The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its deposit rate to 2.75%, marking its fifth cut since June in an effort to stimulate a sluggish eurozone economy.
While inflation remains slightly above the 2% target, the ECB maintains that the disinflation process is on track and hinted at the possibility of further easing.
Despite some signs of recovery, slow wage adjustments and lingering price pressures continue to weigh on the economy. However, wage growth is moderating, and corporate profit margins are helping absorb inflationary effects.
The ECB’s decision comes amid concerns over global trade policies, particularly potential tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. While sweeping tariffs haven’t materialized yet, ongoing trade tensions could complicate economic stability.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) opted to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.5% in its first policy meeting of 2025, aligning with market expectations.
During a press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde dismissed the idea of Bitcoin being included in central bank reserves, citing concerns over money laundering and illicit financial activities. She reaffirmed that no ECB member bank would consider Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz reignited a long-running feud with economist and gold advocate Peter Schiff after the latter criticized Биткойн yet again.
Gold advocate Peter Schiff issued a stark warning on monetary policy and sparked fresh debate about Bitcoin’s perceived scarcity. In a pair of high-profile posts on July 12, Schiff criticized the current Fed rate stance and challenged the logic behind Bitcoin’s 21 million supply cap.
A sharp divergence has emerged between Bitcoin’s exchange balances and its surging market price—signaling renewed long-term accumulation and supply tightening.
The United States has rolled out a broad set of new import tariffs this week, targeting over 30 countries and economic blocs in a sharp escalation of its trade protection measures, according to list from WatcherGuru.