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29 Apr 2026, 21:50

Fed Rate Hike Odds Rise: Powell Signals Surprising Shift in Monetary Policy Outlook

BitcoinWorld Fed Rate Hike Odds Rise: Powell Signals Surprising Shift in Monetary Policy Outlook Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell revealed a significant shift in the monetary policy landscape. A growing number of committee members now see similar odds for a Fed rate hike and a Fed rate cut . This marks a notable change in the central bank’s stance. However, Powell emphasized that no one currently advocates for an actual increase. This statement provides crucial insight into the Federal Reserve policy trajectory. Understanding the Shift in Fed Rate Hike Odds Powell’s comments came during a recent press conference. He addressed the evolving views within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The Chairman noted that the distribution of opinions has become more balanced. Previously, the consensus leaned heavily toward maintaining or cutting rates. Now, a faction sees a Fed rate hike as equally plausible. This development injects new uncertainty into financial markets. Investors must recalibrate their expectations for monetary policy 2025 . What Changed in the FOMC’s Outlook? Several factors contribute to this shift. Persistent inflation data remains a primary concern. The labor market continues to show unexpected strength. Economic growth has not slowed as projected. These conditions create a complex environment for policymakers. The Powell interest rates guidance now reflects this complexity. Committee members weigh the risks of inflation against economic slowdown. This balancing act produces the current divided outlook. Market Reactions to the Federal Reserve Policy Update Financial markets reacted swiftly to Powell’s remarks. Bond yields experienced immediate volatility. The U.S. dollar strengthened against major currencies. Equity markets showed mixed results. Investors now price in a higher probability of a Fed rate hike later this year. The CME FedWatch Tool indicated a notable shift in rate expectations. Traders increased bets on a potential increase by the third quarter. This market adjustment reflects the new reality of balanced risks. Key Data Points Influencing the Fed’s Decision Core PCE inflation: Remains above the 2% target, hovering around 2.8% Unemployment rate: Stays historically low at 3.7% GDP growth: Q1 2025 showed an annualized rate of 2.4% Consumer spending: Continues to show resilience despite high rates Wage growth: Moderates but remains elevated in service sectors These indicators create a challenging backdrop for the Fed. Each data point supports a different policy direction. The committee must synthesize this information carefully. Comparing the Current Cycle to Historical Patterns This situation resembles the 1995-1996 period. The Fed then paused rate hikes before cutting. However, it also faced a similar internal divide. The current cycle differs in several ways. Inflation is stickier than in the 1990s. The economy shows more resilience to high rates. Global conditions add another layer of complexity. The monetary policy 2025 path remains highly uncertain. Historical parallels offer limited guidance this time. Expert Perspectives on the Fed’s Next Move Economists offer varying interpretations of Powell’s message. Some see it as a hawkish pivot. Others view it as a realistic assessment of data. A balanced perspective suggests the Fed maintains flexibility. The central bank avoids committing to a specific path. This approach allows it to respond to incoming data. The Powell interest rates strategy emphasizes data dependence. The committee will watch inflation and employment closely. Implications for Borrowers and Savers The possibility of a Fed rate hike affects everyone. Mortgage rates could rise further if the Fed acts. Credit card rates would likely increase as well. Auto loans and business borrowing become more expensive. Savers might benefit from higher yields on deposits. However, the economic slowdown risk remains. The overall impact depends on the timing and magnitude of any move. Consumers should prepare for continued rate uncertainty. Sector-Specific Impacts of a Potential Rate Hike Sector Potential Impact Risk Level Housing Higher mortgage rates reduce affordability High Technology Growth stocks face valuation pressure Medium Banking Net interest margins may improve Low Consumer Discretionary Spending may slow with higher rates Medium Energy Demand concerns could weigh on prices Medium This table illustrates the varied effects across different industries. Investors must assess their exposure carefully. The Path Forward for Federal Reserve Policy Powell’s comments reset expectations for the coming months. The Federal Reserve policy now faces a critical juncture. The next few data releases will determine the direction. The April jobs report and inflation data carry significant weight. The May FOMC meeting will provide further clarity. Markets will hang on every word from Fed officials. The Fed rate hike scenario remains a real possibility. However, the baseline expectation still favors a cut later this year. What to Watch in the Coming Weeks April Consumer Price Index (CPI) release Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data Monthly employment reports FOMC meeting minutes Speeches from other Fed officials These events will shape the monetary policy 2025 narrative. Each data point adds to the collective understanding. The committee’s reaction function remains the key variable. Conclusion Chairman Powell’s revelation about the Fed rate hike and cut odds marks a pivotal moment. The Federal Reserve policy stance has clearly shifted. A more divided committee now faces a complex economic landscape. The Powell interest rates guidance emphasizes flexibility and data dependence. Investors, businesses, and consumers must prepare for multiple scenarios. The path of monetary policy 2025 remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the era of predictable rate decisions has ended. Vigilance and adaptability are now essential. FAQs Q1: What did Jerome Powell say about the Fed rate hike and cut? Powell stated that more committee members see similar odds for a rate hike and a rate cut. However, he confirmed that no one is currently advocating for an increase. Q2: Why is the Fed considering both a hike and a cut? Persistent inflation and strong economic data create a balanced risk environment. Some members worry about inflation, while others focus on slowing growth. Q3: How likely is a Fed rate hike in 2025? The probability has increased but remains below 50%. Market pricing suggests a higher chance if inflation data remains stubborn. Q4: What would a rate hike mean for the economy? It would slow borrowing and spending, potentially cooling inflation. However, it also raises recession risks and increases costs for consumers. Q5: When is the next FOMC meeting? The next meeting is scheduled for May 6-7, 2025. The committee will release its decision and updated economic projections at that time. This post Fed Rate Hike Odds Rise: Powell Signals Surprising Shift in Monetary Policy Outlook first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 21:44

