The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates, which could benefit Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies.
A September rate cut seems almost certain. The main question is whether the cut will be by 25 or 50 basis points. However, an economist at JP Morgan suggested that the Fed is likely to cut rates by 50 basis points in September.
While appearing on CNBC’s Squawk Box, JP Morgan Chief Economist Michael Ferroli said the Fed should opt for a 50 basis point rate cut at its September meeting.
Ferroli mentioned that ideally the central bank’s target rate should be around 4%, which is 150 basis points below the current level.
He said that although inflation remains slightly above target, unemployment may be slightly higher than that consistent with full employment.
Both inflation and employment pose risks, but if either of these risks becomes significant, adjustments could be made in the strategy to reduce interest rates
Meanwhile, data from the CME FedWatch tool shows that investors expect the Fed to cut rates by 25 basis points in September with a 57% probability, and a 50 basis point cut is estimated at 43%.
Timothy Peterson, a prominent analyst, has warned that the cryptocurrency market might soon face a downturn.
The escalating trade war between China and the US has sparked global economic disruption.
The latest inflation report from the Federal Reserve, based on the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, shows a 2.5% increase in prices year-over-year for January.
Tensions are rising in global markets as the U.S. prepares to impose a 25% tariff on European imports, with the automotive sector taking the biggest hit.