Crypto Market Rebounds as Trump and Xi Plan October Summit

A shift in global politics has sent a powerful wave through the crypto market. After weeks of fear over trade conflict, confirmation of a summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sparked a dramatic rebound. The announcement came after a harsh weekend for investors, with panic wiping $19 billion from the market in liquidations and dragging Bitcoin below $105,000.

The sudden change in tone has turned anxiety into momentum. The upcoming October 31 meeting, scheduled during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Seoul, is being seen as a possible turning point in U.S.-China economic relations. For analysts, investors, and traders, the news signals more than diplomacy it marks a shift from fear-driven selling to renewed risk appetite.

The Trigger—A Summit with High Stakes

On October 19, 2025, Trump confirmed plans to meet Xi Jinping to “discuss fair trade.” The comment came days after threats of higher tariffs caused the largest liquidation event in crypto’s history. Nearly $380 billion was erased from the global crypto market, dragging down both large-cap and emerging tokens.

Once confirmation of the summit hit social platforms and traditional media, the reaction was immediate. Bitcoin rose 4.11 % to $111,212 by Monday morning in London. Ether and BNB each picked up 3.75%, while Solana surged close to 4%, leading the rebound among major altcoins. Short sellers, who had dominated the market leading into the selloff, saw positions rapidly unwind.

Open interest and funding rates stabilized as confidence began creeping back into derivative markets. According to CoinGlass, short positions accounted for 77% of liquidations over the previous month, a sign that sentiment had leaned heavily bearish before the announcement. The broader mood extended beyond digital assets. U.S. equities rose 1.5%, and emerging markets reached their highest levels in four years. Hopes for easing trade tensions also revived conversation around the nearly $500 billion in annual flows between the two economic giants.

Asset	Price Reaction After Summit Confirmation
Bitcoin	+4.11% (to $111,212)
Ethereum	+4.3%
BNB	+3.75%
Solana	+3.85%
U.S. Stocks	+1.5%
Emerging Markets	Four-year highs
Liquidations	$19B over the weekend, then cooling

 

The rebound is not just emotional it’s structural. Funding rates flipped positive again for Bitcoin perpetuals, settling near 0.01%. Traders who had positioned for deeper declines began to unwind short bets. The stabilization in open interest hints at early signs of confidence, though not yet full commitment to an extended rally. Cryptocurrencies had faced a difficult stretch, marked by tariff threats and repeated selloffs tied to geopolitical stress. The sudden confirmation of a diplomatic meeting acted like a release valve after weeks of uncertainty.

Reactions online have ranged from confident predictions to cautious skepticism. Many see the summit as the gateway to a strong fourth quarter. Others recall past meetings, such as the 2019 Osaka summit, which ended without meaningful trade progress. The rebound in Solana and Ethereum has encouraged traders who view altcoins as early indicators of market direction. Comparisons to gold highlight crypto’s volatility and speed of response to headlines, especially in risk-on environments.

Social media commentary reflects two dominant views, one camp expects a rally toward $130,000 or higher if talks go well, while others believe the market could slide back near $100,000 if the meeting produces little substance.

Short-term projections suggest Bitcoin could push to $126,000 by early November if positive outcomes emerge at APEC. Breaking resistance may lift it to $130,000, opening doors to stronger flows into altcoins. A more optimistic trajectory imagines the total crypto market reaching $6 trillion in 2026 if sustained cooperation fuels institutional adoption.

However, the opposite scenario is still in play. Should talks fail or tensions flare again, Bitcoin could retreat toward $105,000 or even $90,000. The past weekend’s massive liquidation event stands as a reminder of how quickly sentiment can reverse.

Crypto Market Entering a Pivotal Phase

This summit is more than a diplomatic appointment it is the catalyst for a market narrative that could shape the next phase of crypto performance. The combination of easing trade fears, improving liquidity, and reawakened investor interest has created the foundation for a new cycle, but its durability depends on what happens at the negotiating table.

Whether this becomes the launchpad for a wider revival or a fleeting headline depends on outcomes at the end of October. All eyes now turn to Seoul, where one meeting could move trillions.