this deterioration in sentiment has become a familiar theme, and its market impact may also be muted unless the drop is significantly worse than expected.

What investors truly crave are concrete details surrounding Trump’s tariff due next week. Until then, markets are likely to remain rangebound and headline-driven. With such a pivotal policy move on the horizon, traders are understandably reluctant to take strong directional bets. That has kept volatility suppressed for now, even as the risk environment remains fragile underneath the surface.

Technically, a major focus now is USD/JPY, which has extended the rebound from 146.52 short term bottom this week. Strong resistance is expected from 150.92 support turned resistance, and 55 D EMA (now at 151.08) to limit upside. However, firm break of this zone will argue the fall from 158.86 has completed, and turn near term outlook bullish for stronger rebound. The next move in USD/JPY would determine the overall tone of Yen in the markets.

In Asia, at the time of writing, Nikkei is up 0.56%. Hong Kong HSI is down -1.99%. China Shanghai SSE is down -0.05%. Singapore Strait Times is up 1.11%. Japan 10-year JGB yield is up 0.028 at 1.574. Overnight, DOW rose 1.42%. S&P 500 rose 1.76%. NASDAQ rose 2.27%. 10-year yield rose 0.079 to 4.331.

BoJ minutes signal readiness to tighten further if outlook holds

Minutes from BoJ’s January 23–24 meeting revealed a growing consensus among policymakers that further tightening would be appropriate, provided the current economic and price outlooks hold.

While the central bank raised policy rate to 0.5%, members acknowledged that real interest rates remained “significantly negative”, ensuring “accommodative financial conditions would be maintained.”

However, the path ahead is clouded by global uncertainty. While BoJ held rates steady at its latest meeting last week, it flagged increasing risks from escalating US tariffs.

Nevertheless, Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized that stronger-than-expected wage growth and persistent food price inflation could keep upward pressure on underlying prices, indicating that the case for another rate hike remains very much alive.

Fed’s Bostic sees just one rate cut in 2025, warns tariffs may reinforce inflation

Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said in a Bloomberg interview that he’s now projecting just one cut by year-end, down from his earlier expectation of two.

Bostic explained the shift was due to his view that inflation will be “very bumpy and not move dramatically and in a clear way to the 2% target”. With inflation unlikely to return to target until 2027, he believes the path to neutral must also be delayed.

Bostic also expressed concern about the inflationary impact of rising tariffs. While such measures are often assumed to cause a one-off increase in prices, Bostic suggested the current environment could be different.

In his view, businesses and consumers may have grown more tolerant of elevated inflation following the pandemic, making price hikes more likely to stick. He noted that many business leaders now feel confident about “a complete pass-through” of higher costs on to customers without fear of losing market share.

BoE’s Bailey calls for trade cooperation and embraces AI as growth catalyst

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey urged greater international cooperation to resolve growing strains in the global trading system. In a speech overnight, he pointed to the disruptions caused by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, emphasizing that resolving these challenges requires “multilateral setting rather than set tariffs bilaterally”.

In a more optimistic tone, Bailey also pointed to artificial intelligence as a transformative force for the UK and global economy. Comparing AI to electricity in the early 20th century, he said the technology could meaningfully raise growth and per capita income over time. He called for policy support to facilitate AI’s development as the “most likely general purpose technology,” capable of driving broad-based economic gains in the years ahead.

ECB’s Escriva warns of extreme uncertainty and skewed growth risks

In remarks delivered overnight, Spanish ECB Governing Council member Jose Luis Escriva highlighted that “growth risks are more downside than upside.” While he acknowledged that supportive fiscal policy could offer some near-term uplift, he stressed that the broader risks — particularly to the downside — are dominating the economic outlook.

Escriva painted a grim picture of the current global backdrop, describing it as “extremely uncertain.” He noted that today’s uncertainty global index levels are at their highest since records began — exceeding those during the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the 9/11 attacks, and even the peak of the Great Financial Crisis.

Despite the fact that worst-case, disruptive scenarios have yet to materialize, Escriva emphasized that ECB must be “readier than ever” to revise its forecasts and relevant action should conditions change”.

Looking ahead

German Ifo business climate ins the main focus in European session. Later in the day, US will release consumer confidence, house prices and new home sales.

