Global markets were on alert on Monday as the US government’s new 15% tariffs rattled trading partners and threw uncertainty into last year’s EU-US deal.
PayPal attracted early acquisition interest as its stock price plummeted, but geopolitical tensions pushed oil prices to a six-month high.
In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin fell towards a major support level as investors reduced their risk exposure amid new policies and increased market volatility around the world.
EU-US trade deal is stalled
European and British officials have warned that President Donald Trump’s new 15% “global” tariffs could upend the trade deal struck with Washington last year and called on the White House to provide clarity on how the tariffs will be applied.
President Trump said the tariffs would take effect immediately and could continue for up to 150 days without Congressional approval, after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling rejected his earlier approach.
EU trade statistics announce ‘a deal is a deal’, while the European Parliament’s trade committee plans an emergency meeting to consider next steps.
European markets opened lower amid uncertainty.
PayPal attracts acquisition interest
PayPal is attracting tentative acquisition interest after a plunge in stock prices nearly halved the payments company’s market value, Bloomberg News reported.
The report said PayPal has met with banks and other financial institutions following unsolicited approaches, and at least one major rival is considering buying the entire company.
Other potential buyers are said to be considering only certain PayPal assets, and negotiations are still in the early stages and a deal may not be reached.
PayPal declined to comment.
Crude oil prices hit six-month high
Oil prices hit a six-month high on Monday as traders weighed the uncertainty of new tariffs against U.S. and Iranian nuclear diplomacy.
Brent crude rose 62 cents, or about 0.9%, to $72.38 a barrel by 2:32 a.m. Japan time, while U.S. WTI rose 69 cents, or 1%, to $67.17.
Brent rose more than 5% last week, hitting its highest since July 2025, amid growing concerns about a possible U.S.-Iranian military conflict.
Analysts at PVM said all eyes were now on the next round of talks on Thursday and the market impact of Washington’s tariff turmoil following an earlier Supreme Court ruling canceling a previous import tariff program.
Bitcoin support level expected to reach $60,000
Bitcoin fell below $65,000 on Monday and at one point reached around $64,830 as a weekend selloff dragged investors out of risky assets.
The decline came as markets weighed rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fresh uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s plans to raise retaliatory U.S. tariffs to 15%.
Bitcoin hit its lowest since February 6 at around $64,324 before paring some losses.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency is currently down about 24% since the beginning of the year, while gold is up about 20% over the same period.
