With global markets experiencing high volatility, attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s (FED) policy announcement on January 29, 2025.
Investors across stocks, gold, crypto, and forex are eager to see if the central bank will maintain its stance or signal further rate cuts.
Since September 2024, the FED has been easing rates, starting with a 50-basis-point cut, followed by two 25-basis-point reductions in November and December. Despite this trend, analysts expect no changes in January, with FED Watch pricing a 99.5% probability of rates staying put. However, speculation is growing that the first cut of 2025 could come by June.
While the labor market appears stable, analysts at LHMeyer warn that restrictive monetary policy is still affecting economic growth. They expect rates to stay above 4% until mid-2025, with inflation at 2.5%. However, this won’t likely stop the FED from continuing rate cuts.
According to Crédit Mutuel Asset Management, a neutral or slightly positive market reaction is likely if rates remain unchanged. However, Danske Bank analysts believe market focus may shift towards political developments under the Trump administration, potentially overshadowing the FED and European Central Bank (ECB) meetings.
Following the announcement, FED Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a press conference at 22:30 Turkish time, offering insights into the central bank’s future policy direction.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ)’s upcoming monetary policy meeting, set for June 16–17, could be the next major catalyst for global risk assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Mark Skousen, the economist who foresaw the 1987 market collapse, believes the current financial environment is entering a precarious phase.
Across Asia, the U.S. dollar is rapidly losing ground as countries intensify efforts to reduce reliance on the greenback.
Despite encouraging job numbers on the surface, JPMorgan Chase’s chief global strategist David Kelly says the U.S. economy is quietly losing momentum.