Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin Are All Up Today

The big three cryptocurrencies are on the move today. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) are up 2.3%, 2.6%, and 1.7%, respectively

The big three cryptocurrencies are on the move today. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) are up 2.3%, 2.6%, and 1.7%, respectively, as of 12:30 p.m. ET. Earlier in the day, however, they were up as much as 6.1%, 5.5%, and 4.4%.

To put that into perspective, the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) is up 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) is up 0.3% on the day. So the three coins are continuing to outperform the market.

A possible reprieve?

All three saw a boost after comments from the U.S. Commerce Secretary gave investors hope that escalating trade tensions with China, Canada, and Mexico could cool down.

Steep tariffs on goods from the three went into effect on Tuesday, concluding a monthlong pause on those levied against Mexico and Canada. Products from the two North American countries are now subject to a 25% duty, while those manufactured in China are taxed at 20%.

However, yesterday, U.S. Commerce Department chief Howard Lutnick told reporters that President Trump could move to exempt critical categories and reduce the burden on products like autos, and today, he granted a one-month reprieve to automakers. The news helped push Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin higher.

A crypto reserve could be coming

On Sunday, President Trump announced on Truth Social that he intends to establish a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies, naming five specific coins that could be included: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, and XRP.

Trump had already issued an executive order earlier this year that called for a "stockpile" of digital assets, part of an effort to expand the government’s ability to seize cryptocurrency assets from those involved in illicit activity. But this proposal of a "reserve" is markedly different. The former would be made up of assets already collected by federal law enforcement, while the latter implies that the federal government would actually invest tax dollars.

A hotly anticipated meeting on Friday will see more of the president’s plan laid out. Bitcoin especially is likely to benefit; while Ethereum was included in Trump’s tweet, many believe that if a reserve is made real, it would only see Bitcoin included. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Cardano could still be included, but they may be a harder sell.

“The president definitely thinks that there’s a Bitcoin strategic reserve,” Lutnick told reporters. Still, it’s possible that Ethereum and others get the nod as well.

Dogecoin was notably absent from Trump’s post, but that didn’t stop investors from speculating on the possibility it could be included. Trump’s close ally Elon Musk has been a noted fan of Dogecoin; in fact, Ben Carson’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is so named because of this affinity.

Some investors believe this close relationship could lead to its inclusion eventually, however, that this is speculation at this point.

Macro trends don't look great

Cryptocurrencies are still highly volatile assets, especially meme coins like Dogecoin. This means that they are likely to perform poorly in the face of a worsening economy. There have been troubling signs as of late as to the direction of the economy, with many investing minds apprehensive we may be entering a recessionary period.

Recent jobs data saw payrolls additions come in well below projections, while the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow — a projection model — is slashing its estimate for Q2 GDP. The model now sees a 2.3% quarter-over-quarter decline in GDP. That is down from projections a month ago showing 4% growth, which is worrying to see.

I do think there is a good chance that the big three cryptos see a boost come Friday. That being said, given the macro environment, I don't think now is the best time to be investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and especially Dogecoin — which, as a meme coin, lacks the tangible use cases of the former two.

Should you invest $1,000 in Dogecoin right now?