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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    • Bitcoin fell below $111,000 after Fed Chair Powell’s hawkish comments.
    • Powell said a December interest rate cut is “not a foregone conclusion.”
    • Major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, and Solana also posted losses.

    Bitcoin and the wider cryptocurrency market took a sharp downturn after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that a highly anticipated December interest rate cut was not guaranteed, reversing market sentiment that had priced in further easing.

    The hawkish remarks immediately spooked investors, sending Bitcoin below a key support level and triggering a broad sell-off across digital assets.

    While the Fed did deliver an expected quarter-point rate cut, Powell’s commentary on the future path of monetary policy became the dominant driver of the market’s negative reaction.

    Powell pours cold water on December rate cut hopes

    At the conclusion of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, Powell announced a 0.25% point reduction in the policy rate to a range of 3.75-4.00%.

    However, he quickly tempered market optimism by adopting a cautious stance on future moves, stating a December cut “is not a foregone conclusion.”

    Powell explained that the central bank needs more economic data, particularly after the recent government shutdown obscured key indicators.

    “We may need to slow the pace of policy (rate) adjustments. I hope to obtain more data by December,” he said at the press conference.

    He also revealed a growing divide within the committee.

    “More and more Fed members want to delay rate cuts,” Powell continued, adding, “After two consecutive rate cuts, some members are taking a wait-and-see stance.

    The view that we should wait at least one cycle is spreading.”

    Bitcoin leads broad market plunge

    The market’s reaction to Powell’s unexpected caution was swift and decisive.

    Bitcoin, which had been trading steadily around the $113,000 level before the press conference, broke below its $110,000 support moments after his remarks, hitting an intraday low in the $109,000 range.

    As of Thursday, the token was still struggling around $110,000, down roughly 2% from the previous day.

    The weakness was felt across the entire crypto ecosystem.

    According to CoinMarketCap, other major cryptocurrencies also posted significant losses:

    • Ethereum (ETH) fell 1.93% to $3,899.87.

    • XRP dropped 2.74% to $2.53.

    • Solana (SOL) declined 1.04% to $192.37.

    A silver lining? Fed to end quantitative tightening

    However, Powell’s press conference was not entirely hawkish. He also formally announced the end of the Fed’s asset reduction program, known as Quantitative Tightening (QT), which could increase liquidity in the financial system.

    “We have decided to end QT as of December 1,” Powell stated. He explained that the Fed’s balance sheet had shrunk by $2.2 trillion over three and a half years.

    “We now believe we are close to sufficient reserves,” he said, signaling a shift toward balance sheet normalization.

    With Fed in rearview, all eyes turn to US-China summit

    With the Fed’s immediate policy path now clarified, investors are pivoting their attention to the next major potential catalyst: the US-China summit.

    Following the crypto market plunge, traders are looking to the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a possible source of positive news that could trigger a rebound.

    The high-stakes meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at the ‘Naraemaru’ facility at Gimhae Airport Air Force base.

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  • Bitcoin calm, altcoins surge: Fed cut ushers in new chapter for crypto markets

    Bitcoin calm, altcoins surge: Fed cut ushers in new chapter for crypto markets

    • Bitcoin steady at $116K as Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana, and XRP rally strong.
    • XRP and Dogecoin ETFs debut in US, unlocking fresh mainstream investor demand.
    • Fed rate cut sparks hope for a new crypto rally not seen since the 2021 bull run.

    The crypto market woke up to a new monetary landscape after the US Federal Reserve delivered its long-awaited rate cut, lowering borrowing costs by 25 basis points.

    Unlike past years when central bank decisions would send digital assets lurching in one direction, Wednesday’s policy pivot sparked a measured response from market heavyweights, even as traders searched for the next big catalyst.

    Bitcoin steady, altcoins lead gains

    Bitcoin proved its maturity by brushing off early choppiness. The world’s leading crypto hovered just above $116,000 for most of the day, slipping a modest 0.35% in a session marked by tight range-trading and lower-than-average spot volumes.

    For seasoned market watchers, the calm felt telling: Wall Street’s risk radar may be shifting, but Bitcoin continues to march to its own beat.

    Ethereum took the baton and ran with it. The second-largest cryptocurrency jumped 2.5%, breaking through the $4,600 mark in early trade.

    Bulls pointed to optimism that cheaper money will revive DeFi and NFT activity, while a pickup in staking metrics added further tailwind.

    Meme coin faithfuls celebrated a minor breakout as Dogecoin surged 5.5%. Blame it on lighter liquidity, or credit it to the social media machine, either way, DOGE’s run was the day’s standout among retail traders.

