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Will Bitcoin Plummet as the Fed Cuts Rates by 2 Points? Focus on These Two Key Factors Post-Fed Decision

Fed Rate Cut and Its Impact on Cryptocurrency Markets

The Federal Reserve is expected to kick off a rate-cutting cycle this week, with speculations rife about whether the Fed will cut rates by one or two notches. Experts are concerned that a 2-notch rate cut could spark doubts about the US economy entering a recession, potentially putting downward pressure on Bitcoin prices. As the Fed gears up for its monetary policy meeting on the 17th and 18th of this month, with the latest rate policy announcement scheduled around 2 a.m. Taiwan time on the 19th, the likelihood of a rate cut seems almost certain. The key question now is whether it will be a 1-notch or 2-notch cut. FedWatch data indicates that the market currently expects a 43% probability of a 1-notch cut and a 57% probability of a 2-notch cut.

Traditionally, rate cuts are viewed as a significant positive for risk assets like Bitcoin, bringing in substantial liquidity to the market. However, there are concerns that a 2-notch cut could trigger market suspicions of a US economic downturn, leading to sharp declines in cryptocurrency and stock markets, intensifying market volatility.

Focus on Two Key Concerns Post-Fed Decision

Morgan Stanley CEO, Jamie Dimon, recently issued a warning that while confidence in inflation easing is growing, there is a possibility of stagflation, where economic recession coincides with rising inflation. Dimon noted factors such as increased government spending and rising deficits, suggesting that although inflation data is improving, indicators like employment and manufacturing show the economy in a tense state, implying that inflation is likely to persist in the coming years.

Moreover, with the US presidential election in November, the Fed’s decisions are under the spotlight. Republican presidential candidate and former US President, Trump, has cautioned against a rate cut before the election, while Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for a 3-notch rate cut. A larger-than-expected rate cut might lead Trump to criticize the Fed for aiding the Democratic Party’s campaign.

Morgan Stanley is the only major US bank firm on the side of a 2-notch rate cut by the Fed. Powell hinted that he is open to a 2-notch cut if the unemployment rate rises, emphasizing the dire consequences of falling behind in rate cuts. Alan Blinder, former Vice Chairman of the Fed, pointed out that in US history, the Fed successfully managed a soft landing once, in the mid-1990s, by effectively curbing inflation without plunging the economy into a recession.

Analysis from 10x Research suggests that a 2-notch rate cut by the Fed this week could signify heightened economic concerns and a lag in response to the impending economic slowdown, potentially leading investors to reduce exposure to risk assets like Bitcoin and stocks. According to Coinglass data, if Bitcoin surpasses $62,000, major centralized exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Bybit could see a combined short liquidation intensity of $1.6 billion. Conversely, if Bitcoin drops below $57,000, these exchanges could witness a combined long liquidation intensity of $490 million, indicating possible significant market volatility.

It is essential to note that liquidation charts do not precisely show the number of contracts awaiting liquidation or their exact value. The bars on the liquidation chart indicate the relative strength of each liquidation cluster near the price level. Therefore, higher liquidation bars suggest more significant reactions to price movements beyond that point due to liquidity surges.

Tonight’s focus is on the US CPI. Economists believe there is a high chance of the Fed cutting rates by 1 notch next week, with two more rate cuts expected by year-end. In addition to non-farm payrolls, the unemployment rate is crucial in determining whether the Fed will cut rates by 2 notches. As Fed officials hint at a rate cut exceeding one notch, market reactions and US bond responses will be closely monitored. CEO of Morgan Stanley warns of recession risks, potentially leading to significant volatility in Bitcoin prices.

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