Bitcoin And Ethereum Euphoria Built Around Rate Cuts Could Be Ruined By Retail Traders, Says Crypto Data Intelligence Platform

BY Benzinga | ECONOMIC | 09/18/24 09:55 PM EDT

The Federal Reserve implemented its first rate cut since March 2020. The move aimed to combat inflation and economic concerns.

What Happened: The rate cut was widely anticipated, with an 85% likelihood leading up to the announcement. This anticipation led to a bullish reaction in both cryptocurrency and traditional equity markets. However, prices quickly reversed as traders executed buy orders.

Santiment noted that this pattern is familiar, having been observed after events like the Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) merge and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) halving. Traders often become euphoric, expecting prices to soar, only to be surprised by a retracement.

Despite the initial bullish reaction, the market’s response may not be as straightforward. Traders are advised to monitor sentiment and funding rates closely. Positive sentiment could indicate greed, while negative sentiment might signal a buying opportunity.

Two more rate cuts are expected by the end of 2024, potentially lowering interest rates by 100 basis points heading into 2025, according to the report.

See Also: Elizabeth Warren Urges Fed To Slash Rates By 0.75%; Veteran Investor Warns Even 0.5% Cut Could ‘Reduce Trump’s Chances Of Winning’

Why It Matters: The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points to a range of 4.75% to 5% marks a significant shift in monetary policy.

Jerome Powell, the Fed Chair, defended the move, stating it was necessary to support the labor market and prevent economic harm. Powell emphasized the importance of acting preemptively to safeguard the economy, highlighting the Fed’s cautious, data-driven approach.

The rate cut has broader implications for consumers, potentially affecting mortgage rates, credit card interest rates, and auto loan rates. This trickle-down effect could influence consumer spending and borrowing behavior.

Despite the initial market euphoria, Powell’s cautious remarks on the future rate path have injected uncertainty into the markets. The Fed’s dot plot indicates further easing ahead, with additional rate cuts expected in the coming years.

Price Action: Bitcoin is trading at $61,950.10, up 0.32% in the last 24 hours. Year to date, it has gained 40.14%. Meanwhile, Ether is currently priced at $2,357.76, rising 0.92% in the last 24 hours. Year to date, it has increased 0.19%, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

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Image Via Shutterstock

This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Kaustubh Bagalkote

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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