    Solana, meanwhile, snapped back 3.9% to trade near $245, with bullish developer news propelling fresh capital into the ecosystem.

    Not to be left out, XRP managed a 1.8% pop, riding a string of solid inflows and a brewing rumor mill over new ETF products.

    Investors will be watching closely: if the Fed signals more cuts ahead, the tide for high-beta risk assets could turn decisively, something crypto bulls haven’t had in their favor since 2021.

    New XRP, DOGE ETFs shine; LayerZero makes waves

    While prices grabbed headlines, the day was just as busy beyond the charts.

    For starters, US investors got their first taste of XRP and Dogecoin ETFs, thanks to listings from REX Shares and Osprey Funds.

    It’s a landmark moment for altcoin access on mainstream platforms, and early volume figures suggest significant pent-up demand among both retail and institutional players.

    Elsewhere, LayerZero, an up-and-comer in the cross-chain arena sealed its $110 million acquisition of Stargate, with overwhelming backing from the Stargate DAO.

    The move was widely interpreted as a signal that decentralized finance is firmly in “consolidate and build” mode as competition heats up just below the major protocols.

    With macro currents swirling and new products landing on the scene, digital assets are poised for a lively finish to September, one in which both the cautious and the bold can find opportunity.

    All eyes are now on the next signals from Washington and Wall Street to see if crypto’s comeback rally truly has legs.

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  • Bitcoin leads rally amid Fed rate cut hopes, major ETFs boost crypto outlook

    Bitcoin leads rally amid Fed rate cut hopes, major ETFs boost crypto outlook

    Crypto Wrap: Bitcoin rallies over 4%, fueled by hopes of a Fed rate cut.

    • Bitcoin rallies over 4%, fueled by hopes of a Fed rate cut.
    • Solana, Dogecoin, and XRP gain momentum on upgrades and ETF excitement.
    • Token unlocks and Fed easing are set to reshape crypto markets this quarter.

    Crypto markets woke up on Wednesday with a spring in their step, charging higher as investors braced for a major central bank event.

    Bitcoin set the pace, rallying over 4% to clear the $116,000 mark, fueled in large part by growing bets that the US Federal Reserve is finally ready to deliver an interest rate cut on Wednesday.

    As rate-cut speculation took center stage, Bitcoin’s market cap soared to well over $2 trillion, cementing the number-one crypto’s dominance after weeks of volatile swings.

    Markets eye Fed-driven breakout

    Ethereum, the world’s top smart-contract platform, held strong above the $4,500 threshold. Investors have been piling into ETH on prospects for a supply squeeze, as well as ongoing accumulation by institutional players positioning ahead of the Fed’s meeting.

    Traders argued that a successful breakout above the stubborn $4,800 technical resistance could spark a new phase of risk-on flows across crypto, especially if macro conditions cooperate in the coming weeks.

    Solana added even more energy to the rally, gliding near $240, as a string of protocol upgrades and surging developer momentum fueled optimism about the network’s long-term prospects.

    Major exchanges reported large spot inflows, and Solana’s rapid-fire transaction speeds kept it in the conversation as a serious contender among the leading altcoins.

    Meme-friendly Dogecoin, ever the wild card, hovered around $0.27, down slightly on the day, but still up more than 100% from a year ago.

    Increased social activity and new integrations have helped Dogecoin keep its playful reputation, as trade volumes remain lively whenever the broader market shifts.

    Meanwhile, XRP is holding just under $3, stuck in a tight range as markets anxiously anticipate the launch of the first US spot XRP ETF on September 18.

    Speculation around the ETF’s potential inflows and its possible effect on price has helped XRP stay in focus despite the broader sector’s roller-coaster action.

    Technical watchers say a rally through $3.18 could unleash a new round of bullish momentum for Ripple’s token.

    Crypto industry poised for Q4 shakeup

    It isn’t just price charts and volatility levels dictating sentiment this week: all eyes remain locked on Washington as the US Federal Reserve kicks off its most consequential policy meeting in recent memory.

    With inflation trending lower and unemployment ticking up, markets broadly expect Fed Chair Jerome Powell to announce a 25 basis point rate cut, the first since 2020.

    For crypto, where high-growth bets are directly tied to easier money, the Fed’s pivot could drive a decisive shift in market psychology.

    “Fed easing typically gives permission for the crypto rally to keep going,” said one strategist.

    Many in the industry expect fresh liquidity to spark increased inflows, particularly into blue-chip tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and may even encourage more institutional adoption as risk appetite returns.

