The federal funds rate is one of the primary tools the Federal Reserve (Fed) uses to influence the U.S. economy. This rate essentially determines the cost of banks borrowing money, which impacts the economy as a whole including investment, inflation, employment, and even global financial markets. While its greatest impact is on traditional financial markets like stocks, bonds, and real estate, Fed interest rate decisions also have a significant impact on more volatile assets, like cryptocurrencies.
Understanding the Federal Interest Rate
The Federal Reserve uses its interest rate policy as a primary tool to control inflation and maintain economic stability. The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow money from each other overnight. The Federal Reserve influences this rate through monetary policy, either raising or lowering it based on economic conditions.
Raising interest rates: When the economy is growing too fast and inflation is rising, the Fed may raise interest rates to cool things down. Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive, which reduces consumer spending and investment, thus slowing inflation.
Lowering interest rates: On the other hand, when the economy is weak or in recession, the Fed may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending, which stimulates economic growth.
Although these moves are primarily aimed at affecting the economy in general, their impact extends to various markets, including digital currencies.
How do federal interest rates affect cryptocurrency prices?
Cryptocurrencies, unlike traditional assets, are often considered speculative and high-risk investments. Although they are not directly linked to central banks or government monetary policies, they are still affected by macroeconomic forces, especially changes in the Federal Reserve interest rate. Their impact on cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), comes primarily from how the Federal Reserveâs interest rate decisions affect overall financial conditions and investor behavior.
1.    Impact on investor sentiment and risk appetite
One of the most obvious ways that changes in federal interest rates affect cryptocurrency prices is by affecting investor sentiment and risk appetite.
Rising interest rates: When the Fed raises interest rates, it usually leads to a risk-averse market environment. Investors tend to move away from riskier assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies, and move into safer investments like government bonds or savings accounts that now offer higher returns. As a result, demand for cryptocurrencies can fall, causing their prices to fall.
For example, after several interest rate hikes in 2022, cryptocurrency prices saw significant declines, with Bitcoin losing more than 60% of its value during that year (2022).
Lower interest rates: Conversely, when the Fed lowers interest rates, borrowing becomes cheaper, and liquidity flows more easily into riskier assets like cryptocurrencies. Investors seeking higher returns in a low-interest environment may move toward assets with greater upside potential like cryptocurrencies. This can lead to a surge in cryptocurrency prices.
Historically, interest rate cuts during economic downturns, such as those seen in 2020, have contributed to a boom in cryptocurrency investments, with Bitcoin hitting record highs and a new high as investors look for assets with significant growth potential amid abundant liquidity.
2.    Liquidity and capital availability
Another major factor is the availability of capital in the financial system and is influenced by the following indicators:
Higher interest rates and tighter liquidity: Higher interest rates tighten liquidity, making it more expensive for individuals and institutions to borrow. This reduction in available capital makes it difficult for speculative investments to flourish. As a result, cryptocurrencies that rely on large capital inflows to maintain or increase their value could experience a significant decline in value.
During periods of large interest rate hikes, such as in 2022, many investors have pulled out of riskier assets, leading to long bearish phases in crypto markets.
Lower interest rates and increase liquidity: Conversely, when interest rates are lowered, liquidity increases, allowing for greater access to capital. This increased liquidity can flow into higher-risk, higher-reward investments like cryptocurrencies, increasing demand and thus driving prices up significantly.
3.    The strength of the dollar and hedging against inflation
Changes in the Federal Reserve interest rates also affect the strength of the US dollar, which may indirectly affect cryptocurrency prices.
Higher interest rates and a stronger dollar: When the Fed raises interest rates, the US dollar typically strengthens as global investors seek to take advantage of the higher returns available in US assets. A stronger dollar can negatively impact cryptocurrencies, especially those like Bitcoin that are seen as an alternative to traditional currencies. As the dollar strengthens, the appeal of cryptocurrencies as a store of value diminishes, leading to lower prices.
Lower interest rates and inflation concerns: Conversely, when the Fed lowers interest rates, concerns about inflation and currency depreciation rise. Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, are often viewed as a hedge against inflation, which means that during periods of lower interest rates and higher inflation expectations, demand for cryptocurrencies can increase. Investors may turn to Bitcoin as a way to store value, driving up its price.
In 2020, when the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero to combat the economic impact of the pandemic, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies saw huge inflows, driven by fears of inflation and the threat to the value of traditional currencies.
Conclusion
Federal Reserve interest rate decisions have a significant impact on global financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. Interest rate hikes typically reduce risk appetite and liquidity, potentially leading to a decline in cryptocurrency prices. On the other hand, interest rate cuts can stimulate investment in riskier assets like cryptocurrencies by increasing liquidity and lowering borrowing costs. As cryptocurrencies continue to grow as an asset class, understanding the relationship between federal interest rates and cryptocurrency market dynamics becomes critical for investors seeking to navigate these volatile markets.
For more on the topic, you can visit the Cointelegraph website:
https://cointelegraph.com/explained/impact-of-fed-interest-rates-on-crypto-holders
As always, it is important to do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Stay informed by checking the latest prices and market trends, following me on social media, and consider taking advantage of current market conditions to boost your cryptocurrency portfolio.
Written by: Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamri @AlhemairyM
