Crypto Market Awaits FOMC & Powell’s Speech Amid US Fed’s 0.5% Rate Cut Bets

As a seasoned researcher with years of experience navigating the turbulent waters of global financial markets, I find myself bracing for a pivotal week in the crypto space. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming FOMC meeting and Jerome Powell’s subsequent speech has sent ripples through the market, with bets on a 50 bps US Fed rate cut reaching a fever pitch.


This week is shaping up as a pivotal one for the cryptocurrency market, with many anticipating a potential 0.5% reduction in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve. This development has significant implications not only for the crypto sector but also for the broader financial market. The upcoming decision by the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) regarding interest rates is highly anticipated, and following the meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to deliver remarks that could offer insights into the central bank’s future policy rate plans.

Crypto Market To Enter A Crucial Week

There’s great anticipation in the cryptocurrency world for the highly expected Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in September regarding interest rates. Recent drops in US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation numbers have led to a surge in wagers predicting a 0.5% reduction in Fed rates at this gathering.

Significantly, this optimistic outlook has sparked a surge in the wider financial market, as the US stock market recorded its strongest trading week since November of the previous year. Moreover, Bitcoin surpassed $60K last week, suggesting an escalating risk tolerance among market investors.

Based on the CME FedWatch Tool, there’s a 50% chance that the US Federal Reserve could lower interest rates by 0.5 percentage points (50 basis points) at their next meeting. It’s also possible they might reduce it by a smaller amount of 0.25%. Furthermore, the market is speculating a more significant cut of 1 percentage point (100 basis points) in policy rates, with expectations for three such cuts this year. This potential move seems to be enhancing overall market optimism.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Speech In Focus

After the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced a reduction in interest rates on Wednesday, September 18, it’s anticipated that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will also conduct a press conference on the same day. The crypto market plans to closely monitor this speech for hints about any future actions by the central bank.

In light of recent economic data, it’s generally thought that Powell might take a more accommodating approach (dovish stance). However, if he chooses anything different, it could negatively impact market sentiment. It’s significant to mention that last week, Bitcoin and leading altcoins showed signs of recovery due to increased wagers for a larger interest rate reduction. If Powell makes a hawkish statement, though, it could disrupt the revival phase of the crypto market, possibly causing a widespread selloff in the financial sector.

Typically, September can see declines in the crypto sector, including Bitcoin. Yet, market analysts anticipate a significant market recovery due to growing wagers on a more lenient monetary policy. Moreover, there’s optimism that the last quarter of the year could foster bullish sentiments among investors, possibly leading to a surge in the market.

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2024-09-15 05:33