Crypto Market: FOMC In Focus As GDP & PCE Data Raises Fed’s Rate Cut Concerns

As a crypto investor, I’m feeling anxious along with my fellow market participants as we wait for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to make their interest-rate decision in May. The economic indicators, such as U.S. GDP and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, have raised concerns that the Fed might take a more hawkish stance.


Crypto investors are nervously anticipating the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) rate decision, with unease mounting over potential postponements in the Federal Reserve’s planned interest-rate cuts. Recent economic data, such as U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation figures, have fueled apprehension, suggesting the Fed may adopt a more cautious approach.

Focus on FOMC Decision and Other Economic Events

As a researcher studying the crypto market, I’m paying close attention to the upcoming FOMC interest-rate decision slated for May 1st. The anticipation is high among investors as they look forward to gaining valuable insights from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during his subsequent press conference. His comments are expected to provide clarity on the central bank’s future policy direction.

Based on the CME FedWatchTool’s latest prediction, there is a 97.6% likelihood that the Federal Reserve will maintain the current interest rate. Market analysts are expecting more postponements in rate reductions. During the upcoming week, traders will look to several significant economic releases for insights into the U.S. economy. Among these events are the consumer confidence index and U.S. trade deficit statistics.

On the economic calendar, May 2 is significant as it’s when important data on the U.S. trade deficit and productivity is made public. This information sheds light on the overall economic condition of the nation. Following this, on May 3, the employment report for the previous month of April will be revealed. This report plays a pivotal role in interpreting the current labor market trends, especially in relation to central bank decisions regarding interest rates adjustments.

Crypto Market Braces For Volatility

Recent data unveiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis painted a worrying picture, as the economy expanded at a slower-than-anticipated rate of 1.6% in the first quarter instead of the forecasted 2.5%. This underperformance has fueled concerns about potential inflationary pressures. Moreover, an unexpected jump in the Core PCE Price Index from 2.0% to 3.7%, as well as a surge in PCE inflation from 1.8% to 3.4% during the same period, added to the crypto market’s unease.

At the same time, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index for inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, increased by 0.3% on a monthly basis and 2.8% yearly in March. This figure surpassed the anticipated market projections. These significant inflation jumps have sparked concerns that the Federal Reserve may postpone its planned interest rate reduction, contributing to turmoil in the crypto market.

Recently, the cryptocurrency market has experienced erratic price fluctuations, fueled by dismal economic reports and substantial withdrawals from Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Specifically, there have been daily outflows from the Bitcoin ETF for the past three days up to April 26.

Read More

2024-04-28 05:33