18 September 2024
The long-awaited day has arrived: the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has announced its decision to cut interest rates, with significant implications for both Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader cryptocurrency market. Following the announcement, the markets reacted with notable volatility.
Bullish Outlook For Bitcoin
Just moments ago, the Fed disclosed its decision to reduce the federal funds rate by 0.50 percentage points (bps) for the first time in four years, marking a pivotal shift since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This adjustment lowers the target range to 4.75% to 5%, down from 5.25% to 5.5%, which had been in place since last July—the highest rates seen since 2001.
Analysts had widely anticipated this cut, with some, including crypto analyst Doctor Profit, asserting that a 50 bps reduction would be bullish for Bitcoin and the wider digital asset ecosystem in the short term.
Market expert Michael Van de Poppe has also indicated that volatility is likely to increase for both Bitcoin and Ethereum following this event, but in the end, this would potentially drive prices higher.
BTC’s Reaction To Fed’s Rate Cut
Following the Fed’s announcement, Bitcoin has exhibited considerable volatility, marked by aggressive price movements. Currently trading around $60,180, the cryptocurrency has faced fluctuations, dipping about 1% after peaking near $62,000 on Tuesday.
As investors digest the news, it remains to be seen how the market will stabilize in the coming days. The potential influx of capital into the crypto market could bolster Bitcoin’s trajectory, offering bullish investors an opportunity to capitalize on favorable conditions.
However, the balance between upward momentum and market corrections will be crucial in determining the short-term outlook for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com