Bitcoin is trading at $17,765 during the Asian session on December 14, as investors appear to price in weaker-than-expected US CPI figures. Similarly, Ethereum has risen above the $1,300 mark, as the weakening of the US dollar has increased demand for cryptocurrencies.
Major cryptocurrencies were trading in the green early on December 14, as the global crypto market value increased by 2.52% to $870.79 billion on the previous day. Over the last 24 hours, the overall crypto market volume has increased by 52.60 percent to $53.51 billion.
DeFi’s total volume is currently $2.94 billion, accounting for 5.49 percent of the entire 24-hour volume in the crypto market. The overall volume of all stablecoins is now $53.26 billion, accounting for 99.53 percent of the total 24-hour volume of the crypto market.
Let’s take a look at the top 24-hour altcoin gainers and losers.
Today’s US FOMC and FED Expectations
At the end of its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by a half a point, signaling a less aggressive approach from the central bank as evidence emerges that inflation may be slowing. That’s still hardly anything, especially when compared to the quarter-point rises announced at the last four Fed meetings.
Still, it’s a hefty rise that will hurt the economies of millions of American businesses and households by making it more expensive to take out loans for things like homes, vehicles, and other necessities than they otherwise would be.
The expected move by the Fed would push the rate at which banks charge each other for overnight borrowing to between 4.25 and 4.5 percent, the highest level seen since 2007.
When the Federal Reserve releases its economic outlook in the Summary of Economic Projections on Wednesday, investors will be paying close attention. And they will be tuning in to Powell’s news briefings to get a sense of what’s to come, even if they might be in for a big letdown.
Impact on Cryptocurrency Market
With the 0.50% rate hike, we may see a dip in the cryptocurrency market, but it is likely to be temporary, and prices will return to where they were before. Because most of the 0.50% rate hike has already been priced in, the market is unlikely to show significant price movements unless the Fed surprises with a 0.75% or 0.25% rate hike.
