US Fed decision sparks crypto rebound

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State of crypto

• Bitcoin reclaims US$87K and altcoins climb as Fed eases tightening
• SEC drops landmark crypto case against Ripple
• US stocks rally after Fed meeting reassures markets
• Bitcoin ETFs see US$500M inflows as market stabilises
• Solana ETFs set to debut on Wall Street
• Strategy to double down with US$500M stock sale for more BTC

Check prices on the BTC Markets exchange

Bitcoin reclaims US$87K and altcoins climb as Fed eases tightening

Bitcoin climbed back above US$87,000 after the US Federal Reserve announced plans to slow quantitative tightening, reducing its monthly Treasury runoff from US$25 billion to only US$5 billion starting April 1. The move, along with expectations of future rate cuts, lifted market sentiment, driving Bitcoin up 5% in the past 24 hours testing the US$87K zone.

Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) regained momentum, climbing back above US$2,000 after more than a week consolidating at US$1,900. Other altcoins including Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) also saw modest gains, reflecting a cautious but steady recovery. However, with inflation still a concern and borrowing costs remaining high, investors remain watchful of the Fed’s next policy moves, which could determine whether this crypto rally has staying power.

Check BTC

Ripple CEO confirms SEC drops landmark crypto case

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dropped its long-running lawsuit against the company, marking a major victory for them as well as the entire crypto industry. The case, which accused Ripple of selling unregistered securities through its XRP token, had been one of the most closely watched legal battles in crypto. The price of XRP surged in part following the news, gaining just over 11% in the last 24 hours of trading.

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US stocks rally after Fed meeting reassures markets

US stocks surged this week following the US Federal Reserve’s announcement that it would hold interest rates at 4.25%-4.5% and reaffirmed its outlook for two potential rate cuts later this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 383 points, while the Nasdaq gained 1.4%, as investors responded to the central bank’s decision to keep monetary policy steady for the time being.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated a cautious stance, noting that while inflation has eased, it remains above target, and policymakers are in no hurry to cut rates. He also highlighted the potential impact of trade policies and tariffs, which could drive inflation higher while slowing economic growth. Markets now expect rate cuts to begin in the second half of 2025. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming economic data and policy signals for clues on the Fed’s next move.

Check ETH

Bitcoin ETFs see US$500M inflows as market stabilises

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over US$500 million in net inflows over the past three days, reversing weeks of outflows as Bitcoin’s price stabilised, according to data from UK’s Farside Investors. The ARK21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) led the charge with US$180 million in inflows, while BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) saw gains of US$169.6 million and US$136.5 million, respectively.

Source: The Block

This surge in spot Bitcoin ETF inflows follows a period of investor caution driven by macroeconomic uncertainties, including trade tensions and inflation concerns. Analysts attribute the renewed institutional interest to Bitcoin's resilience and a broader market recovery in risk assets.

Check LTC

Solana ETFs set to debut on Wall Street

Wall Street is preparing for the launch of Solana (SOL) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking another step in the institutional adoption of crypto assets. Asset managers are working to introduce these ETFs as investor interest in alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum grows.

The move follows the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which have seen strong demand since their approval. Analysts suggest that Solana ETFs could further legitimise the asset and attract institutional capital, reinforcing its position as a leading blockchain network. However, regulatory hurdles remain, with the SEC yet to give formal approval.

Check SOL

Strategy to double down with US$500M stock sale for more BTC

Strategy, one of the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holders, plans to expand its position even further after announcing plans to raise US$500 million through a preferred stock offering. The firm, formerly known as MicroStrategy, is doubling down on its long-term Bitcoin goals, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institutional force in the crypto space. This aggressive accumulation comes as Bitcoin stabilises and institutional interest in digital assets continues to rise.

Check ADA

Crypto Fear & Greed Index

Source: Fear & Greed Index

BTC Markets in the news

Capital Brief: Crypto keeps the faith

Donald Trump’s tariffs are harming the cryptocurrency sector more than his plans for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve are helping. But the local industry remains optimistic.

“In my view Trump’s tariffs are a regressive step,” said BTC Markets’ CEO Caroline Bowler. “But what I do feel is long-term positive is this pro-crypto government and the ripple it’s having around the world, it’s forcing everybody to pull their socks up and raise their standards in terms of getting a framework in place.”

Read the full article here.

Money 2040: Rethinking money in the digital and quantum era

We’re excited to share that Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets, will be speaking at the upcoming Black Swan Summit on 25 March.

The session, Money 2040: Rethinking Money in the Digital and Quantum Era, will explore how Web3 networks, tokenised assets, and quantum advancements will transform the very nature of money. Caroline will discuss thought-provoking topics, including the rise of personalised and programmable money, the security implications of quantum technologies, and the evolving role of Bitcoin as a store of value.