    Away from the Fed drama, September is seeing a tidal wave of token unlocks, as over $4.5 billion in coins come into circulation across high-profile projects like Sui, Aptos, Ethena, and Arbitrum.

    While some worry about the impact of new supply, others view it as a crucial stress test for market depth and investor demand.

    Finally, excitement around the pending debut of the first US-based spot XRP ETF may mark a turning point for altcoins.

    If the ETF attracts robust inflows, along the lines of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs launched earlier this year, it could shift the narrative and trigger sustained price rallies in the sector.

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  • Bitcoin price braces for liftoff: Can a Fed’s rate cut spark a $200K rally?

    Bitcoin price braces for liftoff: Can a Fed’s rate cut spark a $200K rally?

    Bitcoin price braces for liftoff

    • Fed rate cut hopes fuel optimism for a powerful Q4 Bitcoin price rally.
    • Whales, ETFs, and PayPal integration boost institutional demand.
    • Analysts see BTC hitting $140K–$200K this year, with $250K possible if flows persist.

    Bitcoin is once again at a crossroads. After touching an all-time high of $124,128 in August, the price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency has pulled back to trade just below $115,000.

    But the pullback has done little to dampen enthusiasm.

    With a Federal Reserve interest rate cut now widely expected, optimism is building that Bitcoin could be gearing up for its next explosive leg higher, possibly toward $200,000 and beyond.

    Over the recent days, the price has been stuck in a narrow band between $114,000 and $116,000 for the past week.

    Market analysis hints at $115,000 being a critical resistance level that will shape the next major move.

    According to analysts at CoinLore, if Bitcoin clears $116,000 and holds above $117,500, it could unlock a rally toward the $122,000–$130,000 range in the short term and $135,000 or even $140,000 in the long term.

    Fed decision looms large

    Notably, the immediate catalyst for a BTC price breakout could come as soon as September 17, when the Fed is expected to cut interest rates.

    Lower borrowing costs generally boost liquidity and favour risk assets such as crypto.

    Sean Dawson, head of research at Derive, in a note to investors, told investors that the market is “only halfway through what could be a very powerful Q4 rally.”

    He predicts Bitcoin’s price could reach $140,000 by year-end, with $200,000 as a conservative cycle peak if institutional flows continue.

    Options data supports this bullish trend with Deribit showing heavy open interest clustered between $140,000 and $200,000 for December contracts, with calls outnumbering puts.

    At the same time, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen $2.3 billion in inflows over the past five days, underscoring robust institutional demand.

    Whales and institutions step in

    On-chain data indicates that whales have resumed accumulation, adding to the buying pressure. Stablecoin liquidity and steady ETF inflows are providing additional fuel.

    Volatility, however, remains likely because the market depth near resistance is thin, although whales and large holders could anchor Bitcoin’s next surge.

    Institutional positioning is also strengthening, with PayPal recently announcing plans to integrate Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) into its revamped peer-to-peer (P2P) payment system, allowing users to send crypto across PayPal, Venmo, and other wallets.

    PayPal’s move signals a step toward mainstream adoption and adds to the narrative that Bitcoin is becoming more deeply embedded in global payments.

    Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz signals an altcoin season

    While Bitcoin consolidates, altcoins are drawing attention.

    Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz argues that the “real fireworks” are in alternative assets and corporate treasuries tied to coins like Solana (SOL).

    Novogratz pointed to Forward Industries’ $1.6 billion raise as evidence of fresh institutional capital flowing into crypto outside of Bitcoin.

    Even so, Novogratz insists Bitcoin remains “digital gold” with a long-term trajectory that points higher.

    Wall Street’s interest is also growing, with Nasdaq recently filing to list tokenised versions of stocks and ETFs on-chain, while SEC Chair Paul Atkins has pledged to “move all markets on-chain.”

    Together with faster, more secure blockchains, the regulatory pivot is laying the groundwork for broader adoption across traditional finance.

    So, can Bitcoin’s price really hit $200,000?

    Despite an 8% pullback from August’s high, sentiment remains firmly bullish.

    Industry voices from Arthur Hayes to analysts at Bitwise, Bernstein, and Standard Chartered have all predicted Bitcoin will reach at least $200,000 this cycle.

    Hayes goes further, projecting $250,000, while Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sees the possibility of $1 million Bitcoin by 2030.

    Sceptics, however, warn that heavy leverage in derivatives and potential whale sell-offs could spark turbulence.

    But falling rates, strong ETF inflows, and corporate adoption are fueling expectations that this is not the cycle top.

