Ethereum
FOMC Holds Interest Rates Steady, Bitcoin and Ethereum Prices Fall
Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell
Jerome Powell Jerome Hayden “Jay” Powell is an American lawyer and investment banker who has served as the 16th Chairman of the Federal Reserve since 2018. Finance recently hinted at a potential rate cut in September, sparking a sharp rise in the stock market. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 rose 3.3%, and the S&P 500 rose 2%. In contrast, Bitcoin (BTC) fell 1.3% to $66,088 and Ethereum (ETH) The global cryptocurrency market fell by 1.11% to $3,313. Over the past 24 hours, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization also decreased by 0.71% to $2.39 trillion.
Market analysts believe that the decline in cryptocurrency prices is a short-term decline. Despite a bear market, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are showing bullish signals. Bitcoin is still struggling to break the $70,000 mark, but its performance in August, ahead of potential rate cuts, will be closely watched.
Federal Reserve remains stable
On July 31, the U.S. Federal Reserve concluded a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) by deciding to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged at 5.25%-5.50%. The move met Wall Street expectations and marked the eighth consecutive meeting without a rate change.
Towards a market rebound?
According to SantimentThe FOMC’s decision to maintain current interest rates led to an initial decline in cryptocurrency prices. Traders were hoping for a rate cut, which hasn’t happened since March 2020. A future rate cut could signal bullish trends for stocks and cryptocurrencies, potentially boosting markets for the remainder of 2024. Despite the initial sell-off, markets are likely to stabilize unless another major event impacts the cryptocurrency sector.
Bullish outlook, bearish sentiment
The aggressive buildup of rate hikes and rising negative investor sentiment could pave the way for a substantial market rally. Despite the anticipation surrounding the FOMC meeting, the impact on cryptocurrencies was limited as the rate pause had already been priced in.
Previous Fed decisions have had minimal impact on Bitcoin prices.
A look into the past & the future
Historically, FOMC actions affect all asset classes. In 2020 and 2021, Bitcoin and other altcoins soared when the Fed cut rates to zero, only to reverse course in 2022 when rates began to rise. Investors have since moved trillions of dollars into lower-risk assets, with money market funds amassing over $6.1 trillion, enjoying an average return of 5%.
Key indicators to monitor
Bitcoin’s immediate resistance is noted at $66,852, with support at $65,000. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is signaling oversold conditions, suggesting further declines are possible if the price falls below $65,900.
Investors are now closely watching the FOMC meeting for clues about inflation and economic growth, which could influence Bitcoin’s next move. The interplay between the Federal Reserve’s decisions and market reactions will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of cryptocurrencies and traditional assets.
Read also : Why is Bitcoin price down today? Is a major correction imminent?
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