Global Market Highlight
In February 2025, key U.S. economic indicators presented a mixed outlook. The labor market showed some softening as initial jobless claims rose by 5,000 to 219,000 for the week ending February 15, while the four-week moving average declined slightly to 215,250. The manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown, with the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index dropping sharply to 18.1 from 44.3 in January, though it still indicated moderate expansion.
Similarly, the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI edged up to 51.6, signaling modest growth, while the Services PMI fell below the 50 threshold for the first time in over two years, reflecting contraction concerns. Inflationary pressures persisted, with price indexes in manufacturing reaching their highest levels in over two years. Meanwhile, crude oil inventories rose by 4.6 million barrels, surpassing expectations.
The housing market faced ongoing affordability challenges as existing home sales declined 4.9% from December, though they remained 2% higher year-over-year. The median home price climbed 4.8% to $396,900, while inventory levels improved. Mortgage rates stayed elevated, with the 30-year fixed rate at 6.85% as of 20 Feb.
Trump Moves Toward Copper Tariffs to Protect U.S. Industry
The Trump administration's decision to investigate copper imports signals a potential move toward imposing tariffs on the metal, following a strategy previously used for steel and aluminum. Officials justify the move as necessary to protect U.S. copper producers from foreign competition, particularly from China, which they accuse of undercutting global markets.
While the tariffs aim to bolster domestic production, they also risk triggering trade tensions, increasing costs for businesses and consumers, and further impacting economic confidence. The outcome of the probe will determine the next steps, but this move adds another layer to Trump's broader trade policy approach.
BTC Technical Analysis
Between February 17 and February 25, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC/USDT) has been in a clear downtrend, forming a descending trendline with consistent lower highs and lower lows. The price recently tested and broke below the critical support level at $93,227, which previously served as a strong demand zone. This breakdown indicates increasing bearish momentum, particularly if BTC closes below this level today.
A reclaim of $93,227 and a breakout above the descending trendline could signal a potential bullish reversal. However, until that happens, the overall market structure remains bearish, with the risk of further declines if selling pressure persists. A confirmed break below $93,227 could drive BTC lower toward the next key support at $87,000.
Should BTC fail to hold the $87,000 support level, the downtrend could accelerate further, with the next major support target at $80,500.
ETH Technical Analysis
Between February 17 and February 25, 2025, Ethereum (ETH/USDT) has been trading in a bearish structure, showing a clear downward trend. The price attempted to hold above the $2,695 resistance but failed to sustain momentum, leading to further downside pressure. Over the past few days, ETH has broken below this key level and is now testing support around $2,500-$2,490. A daily close below this zone could confirm further bearish continuation, with the next significant support level near $2,133 - $2,176 as marked on the chart.
The price has remained weak, struggling to reclaim previous resistance zones, and unless ETH can recover above $2,695, the trend remains bearish. However, given the psychological importance of the $2,500 range, a short-term bounce is possible before a decisive move. For now, the market leans bearish, with downside risks outweighing bullish potential unless a reversal pattern forms.
SOL Technical Analysis
Between February 17 and February 25, 2025, Solana (SOL/USDT) has been in a sharp downtrend, with significant bearish momentum. After failing to hold above the $203.40 resistance level, SOL began a steady decline, breaking through multiple support zones. Over the past few days, the selling pressure has intensified, pushing the price down to a new local low of $136.06.
The next major support zone is around $130-$136, which could act as a temporary floor before the price either stabilizes or continues lower. A short-term relief bounce is possible, especially if buyers step in at these levels, but unless SOL reclaims $150-$165, the trend remains bearish. A break below $130 would open the door for further downside, possibly testing deeper support levels. For now, the market structure is strongly bearish, with any bullish reversal requiring a significant change in momentum.
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