As we kick off 2026, keeping tabs on key policy developments has become essential for traders and investors. The ongoing trade tensions between major economies are reshaping market dynamics in ways that ripple through crypto and traditional finance alike.

There's plenty to monitor this year. Trump's evolving tariff strategy continues to dominate headlines, with new trade barriers affecting everything from tech supply chains to commodity prices. The escalating US-China trade dynamics introduce fresh volatility—tariffs on both sides are restructuring import-export flows and creating significant macroeconomic shifts.

What makes this cycle particularly interesting for the crypto community is how tariff policies directly influence inflation expectations, currency valuations, and capital flows. Higher tariff-driven inflation can reshape Fed policy decisions, which in turn affects risk asset valuations. The revenue generated from tariffs also signals government spending patterns and potential fiscal policy pivots.

For anyone serious about market positioning in 2026, tracking these policy shifts isn't optional. Whether it's understanding tariff escalation timelines, quantifying the revenue impact of trade barriers, or analyzing bilateral trade tensions, staying informed on these macro trends gives traders an edge in anticipating market moves.