USD/CAD Daily Outlook

Range trading continues in USD/CAD and intraday bias remains neutral for now. Overall, price actions from 1.4791 are seen as a corrective pattern. On the upside, break of 1.4541 will extend the second leg from 1.4150 to retest 1.4791 high. On the downside, break of 1.4238 will argue that the third leg has already started through 1.4150 support.

In the bigger picture, long term up trend is tentatively seen as resuming with prior breach of 1.4667/89 key resistance zone (2020/2015 highs). Next target is 100% projection of 1.2401 to 1.3976 from 1.3418 at 1.4993. This will remain the favored case as long as 1.3976 resistance turned support holds (2022 high), even in case of deep pullback.

Source: ACTIONFOREX

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

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Warren Takunda

Stocks

London stocks were set to fall at the open on Tuesday despite a positive session on Wall Street, as investors braced for a deluge of corporate news.

The FTSE 100 was called to open down around 35 points.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "The week started on quite a positive note on hope that the next wave of US tariffs - expected to hit the ground on April 2nd - would be more targeted and more measured than previously thought. But Trump still threatened to impose 25% levies on countries that buy oil from Venezuela.

"Chinese equities are under pressure this morning as the country buys oil from Venezuela and is concerned by the new tariff threats from the White House. And the barrel of US crude gained around 1.30%, though offers weighed heavier into the $69.5pb mark.

"Trend and momentum indicators are growing stronger, hinting that a rise above the $70pb is increasingly possible in the short run. But the long-term demand and supply dynamics remain in favour of cheaper oil - an expectation that’s already priced in, but could still prevent oil bulls from gaining too much traction after a potential break of the $70pb resistance."

In UK corporate news, B&Q owner Kingfisher said it expected adjusted earnings of £480m to £540m this year and warned of the impact of budgetary measures in the UK and France on consumer sentiment and costs in the short term.

The company, which also owns Brico Depot and Castorama in France, posted a 7% fall in adjusted pre-tax profit to £528m and announced a £300m share buyback.

Smiths Group reported a strong set of half-year results, with 9.1% organic revenue growth, a 50 basis point margin expansion to 16.7%, and a 14% increase in headline earnings per share, while reaffirming full-year guidance.

The FTSE 100 company said it was progressing with its strategy to unlock value, including the separation of Smiths Interconnect and Smiths Detection, as it focussed on high-performance industrial technology businesses.

As part of the strategy, Smiths Group also announced the acquisition of Duc-Pac for $40.5m to strengthen its Flex-Tek division’s HVAC offering and expand its presence in the north-east US construction market.

Source: Sharecast

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

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Dark Current

Technical Analysis

Market Overview

The US Dollar Index (DXY) hovered near 104.311 on Tuesday, showing resilience despite mixed signals from key economic data and ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade policy.

The greenback found moderate support as stronger-than-expected services sector performance offset concerns about manufacturing weakness.

Services Sector Strength Offsets Manufacturing Contraction

The S&P Global US Composite PMI rose to 53.5 in March, recovering from February’s 10-month low of 51.6 and marking the fastest pace of expansion since December 2024.

The Services PMI led the gains, jumping to 54.3 from 51.0—well above expectations.

However, the Manufacturing PMI slipped to 49.8, down from 52.7 and below the forecast of 51.8, indicating a contraction and highlighting uneven momentum across sectors.

Dollar Faces Policy Uncertainty Amid Inflation and Trade Concerns

The dollar faces competing pressures. On one hand, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic noted persistent inflation concerns, signaling a slower pace of rate cuts through 2025.

On the other, potential disruptions from former President Trump’s proposed trade policies have raised investor concerns about economic headwinds.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks, which pointed to a strong labor market and inflation gradually approaching the 2% target, helped limit downside risks for the dollar.

Traders Eye Inflation Data and Fed Guidance

Looking ahead, market participants are focused on upcoming US economic releases and Federal Reserve commentary for cues on monetary policy.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, due Friday, will be closely watched as a key inflation gauge.

Additionally, developments in US-China trade negotiations could influence dollar sentiment in the coming sessions.

