Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech today could stir fresh volatility, as markets bet on rate cuts while Bitcoin hovers near key support.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a closely watched speech titled “Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy” at the NABE annual meeting today. This comes at a time of intense market volatility, with investors awaiting signals on US interest rates.
Futures markets currently assign a 97% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in October and an 89% probability of another in December. This suggests broad expectations for monetary easing amid signs of economic slowdown.
However, if Powell signals that interest rates may remain higher for longer, analysts warn that both traditional and crypto markets could face renewed sell-offs.
Data Delays Add to Uncertainty
The speech takes place amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Last week, Donald Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports triggered a sharp decline across risk assets.
The U.S. government shutdown has delayed key economic data releases, including consumer inflation and wholesale cost reports, leaving investors and policymakers with limited visibility.
This increases the stakes for Powell’s remarks, which may serve as one of the few clear indicators of the Fed’s current thinking. According to market analyst Ash Crypto, any sign of policy easing could boost sentiment and turn risk assets bullish again.
🇺🇸 Fed chair Jerome Powell will give a speech tommorow at 12.20pm ET.
Any mention of Easing will be bullish. pic.twitter.com/Sqns303FtQ
— Ash Crypto (@Ashcryptoreal) October 13, 2025
What’s for Crypto Traders?
The crypto market is currently down 4%, with Bitcoin BTC $66 798 24h volatility: 5.2% Market cap: $1.34 T Vol. 24h: $49.45 B falling to $111,000 at the time of writing.
Analysts identify $108,000-$110,000 for Bitcoin as a crucial support zone. A drop below these levels could spark a new wave of cascade liquidations in leveraged positions.
Crypto expert 0xNobler noted that some high-level traders may be positioning for Powell to cancel or delay rate cuts.
Despite the short-term volatility, analysts see a market surge in the next couple of months, with many traders looking for the best penny crypto to explode.
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