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  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
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  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Bitcoin Battles for $107,000 as US-China Trade War Escalates in Volatile October 2025

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October 2025 has unfolded as a tumultuous month for Bitcoin, witnessing the cryptocurrency surge to an unprecedented all-time high above $126,000 before succumbing to a dramatic correction. This sharp downturn, characterized by a "historic $19 billion liquidation event," has been primarily fueled by an escalating trade war between the United States and China, casting a long shadow over the crypto markets. As of October 17, 2025, Bitcoin is locked in a fierce battle to defend the critical $107,000 support level, with its immediate future hanging precariously on geopolitical developments.

The confluence of renewed US-China trade hostilities and Bitcoin's struggle to maintain key price levels underscores the increasing integration of the digital asset ecosystem with traditional macroeconomic forces. What began as a month of euphoria, driven by favorable regulatory shifts and sustained institutional interest, has quickly pivoted into a period of extreme caution, highlighting how global political tensions can swiftly derail market momentum and challenge even the most robust assets.

Market Impact and Price Action

Bitcoin's journey through October 2025 has been a rollercoaster. The month kicked off with a powerful rally, propelling Bitcoin past the $126,000 mark, an all-time high that ignited widespread optimism across the crypto community. This surge was attributed to a dovish stance by the U.S. Federal Reserve, continued capital inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, and significant regulatory clarity emerging from the U.S.

However, the tide turned dramatically around October 10-13, when news of severe new tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump against Chinese imports triggered a widespread "risk-off" sentiment. Bitcoin's price plummeted from approximately $122,000, testing lows between $101,000 and $107,000. This rapid descent resulted in a staggering $19 billion in liquidations, predominantly of leveraged long positions, marking one of the largest single-day deleveraging events in crypto history. Despite a slight recovery following President Trump's softened rhetoric, Bitcoin's price currently hovers around $111,000–$112,000, frequently dipping back into the $105,000–$108,000 range. This performance marks a decline of approximately 2.09% for Bitcoin this month, a stark departure from the historically bullish "Uptober" trend.

Technically, the $107,000 price level has emerged as a crucial battleground. Analysts widely identify this zone, often coinciding with Bitcoin's 200-day Moving Average (MA) or Exponential Moving Average (EMA), as a pivotal support. The market's immediate trajectory is seen as "hinging entirely on the $107,000 pivot," with a daily close below this level signaling a potential structural breakdown. Failure to hold this support could open the door for further declines, with potential downside targets at $100,000, $95,000, or even $93,000, corresponding to subsequent liquidity zones. Conversely, reclaiming and stabilizing above $110,000–$112,000 would be crucial for re-establishing bullish momentum.

Community and Ecosystem Response

The sudden escalation of US-China trade tensions has sent ripples of anxiety throughout the crypto community. Social media platforms like Crypto Twitter and Reddit are abuzz with discussions about the macroeconomic impact, with many expressing concern over the fragility of global markets in the face of geopolitical strife. The prevailing sentiment has shifted from "greedy" to "fearful" or "neutral," as reflected by various market sentiment indicators.

Crypto influencers and thought leaders have largely echoed the sentiment of caution, emphasizing the need for investors to monitor global political developments closely. Many point to significant outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs during this period of heightened tension as clear evidence of institutional investors de-risking their portfolios. The upcoming planned summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, expected later in October, is being widely viewed by traders as a "binary volatility event." Its outcome is anticipated to either provide much-needed stability or trigger further market turbulence, making it a focal point for the entire ecosystem.

What's Next for Crypto

The immediate outlook for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market remains highly dependent on the trajectory of US-China trade talks. A de-escalation of tensions, perhaps signaled by a productive Trump-Xi summit, could provide the necessary catalyst for Bitcoin to stabilize and potentially initiate a recovery, reclaiming higher resistance levels. Conversely, any further deterioration in diplomatic relations or the implementation of additional tariffs could trigger another wave of sell-offs, pushing Bitcoin below the critical $107,000 support and toward lower liquidity zones.

In the short term, strategic considerations for projects and investors will center on risk management and diversification. Projects might experience reduced liquidity and increased volatility, necessitating robust treasury management. For investors, a cautious approach, focusing on dollar-cost averaging and potentially rebalancing portfolios, could be prudent. Long-term implications, however, highlight the increasing maturity of the crypto market, where macroeconomic factors now play an undeniable role, demanding a more holistic investment strategy that extends beyond purely crypto-native developments.

Bottom Line

October 2025 serves as a stark reminder that the cryptocurrency market, despite its decentralized nature, is not immune to global macroeconomic forces. The intense pressure from escalating US-China trade tensions has pushed Bitcoin to a critical juncture, with the $107,000 level acting as a crucial line in the sand. Its ability to hold this support will largely dictate its near-term trajectory.

Key takeaways for crypto investors and enthusiasts include the paramount importance of monitoring geopolitical events, understanding their potential impact on market sentiment, and recognizing the interconnectedness of global finance. The long-term significance of this period lies in demonstrating crypto's evolution into a major asset class whose price action is increasingly influenced by macro narratives. As we navigate the remainder of October, the outcome of the Trump-Xi summit and Bitcoin's defense of the $107,000 mark will be the most important metrics to watch, offering vital clues about the market's immediate future and its resilience in the face of global instability.


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk.

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