Crypto prices today (Oct. 20): BTC, ETH, XRP rebound amid signs of easing U.S.-China trade tensions

Crypto prices today are stabilizing after a volatile weekend marked by a significant decline and shifting macro sentiment.

The global cryptocurrency market added 3% in the past 24 hours to reach $3.8 trillion, recovering from last weekend’s flash crash that caused over $20 billion in liquidations.

Bitcoin climbed 1.2% to trade above $110,000, while Ethereum gained 2% to $4,041 after dipping to near $3,700. BNB, XRP, and Solana each rose between 1% and 2%. Despite the rebound, sentiment remains cautious. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index is unchanged at 29, signaling “fear.”

According to CoinGlass data, liquidations surged to $440 million,up 209% from the previous day, as leveraged traders faced renewed volatility. Total open interest rose 3% to $152 billion, and the Altcoin Season Index sits at 39, reflecting a neutral trend.

Easing trade tensions spark market recovery

A key reason behind today’s market rebound is confirmation that senior Chinese officials will meet with U.S. representatives this week to resolve trade issues ahead of the APEC Summit in South Korea.

The meeting was confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese state media. It comes as both countries exchange trade threats, raising fears of another round of tariffs.

China has recently suggested it could restrict shipments of rare earth minerals to the U.S., a move that could disrupt key manufacturing sectors. The country also hinted it could retaliate against any new tariffs and said it no longer relies heavily on American chips.

If the upcoming talks produce progress, analysts believe it could ease global uncertainty and renew demand for risk assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Short-term catalysts driving optimism

Several near-term developments could sustain the recovery. The Federal Reserve’s Oct. 28–29 FOMC meeting is expected to deliver a 25 bps rate cut, already 95% priced in by futures markets. Lower rates typically weaken the dollar and support risk assets such as Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, new spot and altcoin ETF filings, such as Solana and XRP proposals, whose approval dates are drawing near, are generating optimism. Analysts anticipate that approval will increase institutional capital and further strengthen the market.

Three major trends are influencing the year’s last quarter, according to a recent Coinbase Institutional report. The company highlights growing stablecoin adoption, increased global liquidity, and a more defined policy direction.

According to the report, stablecoin trading and issuance are at their highest levels this year, while the global money supply continues to expand.

Together, these developments suggest a steadier outlook for crypto markets as monetary conditions loosen and institutional participation grows.