US Dollar Index (DXY) – Technical Analysis

The Dollar Index (DXY) is holding steady around $104.311, trading just above its pivot point at $104.261. Price action remains constructive, with support from the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level reinforcing a mildly bullish tone.

The index is also above its 50-day EMA at $103.998, though still under the 200-day EMA at $104.397, which could act as near-term resistance.

A sustained move above $104.903 would strengthen the case for a rally toward $105.429. On the downside, any drop below $104.261 could pull the index back toward support at $103.763 and $103.211.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

GBP/USD is trading around $1.29223, holding just under its pivot point at $1.29298. The 50-day EMA at $1.29359 is capping upside attempts, adding to the pressure on the pair.

The broader setup remains neutral-to-bearish in the short term, especially as price stays below this dynamic resistance. If buyers manage to reclaim $1.29298 with conviction, the path opens toward $1.29744, followed by $1.30141.

But if the pair fails to break above the EMA zone, downside risks return, with immediate support at $1.28950 and deeper pressure likely down to $1.28602.

EUR/USD Technical Forecast

EUR/USD is hovering near $1.08003 in early trading, struggling to gain traction as it sits just below its pivot point at $1.08079. The pair remains trapped in a downward channel, reflecting a cautious tone in the market.

Price is sandwiched between the 200-day EMA at $1.07854 and the 50-day EMA at $1.08380, suggesting limited momentum in either direction. A clean break above $1.08079 would be needed to shift the near-term bias, potentially opening the door toward resistance at $1.08595.

Until then, bears are likely to stay in control, with immediate support at $1.07643 and further downside risk toward $1.07169. The broader picture favors consolidation unless a clear catalyst breaks the current range.

Source: FX Empire

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

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Julia Daniels

U.S. President Donald Trump greets members of the audience after signing a proclamation during a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have so far taken the shape of country-specific, sweepingly reciprocal, targeted at sectors and applicable only to countries with a certain trade relationship with another.

He has also been "flexible" in implementing them — as he remarked Friday on the possibility of doing so — granting last-minute pauses, exceptions to goods under trade agreements and potential reprieves even for across-the-board tariffs.

Markets rallied Monday, driven by Trump's hint that countries could get a "break" from reciprocal tariffs. But it's unlikely to be a sustained upward trend, given the wild swings in the types, and the unpredictable executions, of Trump tariffs.

Strategists often look at technical trends in stocks' movements, such as their 200-day moving average, in an attempt to divine their future. It might be more fruitful, in this political epoch, to shift that scrutiny to Trump, who has alternately caused markets to pop — and plunge — with one pronouncement.

What you need to know today

New Trump tariffs, again
U.S. President Donald Trump said at a Cabinet meeting earlier on Monday he will soon announce tariffs targeting automobiles, pharmaceuticals and other industries, and, at a White House event later the same day, added the lumber and semiconductor industries to his list. Trump also said Monday the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela.

Possible 'breaks' for tariffs
Even as Trump said he would impose tariffs on industries, at a White House event Monday, he said he "may give a lot of countries breaks" on the reciprocal tariffs, which are set to take effect April 2. When pressed for clarification on whether sectoral tariffs will also start that day, Trump initially said, "Yeah, it's going to be everything," before adding, "but not all tariffs are included that day."

U.S. stocks shoot up
U.S. stocks jumped Monday on relief that Trump tariffs might not be as severe as expected. The S&P 500 gained 1.76%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42% and the Nasdaq Composite rallied 2.27%. Tesla shares popped 11.9%, their best day since Nov. 6, 2024, a day after Trump's election victory. Europe's regional Stoxx 600 index dipped 0.13%. Swedish defense firm Saab gained 4.5% after UBS upgraded its stock to buy from neutral.

Hyundai's $21 billion investment in U.S.
South Korean conglomerate Hyundai on Monday announced a roughly $21 billion investment in U.S. onshoring that includes a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana, announced Trump, Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry Monday. The plant is set to hire more than 1,400 employees and will produce steel that will be used by Hyundai's two U.S. auto plants to manufacture electric vehicles.

[PRO] Magnificent Seven rebound?
The performance of the "Magnificent Seven" stocks can serve as a barometer for investor sentiment toward the U.S. market, some analysts think. Their rally on Monday, after a monthslong rout, has generated optimism for a turnaround — but one equity strategist thinks investors shouldn't get their hopes up.