    Instead, traders and institutions alike are preparing for Bitcoin’s next move, with $200,000 now firmly in view.

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  • Altcoins soar, Bitcoin stalls as Fed rate cut speculation hits fever pitch

    Altcoins soar, Bitcoin stalls as Fed rate cut speculation hits fever pitch

    Altcoins soar, Bitcoin stalls as Fed rate cut speculation hits fever pitch

    A simmering crypto rally boiled over into a full-blown frenzy during late US trading hours on Tuesday, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dropped a bombshell suggestion that sent shockwaves through the market: the Federal Reserve should consider an aggressive 50 basis point rate cut.

    His words acted like rocket fuel for risk assets, unleashing a powerful new leg higher for altcoins while leaving Bitcoin watching from the sidelines.

    The market-moving comments came during an interview on Fox News, where Bessent openly questioned the central bank’s next move. 

    “The real thing now to think about is should we get a 50 basis-point rate cut in September,” Bessent stated. He went further, criticizing the central bank’s information-gathering process, adding that the Fed could have cut rates as early as June if it had been given accurate data, which he described as a “foundational issue.”

    The Bessent fffect: unleashing the bulls

    While markets had already almost fully baked in a standard 25 basis point cut for September, the mere mention of a 50-point move from a figure of Bessent’s stature completely reset expectations.

    Although the Treasury Secretary is not a member of the Federal Reserve, his words carry immense weight.

    President Trump has tasked him with leading the search for a replacement for current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, making his views a potential preview of the central bank’s future policy direction.

    The reaction was immediate and fierce. Ether (ETH), already enjoying a positive day, blasted higher, surging nearly 9% over the past 24 hours to trade above $4,600 for the first time since the heady days of November 2021.

    An altcoin affair

    This was emphatically an altcoin-driven rally. Other major cryptocurrencies joined the surge, with Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Litecoin (LTC) each rocketing ahead by about 8%. XRP also caught a bid, rising 3.5%.

    This flood of capital into digital assets mirrored a rally in equity markets, which climbed more than 1%, while the dollar weakened against all major currencies.

    Conspicuously absent from the party were the Bitcoin bulls.

    The world’s largest cryptocurrency remained largely unchanged, hovering around the $120,000 mark, suggesting traders were selectively deploying capital into assets perceived to have more immediate upside in a “risk-on” environment.

    The stage for this dramatic late-day surge had been set earlier on Tuesday morning. The initial spark for the rally came after new data showed US consumer prices in July rising roughly in line with economist estimates, providing a sigh of relief.

    But it was Bessent’s unexpected words that turned that sigh of relief into a roar of speculative excitement.

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  • The Fed is expected to cut interest rates twice in 2025, what might this mean for the Bitcoin price?

    The Fed is expected to cut interest rates twice in 2025, what might this mean for the Bitcoin price?

    The cryptocurrency market has gone mainstream. It is no longer retail investors’ assets as institutions globally are investing in Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. 

    As a risk-based asset, Bitcoin’s price is affected by central bank policies, especially those from the United States Federal Reserve.

    Bitcoin’s rally in 2024 and connections with rate cut

    The cryptocurrency market was bullish in 2024, with the Bitcoin price surging by over 100%. The rally allowed Bitcoin to rally to an all-time high above $100k. A key catalyst to Bitcoin’s surge last year was the multiple rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

    In 2024, the Fed cut rates three times, bringing it down to the target range of 4.25%-4.50%. Before then, the rate had been on a lofty plateau of 5.25%-5.50% since July 2023.

    The reduced interest rates affected Bitcoin’s price, allowing it to hit the $100k mark for the first time in its history. When interest rates are high, the cost of borrowing money is high. Higher interest rates decrease the liquidity in financial markets, providing more capital for less risky investments like bonds.

    However, lower interest rates increase the liquidity in financial markets, with investors opting to push money into riskier assets like Bitcoin. 

    Fed kept interest rates steady in January

    Bitcoin reached an all-time high price of $109,410 on January 20 as the market reacted to Trump assuming office. However, it has since lost 11% of its value and now trades just above $97k.

    A key factor in the poor market performance in the past few weeks was the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady. On January 29th, the Fed announced that the borrowing rate remained between 4.25% and 4.5%.

    Leaving the rate unchanged affected Bitcoin’s price as it has failed to rally to a new all-time high. It has also struggled to stay above $100k since the start of February. 

    Fed to cut interest rate twice in 2025

    The first FOMC meeting of 2025 saw the Fed leave the interest rate unchanged. The United States Fed is expected to cut rates twice before the end of the year. However, this decision will be affected by inflation levels.