Moderated by Mark Staples, CTO of Digital Finance CRC, the panel will feature industry experts such as Antonio Alvarez Lorenzo from Crypto.com, Effie Dimitropoulos from AUDC Pty Ltd, and Alan Scott from the Railgun Privacy Report.

Learn more: Money 2040: Rethinking Money in the Digital and Quantum Era

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The week ahead: economic events

Thursday, March 20th 

• UK Unemployment Rate & Interest Rate Decision

Friday, March 21st

• US Existing Home Sales
• Japan Inflation Rate

Monday, March 24th

• Germany Manufacturing PMI
• UK Manufacturing PMI &Services PMI

Tuesday, March 25th

• Germany Ifo Business Climate Index

Wednesday, March 26th

• UK Inflation Rate &Durable Goods Orders

Thursday, March 27th 

• US GDP Growth Rate

Source: Trading economics

Market reflections

Australia: Trade war impact anticipated as RBA signals cautious outlook

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that escalating global trade tensions could have significant economic consequences, urging businesses and policymakers to prepare for potential disruptions. Amid rising concerns over a full-scale trade war, Chalmers emphasised that Australia’s economy remains resilient but not immune to the ripple effects of tariffs and shifting trade policies.

Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter reinforced a cautious economic outlook, highlighting that inflation remains a concern and that monetary policy adjustments will depend on further data. The RBA is closely watching external factors, including global supply chain disruptions and shifts in consumer demand, as it assesses the next steps for interest rates.

Adding to economic uncertainty, recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that consumer spending declined in February, reflecting growing caution among households. Retail trade figures suggest that rising living costs and uncertainty over future economic conditions are prompting Australians to tighten their budgets. With both fiscal and monetary policymakers signaling caution, Australia’s economic stability hinges on how trade policies evolve in the coming months.

Sources: ABC News, Reserve Bank of Australia, Broker Daily

United States: Fed holds rates steady as economy grows, inflation lingers

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.5%, maintaining a cautious stance as the US economy continues to expand. Unemployment remains low, businesses are still generating revenue, and consumer spending is holding up, signaling resilience. However, inflation is still running higher than the Fed’s 2% target, prompting officials to slow, but not halt, their bond selloff starting in April.

For everyday Americans, this means borrowing costs will stay high for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, while job security remains strong - at least for now. The Fed will remain flexible, prepared to adjust its policy if inflation stays stubbornly high or economic risks escalate. Financial markets, including stocks and crypto, remain volatile as investors digest the Fed’s wait-and-see approach for now.

Source: Federal Reserve Board

China: Markets shift as US growth slows, China gains traction

China’s stock market is expected to outpace Wall Street in the coming months, as analysts suggest that the era of "American exceptionalism" in financial markets is slowing. With the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady and growth projections moderating, global investors are looking toward China’s policy-driven economic recovery for stronger returns. Some major investment firms have already increased their exposure to Chinese equities, predicting a rebound as stimulus efforts take hold. 

Source: CNBC

Germany: Economic sentiment hits two-year high as EU exports to US surge

Germany’s economic sentiment has climbed to its highest level in two years, reflecting renewed optimism among businesses and investors. The latest ZEW economic sentiment index showed a sharp rise, driven by expectations of improved economic conditions and stabilizing inflation. Analysts suggest that confidence is growing as supply chain disruptions ease and demand for European goods rebounds.

A major factor behind this economic boost is the surge in European Union (EU) exports to the United States, which have reached record highs. The increase is largely fueled by strong demand for European industrial goods, machinery, and automobiles, as U.S. businesses look for alternative trade partners amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

Source: Euronews

Canada: Inflation surges 2.6% as tax break expires

Canada’s inflation rate jumped to 2.6% in February, marking a sharp increase following the expiration of a temporary sales tax break. The end of the tax relief led to higher consumer prices across essential goods and services, putting pressure on households already dealing with rising costs. While the central bank had been considering rate cuts later this year, persistent inflation may force policymakers to maintain higher interest rates for longer.

Source: Reuters

Scam awareness

Types of scams: Threats and extortion scams

Scammers use threats to pressure you into giving them money. If someone tries to intimidate you into paying, speak up and report them before taking any action.

These scammers often impersonate legitimate organisations, falsely claiming you owe money. They may threaten arrest, deportation, or even physical harm if you don’t comply immediately. Some also engage in blackmail, demanding payment in exchange for not sharing intimate photos or videos.

Do not let fear dictate your response. Take a moment to stop, verify the claims, and seek advice before making any payments.

Learn more at scamwatch.gov.au.

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