#BitcoinMarketAnalysis 📉 The "Tariff Wall" & Macro Pressure

The 15% global tariff announced by the US administration this week has indeed flipped the "risk-off" switch.
Asset Correlation: Bitcoin is currently moving in lockstep with the S&P 500, which also took a hit as traders fear these tariffs will trigger a more aggressive stance from the Federal Reserve.
The "Hedge" Debate: You’re right that BTC isn't acting like a hedge today; it's being sold off alongside tech stocks to cover liquidity needs in traditional markets.
🐳 Vitalik and the Whale "Austerity"
The "Sell Pressure" you noted is backed by significant on-chain movements:
Vitalik Buterin: This month alone, Vitalik has sold or moved approximately 17,000 ETH (roughly $30–$40 million depending on the daily slide). While he stated this is for "mild austerity" and funding open-source projects, the market interprets any founder-level selling as a bearish signal during a crash.
Exchange Inflows: We’ve seen a spike in whale deposits to exchanges over the last 48 hours, signaling that large holders are either hedging with shorts or preparing to liquidate if $60k breaks.
🏹 The CME Reversal Signal
Your point about the "smart money" is the most compelling argument for a recovery:
March Call Interest: Despite the "Extreme Fear" (which touched 5 on some indices this morning), CME Bitcoin Options are showing a massive buildup of Call options for the March expiry.
The Divergence: This suggests that while retail is panicking, institutional desks are positioning for a "Spring Reversal," betting that the tariff-driven dip is an overreaction.
Strategy Summary: Feb 25, 2026