Fed holds rates at 3.50% to 3.75% for fourth time

🚨 The US Fed leaves rates at 3.50% to 3.75% for a fourth straight meeting. Bitcoin dipped 0.5% to just under $76,000 after the announcement. 🟠 Internal discord in the Fed signals uncertainty for future $BTC moves. Continue Reading: Fed holds rates at 3.50% to 3.75% for fourth time The post Fed holds rates at 3.50% to 3.75% for fourth time appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

29 Apr 2026, 21:30

Meta Launches USDC Stablecoin Payouts for Creators in Colombia and the Philippines

Meta has launched a pilot program allowing eligible creators in Colombia and the Philippines to receive earnings in USDC stablecoins through Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp. Key Takeaways: Meta launches USDC stablecoin payouts for creators in Colombia and the Philippines, using Solana and Polygon networks in April 2026. Stripe serves as Meta’s infrastructure partner, enabling low-fee

29 Apr 2026, 21:30

Bitcoin Sees Declining Short-Term Activity Amid Gradual Upside Momentum

Bitcoin may have pulled back briefly after days of upward action, but its price is still holding firm above the pivotal $77,000 mark backed by growing bullish sentiment across the broader cryptocurrency market. While BTC’s price has displayed upside momentum, the on-chain indicator points to a steady decline in activity among short-term holders. Short-Term Holder Activity Cools While Bitcoin Edges Higher Following its renewed upside performance, a subtle but crucial shift is starting to emerge in the Bitcoin market. This important shift is being observed among Short-Term BTC holders as the STH Active Supply Ratio continues to decline even while price gradually moves in the upside direction. It is worth noting that this metric represents the percentage of total circulating supply held by these investors, which is defined as native units that have moved at least once in the last 180 days. Furthermore, it measures the portion of supply that price-sensitive players control. Particularly, these are investors who are more likely to react to volatility , market news, and profit opportunities in the short term. The divergence between the Active Supply Ratio and BTC’s price implies that more recent market players are becoming less active, possibly choosing to hold rather than trade in the face of improving conditions. In the chart shared by Alphractal , an advanced on-chain data analytics platform, it appears that the ratio has been declining since the beginning of this year. According to the platform, this steady decline in the metric signals reduced BTC movement on-chain by the short-term holders. Furthermore, Alphractal highlighted that this type of behavior is often seen at a time when market optimism is fading, and activity from short-term holders simultaneously cools down. As the STH active supply drops, this pattern may indicate the early phases of a more sustained and resilient trend . One Of The Most Important Retests For BTC’s Price The Bitcoin market has been quite unclear about its next direction as prices face continued sideways price performance. However, the asset is witnessing a critical moment, one that could play a role in determining its next possible trajectory. On-Chain Mind, a Bitcoin and crypto data analyst, has shared on X that the crypto king is having one of its important tests at the Short-Term Holder Realized Price around the $78,000 level. What makes this move so important is tied to different scenarios in the past where this level has defined the bull and bear regime shifts. Whatever happens here this week is likely to set the tone for the next few months. Meanwhile, a rejection here, in classic bear-market style, would cause the price to drop further or break through, opening the door to the next Bitcoin bull phase .