    If the inflation levels rise sharply, the Fed will increase interest rates to curb the rising inflation. However, if inflation levels decline, the Fed will cut interest rates to stimulate the economy. 

    The CPI report earlier today, February 12th, revealed that inflation in the United States rose to 3%, its highest level since June 2024. The rising inflation could hamper possible interest rate cuts, with the news sending Bitcoin to the $94k level earlier today.

    Market analysts expect the Fed will lower rates twice this year, reaching 3.75%-4.00% by the end of 2025. However, the range of forecasts is wide, from a low of 3.00%-3.25% and a high of 4.50%-4.75%.

    Thanks to the expected rate cuts and other macroeconomic factors, analysts are optimistic Bitcoin’s price could reach a new all-time high. While predictions differ, most analysts are optimistic BTC’s price could hit between $150k-$200k before the end of the year.

    In addition to the expected lower interest rates, increased retail and institutional adoption could positively affect Bitcoin’s price in the coming months. Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) continues to increase its exposure to Bitcoin while more companies are buying BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF. 

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  • Bitcoin (BTC) price targets $63k as crypto market awakens after Fed rate cut

    Bitcoin (BTC) price targets $63k as crypto market awakens after Fed rate cut

    Bitcoin (BTC) price breaks above $62K as crypto market awakens after Fed rate cut
    • Bitcoin has broken past $62K post-Fed rate cut; next resistance at $63K.
    • Ethereum and Solana have also surged, reflecting a broader crypto market rally.
    • Caution remains due to economic uncertainties and potential regulatory issues.

    Bitcoin (BTC) price has surged past $62,000 following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points.

    The move by the Fed, aimed at bolstering economic growth and mitigating recession risks, has ignited a rally across digital assets. The monetary policy adjustment has not only energized Bitcoin but also lifted a broad range of altcoins and risk assets.

    Next Bitcoin (BTC) price resistance level at $63k

    Currently trading around $62,096, Bitcoin’s price has demonstrated a solid 24-hour gain of 2.29% and a more impressive 7-day increase of 6.20%.

    Most notably, the price breach above the $62,000 mark represents a crucial psychological milestone for Bitcoin, following a period of consolidation near $60,000.

    Technical analysis highlights that Bitcoin’s next significant resistance level is positioned at $63,000, with the potential for further gains if this barrier is surpassed. The upper boundary of Bitcoin’s Bollinger Bands indicates heightened volatility, suggesting that while a short-term profit-taking phase may occur, the overall trend remains strongly bullish.

    Support is firmly established at around $60,100, acting as a critical floor that has been repeatedly tested and held firm.

    Investor sentiment towards Bitcoin is largely positive, with increased trading volumes reflecting growing institutional interest.

    As Bitcoin’s (BTC) price continues to climb, it benefits from a broader narrative of cryptocurrencies serving as a hedge against traditional market volatility and inflation fears, which have been exacerbated by the Fed’s dovish stance.

    Ethereum and Solana lead as altcoins mirror Bitcoin’s surge

    The rate cut by the US Federal Reserve has not only impacted Bitcoin price but has also spurred a broader rally in the cryptocurrency market, lifting major altcoins alongside Bitcoin (BTC).

    Ethereum (ETH), for instance, has surged past $2,400, marking a 24-hour increase of 4.94% and a 7-day rise of 2.97%. Ethereum’s price reached $2,430 before settling slightly, mirroring Bitcoin’s bullish trend. Technical indicators show Ethereum facing immediate resistance at $2,430, with potential for further gains if it breaks above this level.

    Solana (SOL) has also seen significant price movements, surging by 6.03% to reach $138.65. This gain underscores renewed confidence in Solana’s ecosystem and its applications in decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs.

    Other altcoins, such as Ripple (XRP) and Shiba Inu (SHIB), have also experienced notable increases, with XRP rising by 1.20% to $0.59 and SHIB climbing 7.85% to $0.00001427.

    Analysts remain cautious

    Despite the overall positive sentiment, market participants remain cautious. Mixed reactions and concerns about the sustainability of the rally are prevalent. Analysts suggest that while the rate cut has provided a significant short-term boost, the broader economic uncertainties and potential regulatory challenges could impact future performance.

    In particular, Presto Research notes that the market remains divided, highlighting the need for relief from growth concerns to maintain upward momentum.

    Amid the mixed market outlook, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the current Bitcoin (BTC) price rally can sustain momentum and push digital assets to new highs.

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