The Federal Open Market Committee voted on Wednesday to maintain the Federal Funds rate at its current range of 3.5–3.75%. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell cited solid economic expansion and resilient consumer spending, but noted weakness in housing and softening in the labor market.
Powell acknowledged that inflation remains somewhat elevated above the Fed’s 2% target, creating tension between its dual mandate of maximizing employment and stabilizing prices. He added that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has further clouded the economic outlook.
Data from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange shows 97% of market participants expect no rate change at the April 2026 FOMC meeting, while 3% anticipate a 25-basis-point hike. Such a move would push the Federal Funds rate to 3.75–4.00%.
Analyst and BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes says he is waiting for rate cuts before resuming Bitcoin purchases. Macroeconomist Lyn Alden argues the Fed has entered a gradual money-creation phase that is slowly lifting asset prices.
Originally reported by CoinTelegraph.