Protesters clash with Turkish anti riot police as they use tear gas and water cannons during a demonstration following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, in Ankara on March 21, 2025.

Political and financial turmoil set to dominate Turkey, risking economic stabilization plans

More than 1,100 people have been arrested in Turkey's nationwide protests since demonstrations began on March 19, Turkish authorities said Monday, as political and economic instability grips the nation following last week's arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Analysts expect a prolonged period of volatility for the Turkish lira and the foreign reserves that the country will need to burn through in order to keep it afloat.

Central bank officials spent $12 billion in foreign reserves last week to prop up the lira, the Financial Times reported as of March 21, after the currency hit a record low of more than 40 to the dollar. Markets initially plunged on news of the arrest, and Turkey on Sunday banned short selling and relaxed buyback rules in an effort to bolster stocks.

Source: CNBC

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

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FastBull Featured

Daily News

[Quick Facts]

1. Will the U.S. and Russia sign a Joint Statement?

2. Bostic: Expects only one rate cut this year; tariffs hinder inflation decline.

3. UK seeks economic pact with U.S. to avoid "Reciprocal Tariffs".

4. U.S. manufacturing back in contraction zone as tariffs drive up material costs.

5. Eurozone Composite PMI hits seven-month high, signaling manufacturing recovery.

6. UK economy shows early signs of recovery, March composite PMI at six-month high.

[News Details]

Will the U.S. and Russia sign a Joint Statement?

On the evening of the 24th, U.S. and Russian delegations concluded talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lasting over 12 hours. This followed a 28-hour negotiation marathon with Ukrainian representatives on the 23rd.

The talks focused on a U.S.-proposed partial ceasefire in the Black Sea to restore grain and energy shipping routes. While Russia rejected Trump’s earlier 30-day full ceasefire proposal, it tacitly agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The White House emphasized "freedom of navigation," while the Kremlin framed the talks as "maritime security negotiations," hinting at subtle differences in outcomes.

A joint statement is expected on the 25th. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on the 24th that no documents would be signed immediately.

If released, the statement could mark a critical step toward transitioning from a partial ceasefire to comprehensive peace talks, offering hope for a resolution to the three-year Ukraine conflict. Yet, the path from a limited truce to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.

Bostic: Expects only one rate cut this year; tariffs hinder inflation decline

Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic stated on Monday that additional tariffs pose upside risks to inflation while declining business confidence or layoffs could weaken the labor market. "The recent high-inflation environment may make the impact of tariffs more persistent," he said. "Consumers are very anxious, and I worry they may now be more sensitive to price hikes."

Bostic expects only one rate cut this year instead of two, as tariffs delay progress toward the 2% inflation target. "In this uncertain environment, it's prudent to delay policy adjustments rather than act hastily and risk reversal," he added.

UK seeks economic pact with U.S. to avoid "Reciprocal Tariffs"

UK Prime Minister Starmer and U.S. President Trump discussed a bilateral economic agreement in a call on the 23rd. A UK spokesperson confirmed on the 24th that the two nations are collaborating on a pact rooted in shared economic security commitments, reported by the Guardian. The UK aims to avoid being targeted by upcoming U.S. "reciprocal tariffs."

U.S. manufacturing back in contraction zone as tariffs drive up material costs

The U.S. March manufacturing PMI flash reading, released Monday, fell to 49.8, slipping back into contraction territory due to rising tariff-related material prices. Affected by tariffs, the materials cost index surged to its highest level since April 2023. Manufacturers reported the fastest price increase rate for received payments since February 2023. The composite index of purchasing prices also rose at the quickest pace in nearly two years, with manufacturers' prices showing the most notable increase since August 2022. Businesses also attributed cost pressures to higher labor costs.

Service sector PMI rose to 54.3 on new orders and favorable weather, but tariff concerns and federal spending cuts dragged business confidence to its second-lowest level since 2022.

Other key indicators showed a decline, with factory production metrics falling and the employment index dropping for the first time since October last year. Order growth virtually stalled as producers reported fewer companies attempting to hedge against tariff increases on imported goods preemptively.

