Bitcoin and Crypto Market Continue Decline Despite Powell’s Hints at Rate Cuts

The cryptocurrency market remained in a downtrend on Monday, despite Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell hinting at possible further interest rate cuts later this year.

Crypto Market Slips Amid Speculation of Rate Cuts

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that while the recent 50 basis point (bps) interest rate cut reflects optimism about economic conditions, it does not guarantee that future cuts will be as large. Speaking at the National Association for Business Economics, Powell said, “Looking forward, if the economy evolves broadly as expected, policy will move over time toward a more neutral stance. But we are not on any preset course.”

He added that the US economy remains in good shape, emphasizing that the Fed’s primary goal is to maintain this stability. Powell also noted that the 50 bps rate cut signals confidence in a stronger labor market, which could lead to reduced inflation.

Powell suggested that more rate cuts could be on the horizon, contingent on future economic data. “As we consider additional policy adjustments, we will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks,” Powell stated.

Historically, lower interest rates have positively impacted the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin. During the 2017 crypto bull market and the surge in initial coin offerings (ICOs), interest rates hovered between 0.75% and 1.25%. However, when the Fed began raising rates in 2018, the crypto market experienced a correction.

Despite Powell’s remarks, the crypto market continued to slide, registering a 4.2% decline as of Monday. Major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana fell by 3.5%, 2.3%, and 2.6%, respectively.

Widespread Decline Across Crypto Categories

The decline was not limited to major cryptocurrencies. Tokens in the artificial intelligence category, including NEAR, ICP, ASI, RENDER, and GRT, also saw losses in the past 24 hours. Meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) experienced sharp declines of nearly 10%.

Despite the current downturn, some market observers believe Powell’s speech could trigger a bullish reversal. Black Swan Capitalist co-founder Vandell commented that Powell’s hint of rate cuts is “very positive for risk-on assets like crypto.” He explained that rate cuts could boost credit creation and global liquidity, potentially setting the stage for a major crypto rally. “The timing is unarguably by design,” Vandell remarked in an X post.

Other members of the crypto community have echoed this optimism, forecasting a potential price surge for Bitcoin as Powell opens the door for further rate cuts.