Top Crypto News This Week: AAVE Buybacks, Trump Reciprocal Tariffs, $47 Million Aptos Unlocks, and More

Several major developments across various ecosystems are expected this week, suggesting imminent volatility for tokens within the respective niches. From Aave buybacks to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, some very interesting updates are in the pipeline.

Traders and investors can front-run the following developments and position their portfolios strategically ahead of the following events.  

AAVE Buybacks

AAVE, the native token of the Aave lending protocol, will see buybacks commence on Wednesday, April 9. This follows approval from the Aave DAO.

This move involves allocating $4 million in aEthUSDT to repurchase AAVE tokens from the open market. The goal is to reduce circulating supply and potentially boost token value.

“Buybacks will reduce AAVE’s circulating supply, making tokens scarcer and more valuable. Activating fee mechanism will create a new revenue stream for protocol; increasing demand,” noted Langerius, founder of Hunters of Web3.

The repurchased tokens will be moved to the Ecosystem Reserve, signaling a long-term strategy to enhance scarcity and reward holders. This could see the AAVE token price surge, especially if demand remains steady or increases.

The buybacks follow a tokenomics update that activates a fee switch, introducing a new revenue stream for the protocol.

“New Aavenomics update. This is Fee Switch on steroids,” wrote Stani Kulechov, CEO and founder of Aave.

This dual approach, which reduces supply and generates revenue, could make AAVE a more attractive investment.

AAVE Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

BeInCrypto data shows the AAVE token was trading for $123.62 as of this writing, down by over 16% in the last 24 hours.

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs

Another crypto headline to watch this week concerns President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which are expected to take effect on April 9. The president will introduce a tiered levy system (10%, 15%, 20%) targeting countries like China, Vietnam, and the EU. The UK faces the lowest band.

While these tariffs bolster US economic independence, they could ripple through crypto markets. In the recent past, tariffs spooked investors, driving sell-offs in risk assets, evidenced by Bitcoin’s volatility after past tariff announcements.

Traders should brace for short-term dips, particularly in Bitcoin and altcoins tied to global trade dynamics. However, Trump’s pro-crypto stance, including his strategic Bitcoin reserve, might mitigate some losses, as could a decision to delay the tariffs.

“As soon as he delays or cancels the “reciprocal” tariffs the market will bounce 10%+ immediately. That is want everyone is waiting and hoping for,” one user highlighted.

Such an outcome, however, is contingent on investors viewing digital assets as a hedge against tariff-induced inflation or currency devaluation.

$47 Million Aptos Unlocks

On April 12, the Aptos network will unlock 11.31 million APT tokens worth approximately $47.73 million and comprising 1.87% of the circulating supply. The tokens will be allocated to the community, core contributors, the foundation, and investors.

Aptos Token Unlocks. Source: Tokenomist

Token unlocks often lead to selling pressure as early investors or team members liquidate holdings. As such, the Saturday event could drive APT’s price down.

“Aptos is struggling with a strong downtrend and upcoming token unlocks, which could further dilute its value,” one user noted.

Neutron’s Mercury Upgrade

Neutron’s Mercury upgrade, its most significant to date, launches on April 9. The event promises enhanced functionality for this Cosmos-based blockchain. Such upgrades improve scalability, security, or interoperability—key for Neutron’s DeFi and cross-chain ambitions.

“Neutron’s upcoming Mercury upgrade will 11x network throughput,” the network shared.

It follows proposal #993, supported by Stakecito, and aims to transition Neutron from Cosmos Hub’s Interchain Security to full sovereignty via the Mercury upgrade. The move would enhance Neutron’s role as a smart contract platform while maintaining ties with Cosmos Hub.

A successful rollout could bolster Neutron’s position in the Cosmos ecosystem, attracting more projects and capital.