Investing.com-- Bitcoin jumped Monday as investors cheered reports suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump may take a more measured approach to implementing new trade tariffs on April 2.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency advanced roughly 3.4% to $87,987.1 by 4:40 p.m. ET (20:44 GMT) on Monday.
Bitcoin jumps as markets weigh Trump’s targeted tariff plan
Instead of broad, industry-wide levies, Trump’s administration is expected to impose tariffs on specific countries with significant trade imbalances with the U.S., according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The plan, reportedly targeting around 15% of nations with persistent deficits—dubbed the “dirty 15”—could include major economies such as China, Japan, India, and Vietnam.
Uncertainty over these tariffs initially weighed on risk assets, but optimism around a more measured approach helped Bitcoin gain traction.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier suggested that countries could negotiate to avoid higher tariffs by reducing their own trade barriers, indicating potential flexibility in the administration’s approach.
This development has alleviated some concerns about a potential escalation in trade tensions, leading to increased confidence in riskier assets like cryptocurrencies.
Sam Altman’s World Network (LON:NETW) and Visa (NYSE:V) in talks for stablecoin payments wallet: CoinDesk
World Network, the blockchain ecosystem tied to the biometric ID platform Worldcoin, is reportedly in discussions with Visa to integrate card capabilities into its self-custody crypto wallet, CoinDesk reported Monday, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The partnership would enable World Network wallet users to access Visa card functions, including stablecoin payments, fiat on- and off-ramps, and cross-border fintech applications. This would allow users to transact with thousands of merchants in Visa’s global network.
Tools for Humanity, the company behind Worldcoin and cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has circulated a product request form to card issuers, according to CoinDesk.
“The plan is to build up a whole connected wallet strategy so that you can trade in all kinds of things, from FX to crypto, load to wallet, send to wallet, spend from card,” the source reportedly said. “Basically to turn World Wallet into a mini bank account for anyone who wants it.”
Considering Altman’s influence, “other wallet providers should be worried," the source added.
Strategy boosts Bitcoin stake above 500K
Stategy boosted its Bitcoin stake above 500,000 tokens after making fresh purchases last week.
Led by Michael Saylor, the company bought 6,911 Bitcoins for $584.1 million, or an average cost of $84,529 per token, a Monday filing showed.
That took Strategy’s total holdings to 506,137 BTC acquired for $33.7 billion, or an average cost of $66,608 each.
To fund the latest purchase, Strategy sold 1.975 million shares of common stock, raising $592.6 million.
Bitcoin firm Metaplanet appoints Eric Trump to strategic advisory board
Japanese Bitcoin investment firm Metaplanet Inc (TYO:3350) has named Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, to its newly formed Strategic Board of Advisors, the company announced on Friday.
The Tokyo-listed firm, which has been increasing its Bitcoin holdings, said the board aims to enhance its global presence and drive Bitcoin adoption.
Eric Trump’s experience in finance and branding is expected to support Metaplanet’s expansion strategy, the company said.
Metaplanet has positioned itself as Japan’s leading Bitcoin Treasury Company, currently holding over 3,200 BTC, with plans to grow its reserves to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025.
Crypto price today: most altcoins rise amid broader rally
Most altcoins also jumped, in line with Bitcoin.
World no.2 crypto Ethereum jumped 4.8% to $2,087.78.
World no. 3 crypto XRP inched 2.6% higher to $2.46.
Solana jumped 9%, while Cardano gained 5%, and Polygon climbed 4%.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin advanced 9%, while $TRUMP surged 3.5%.
Ayushman Ojha contributed to this report.