Federal Reserve’s Role in Crypto

Zebpay
3 min readJul 23, 2024

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The impact of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve on the crypto market is a significant consideration due to its far-reaching influence on investor behaviour and the intricate dynamics of the market itself. When the Federal Reserve decides to elevate interest rates, it triggers a notable shift in the landscape of investment preferences, particularly favouring conventional options like bonds and other fixed-income assets, renowned for their ability to yield stable returns. Consequently, this redirection of funds can lead to a gradual exodus from the crypto market, thereby initiating a decrease in demand, which, in turn, might potentially trigger corrections or declines in crypto asset prices.

Furthermore, the repercussions of heightened interest rates extend to an augmentation in the cost of borrowing, subsequently casting a shadow of hesitancy upon trading and engagement in leveraged positions within the crypto domain. During periods characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty, traders and investors often find solace in less volatile assets, and this could lead to a palpable reduction in the demand for crypto assets.

It’s imperative to underscore that the actual repercussions of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes on the crypto market can be influenced by an amalgamation of variables, including the broader economic milieu, geopolitical occurrences, and the prevailing market sentiment. Market participants are diligently attuned to the policies and decisions emanating from central banks, as they seek to predict the potential repercussions that could resonate within the crypto space.

Latest Update on Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Hike

In its latest manoeuvre, the Federal Reserve has announced an incremental quarter-percentage-point ascent in its fund rate, effectively positioning the range between 5.25% and 5.5%. This calculated adjustment catapults the borrowing costs to the pinnacle of their trajectory over the last two decades.

Within the backdrop of the Federal Reserve’s ambitious objective to quell the prevailing inflation rate, endeavouring to realign it from the current 3% to a more subdued 2%, industry experts remain poised for the potential unveiling of a few more rate hikes in the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, the current behaviour observed within the crypto market deviates from the norm, presenting a unique spectacle wherein the market demonstrates resilience, evading panic selling or the allure of transitioning to conventional investment avenues. While the overarching influence of borrowing costs reverberates across various investment domains, the crypto market, equipped with its inherent dynamics, seems to have preemptively factored in the impending likelihood of interest rate adjustments. This foresight aligns with the pronounced monetary policy stance adopted to counteract inflationary pressures since the culmination of 2021.

Evident since 2021, the Federal Reserve has orchestrated eleven increments in interest rates. The tumultuous descent of the crypto market in 2022 stands as a testament to the resonating impact of these developments. As the curtain was drawn on January 2023, the market exhibited signs of stabilization, a strategic response to the impending wave of rate hikes. Adding another layer to this narrative, the progression of the crypto market in 2023 leaned towards conservatism, a marked departure from the exuberant bull runs of yesteryears. This subtle transformation underscores the gradual accumulation of positions by investors, each calculated manoeuvre a reflection of their shrewd anticipation of forthcoming events.

The silver lining in this intricate web of dynamics lies in the finite nature of interest rate hikes. Once inflationary forces are tamed, and the interest rates recede, the crypto market could potentially bask in an influx of capital, a phenomenon that holds the promise of casting a resoundingly positive influence on the valuation of crypto assets.

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Disclaimer: Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Each investor must do his/her own research or seek independent advice if necessary before initiating any transactions in crypto products and NFTs. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author, and not to ZebPay or the author’s employer or other groups or individuals. ZebPay shall not be held liable for any acts or omissions, or losses incurred by the investors. ZebPay has not received any compensation in cash or kind for the above article and the article is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information.

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