29 Apr 2026, 21:30

US taxpayers have spent $25 billion on the Iran war so far

US taxpayers are now staring at a $25 billion bill from the Trump-Israel war in Iran, while the Hormuz standoff keeps oil, gas, and shipping markets under pressure. Jules Hurst, performing the duties of Pentagon comptroller, gave the first official cost figure on Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee. He said most of the money went to munitions, meaning the war has burned through weapons fast since U.S. strikes began on February 28. The timing is brutal for President Donald Trump and Republicans. The midterms are six months away, and Democrats are trying to tie the unpopular Iran war to affordability. Gasoline is higher. Fertilizer costs are under pressure. Energy shipments are disrupted. Voters may not read Pentagon ledgers, but they understand prices fast. Democrats are polling better as Republicans worry about keeping the House and maybe the Senate. Pentagon puts the Iran war cost at $25 billion while lawmakers still lack the full receipt Hurst did not explain every item inside the $25 billion estimate. He also did not say if it covers future costs to rebuild or repair U.S. base infrastructure damaged in the Middle East. That gap matters because bases still need repairs, troops need support, and equipment needs replacement. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the committee, answered Hurst with clear frustration. “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number,” Smith said. The cost equals NASA’s full budget for this year. The math is still unclear because a Reuters source said last month that the first six days alone cost at least $11.3 billion. Now Washington has a bigger number, but not the full breakdown. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the spending by pointing to Iran’s nuclear program. “What would you pay to ensure Iran does not get a nuclear bomb? What would you pay?” Hegseth asked lawmakers. Pete also rejected claims that the war had become a quagmire. “You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement,” he said in response to Garamendi. He also called congressional Democrats “reckless, feckless, and defeatist.” The U.S. and Iran are now under a fragile ceasefire. The Pentagon has sent tens of thousands of extra forces to the Middle East and kept three aircraft carriers in the region. Thirteen U.S. troops have been killed, and hundreds have been wounded. Trump weighs Hormuz military options as energy shocks hit voters and peace talks stall The Hormuz standoff is now moving through the economy. Oil and natural gas disruptions have pushed U.S. gasoline higher and added pressure to farm inputs such as fertilizers. The American Automobile Association said the average U.S. gas price on Tuesday hit its highest level in nearly four years. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 34% of Americans approve of the U.S. conflict with Iran, down from 36% in mid-April and 38% in mid-March. Trump’s popularity has dropped since the U.S. and Israel launched the war. Trump warned Iran on Wednesday as peace talks stalled over the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran had “better get smart soon” while weighing military options. U.S. gas averages reached $4.23 a gallon, and Brent crude climbed to $115 a barrel early Wednesday. Iran’s rial also fell to a record low against the dollar as Tehran’s economy weakened. Trump and senior officials met energy executives on Tuesday to discuss keeping Iran’s ports blocked “for months if needed” while trying to limit damage for U.S. consumers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hosted executives from Chevron (NYSE: CVX), Trafi, Vitol, and Mercuria. Washington showed little interest in Iran’s new offer to end the war and reopen the strait without settling the nuclear dispute. On Truth today, Trump posted : “Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

29 Apr 2026, 21:28

Nigel Farage receives £5 million from crypto billionaire

🪙 Nigel Farage received a £5 million personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The payment came just before Farage’s 2024 election announcement, raising questions in UK politics. 🔍 Critical data: $BTC industry leaders have made record-breaking donations to Reform UK. Continue Reading: Nigel Farage receives £5 million from crypto billionaire The post Nigel Farage receives £5 million from crypto billionaire appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .