On September 18, the US Federal Reserve made a notable move by cutting interest rates by 50 basis points, marking the start of a new easing cycle.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell explained that this decision was based on the economy’s overall strength and a belief that inflation will soon align with the 2% target.
Despite concerns about job market stability, Powell reported no significant increase in unemployment claims or layoffs.
The Fed plans additional cuts, with two more 25-basis-point reductions this year and further decreases in 2025 and 2026.
Economist Alex Krüger sees this move as a sign of proactive management, with positive implications for both stocks and cryptocurrencies.
Following the announcement, the stock and crypto markets, including Bitcoin, saw gains.
Krüger also noted that Bitcoin’s performance could be influenced by the upcoming US presidential election, advising investors to watch for potential changes based on election outcomes.
January’s U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report revealed inflation running slightly hotter than anticipated, with annual inflation rising to 3% from December’s 2.9%.
Investor attention is locked on upcoming U.S. inflation data, which could shape Federal Reserve policy and ripple through financial markets, including crypto.
Bitcoin (BTC) and other altcoins have experienced significant drops recently, with a notable impact from new tariff actions taken by Donald Trump.
In an unexpected move, the Bank of England has opted to reduce interest rates for the third time since August, adding further uncertainty to an already volatile global financial landscape.