1️⃣. The FED and PCE Inflation Are Pressuring the Crypto Market
✅ On December 18th, during the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, FED Chair Jerome Powell carried out the third interest rate cut of the year, as anticipated by the market. However, he also took a more hawkish stance on monetary policy for 2025. Due to signs of rising PCE inflation, the FED now plans to reduce interest rates only twice in 2025, instead of the four times previously expected.
✅ Financial markets immediately reacted negatively to this announcement, and the crypto market, being highly sensitive to macroeconomic factors, was no exception:
Bitcoin dropped from $108,000 to $92,000, losing over 15% of its value.
Altcoins declined by an average of 20%-50%, with some returning to price levels seen when Bitcoin was below $60,000.
2️⃣. The Importance of Macroeconomic Factors for the Crypto Market
✅ Currently, the total market capitalization of crypto stands at $3.5 trillion, equivalent to the GDP of the United Kingdom. Although still small compared to the global capital markets, crypto’s current size means it cannot avoid being affected by global macroeconomic trends.
✅ The crypto market’s growth throughout 2024 was driven by a series of favorable conditions:
Improved global liquidity, reflected in the growth of the M2 money supply from major central banks.
FED’s continuous rate cuts in 2024, providing conditions for capital flows into risk assets like Bitcoin and altcoins.
Pro-Crypto policies from President Donald Trump, boosting confidence in the market.
✅ However, the current landscape is rapidly changing. The PCE inflation index – the FED’s preferred measure of inflation – is showing signs of rising again, while the FED’s tightening monetary policy remains in effect. The FED not only keeps interest rates high but is also withdrawing liquidity from the market by reducing its asset holdings (such as bonds) on its balance sheet. If inflation continues to rise sharply, the FED may even raise interest rates again, potentially accepting an economic crisis, as it has done in the past, to combat inflation.
3️⃣. PCE Inflation and the Future of the Crypto Market
✅ In a context of persistent inflation, crypto – which is considered a high-risk asset – will face significant challenges if the FED maintains high interest rates or raises them again:
Liquidity Drain: Higher capital costs will lead to reduced flows into risk assets.
Declining Value: Bitcoin and altcoins will struggle to remain attractive as traditional assets like bonds become more appealing.
Market Sentiment: Pessimism may spread if inflation spirals out of control, potentially triggering another crypto winter.
4️⃣. Strategies to Prepare for the Future
✅ For crypto investors, closely monitoring macroeconomic indicators is essential. Among them, the PCE inflation index in the United States is currently the most critical:
If PCE stabilizes or decreases, crypto can continue its long-term growth trend.
If PCE rises sharply, prepare for a scenario of significant corrections, or even a prolonged crypto winter.
✅ Additionally, building a long-term strategy is crucial:
Diversify portfolios to reduce concentration risk in highly volatile altcoins.
Consider holding a portion of assets in stablecoins or less risky instruments to preserve capital.
Keep a close eye on the FED’s actions and global monetary policies to adjust strategies promptly.
5️⃣. Conclusion
✅ The mantra “Don’t fight the FED” has always been true for financial markets, and crypto is no exception. With a market capitalization of $3.5 trillion, crypto is no longer a market that operates “outside” macroeconomic forces. While the growth seen in 2024 was fueled by favorable conditions, this may not last forever. To succeed in this market, investors must always prepare for the worst scenarios and remain adaptable to changes in the macroeconomic environment.
✅ Investing without considering the macroeconomic environment is like farming without checking the weather forecast. Every sector is interconnected, and we cannot analyze any single field in isolation.