S&P Global Market Intelligence Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson stated in a statement: "A major concern about tariffs is their inflationary impact. The March survey revealed that costs surged again as suppliers passed on tariff-driven price hikes to U.S. firms. Corporate expenses are now rising at the fastest pace in nearly two years, with factories increasingly passing these higher costs onto customers."

Eurozone Composite PMI hits seven-month high, signaling manufacturing recovery

The Eurozone March Manufacturing PMI Flash rose to 48.7 (from 47.6), a two-year high, while the Composite PMI Flash climbed to 50.4 (from 50.2), a seven-month peak. Services PMI dipped to 50.4 (from 50.6), lower than the expected 51.0.

Additionally, business activity in the eurozone expanded at the fastest pace in seven months, with potential momentum building in the coming quarters as massive infrastructure and defense spending plans-particularly in Germany boosted market optimism about the European economy's recovery. This could potentially reignite growth in eurozone manufacturing.

UK economy shows early signs of recovery, March composite PMI at six-month high

Britain's March composite PMI flash reading surged to 52 on Monday, not only marking a notable jump from 50.5 in February but also setting a six-month high. The services PMI flash reading also rose to 53.2, outperforming both previous readings and market expectations.

The strong performance in the financial services sector and signs of a recovery in consumer service demand become key drivers of the economy. However, continued job losses and weakening market confidence remain warning signals. Manufacturing output, affected by U.S. President Trump's tariffs on major trading partners, notched its steepest decline in 17 months.

While this data temporarily "reversed the dominance of recent negative economic indicators", the improvement is driven by a few sectors-particularly financial services. Meanwhile, consumer-facing businesses and manufacturers continue to struggle amid domestic and international headwinds.

[Today's Focus]

UTC+8 17:00 Germany March IFO Business Climate Index

UTC+8 18:00 ECB Governing Council Member Robert Holzmann speaks

UTC+8 18:50 ECB Governing Council Member Boštjan Vasle speaks

UTC+8 21:05 New York Fed President John Williams speaks

UTC+8 22:00 U.S. February New Home Sales

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

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Owen Li

Economic

Commodity

Panels on the energy transition and all things related, from oil to minerals, kick off the Financial Times Commodities Global Summit this week in Switzerland. German manufacturers weigh in on gas storage plans in Europe. And, coffee is not expected to get cheaper any time soon.

Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are vital for clean energy and the fight for them is intensifying, with US President Donald Trump even evoking wartime powers to produce them. China is the undisputed leader in extracting the minerals, but it is curbing exports in response to US trade tariffs. Other nations joining the race to build up supplies, however, will find extracting and then refining minerals into a usable form is a complex undertaking.

Coffee

“Roasters are struggling,” says Thiago Cazarini, a broker in Brazil’s largest coffee-growing region. The processors who typically take positions in the futures market to protect themselves from price fluctuations changed course when the commodity began rising last year, betting they could secure a better deal later. But supply shortages persisted and prices kept climbing. Coffee drinkers can expect to see the impact of that at the register. Coffee futures rose Monday in New York.

Copper

Copper is flirting with records in New York after hitting $10,000 on the London Metal Exchange, the highest since October. Used in wiring, plumbing and industrial machinery, copper has been flowing into the US at breakneck levels as the Trump administration hints at tariffs on the colorful metal. Traders smell a windfall in arbitrage opportunities, while bulls remain steadfast. Copper rose Monday.

Oil

The US oil industry, the world’s biggest, has undergone a dramatic overhaul over the past 2 1/2 decades as a result of the shale boom. In the mid-2000s, America was a net importer of as much as 14 million barrels a day of crude oil and refined fuels, while today it’s a major supplier to overseas markets. The most-recent government data shows the US just hit a fresh record for shipping the most oil overseas relative to how much it buys. Futures rose Monday.

Gas Storage

Gas inventories are a problem for Europe after a cold winter left reserves low. To ensure it has enough gas to get through the heating season, the European Union is requiring storage facilities to be at least 90% by Nov. 1. Some countries, including Germany, the world’s third largest economy, are pushing to lower the target. A German industry lobby joined the chorus, citing the nation’s high energy prices.