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Financial markets are keenly awaiting the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting tonight, with the interest rate decision slated for 11:30 PM IST, followed by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's press conference at 12:00 AM Midnight (July 31st). While a rate cut is considered highly improbable – with less than a 5% chance – market participants will be scrutinizing every word from Powell for cues on future monetary policy.
Rate Cut Expectations: A Long Shot, but with Significant Upside
The consensus among analysts is that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady. Despite persistent pressure from some political figures for aggressive rate cuts, economic data points to a resilient, albeit slowing, economy and inflation that, while showing signs of easing, remains a concern. Should a surprising rate cut materialize, however, it would likely ignite a significant bullish rally across markets.
Powell's Tone: The True Market Mover
Even in the absence of a rate cut, the tone adopted by Chair Powell during his press conference is anticipated to be the primary driver of market sentiment.
• Neutral Tone: Caution Ahead: If Powell maintains a neutral stance, offering no strong indications of future policy shifts, markets could react with a flat to slightly bearish bias. This would signal a continuation of the current "wait and see" approach from the Fed.
• Dovish Hints: Bullish Momentum Expected: Conversely, any dovish remarks or subtle hints toward potential future rate cuts would likely trigger a positive surge. Such a scenario is expected to be particularly bullish for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, gold, and US stocks, as investors anticipate more accommodative monetary conditions.
The market's attention will therefore be squarely on Powell's address, as his articulation of the Fed's economic outlook and future policy intentions holds the power to sway market directions more profoundly than the rate decision itself.
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The Russian government declared a state of emergency after tsunami waves hit its coastline. Meanwhile, in Japan, evacuation orders were issued after tsunami waves struck large parts of the country's coastal regions.
Even in a force majeure situation, economic activities typically continue, albeit at a lower intensity. Therefore, payment systems must remain efficient and fast.
When China was hit by floods, for example, cellular base stations mounted on drones were deployed to maintain communication. These drones were capable of providing communication services for a full day over an area of more than 50 square kilometers.
This technology promises extensive connectivity, reducing the risk of payment system network disruptions during emergencies. So, what about Bitcoin?
Bitcoin transactions are direct and can be processed quickly. For instance, after the Myanmar earthquake in March 2025, Bitcoin donations via the Lightning Network successfully channeled funds rapidly, even with unstable internet and electricity.
"Crypto offers advantages over fiat, especially in emergencies. Transactions on blockchain networks can be completed in minutes, bypassing intermediaries, which is crucial when time is life-saving," said blockchain expert Andy Lian.
However, these assets also have weaknesses. Los Angeles residents fleeing wildfires have lost their hardware wallets and digital assets.
One unfortunate 70-year-old resident lost his life savings stored in Bitcoin when the private keys he had written on paper burned. Cash payments are also equally risky, as they can be entirely lost if there's an urgent need to abandon them.
#crypto #RusiaJapanTsunami #bitcoin #blockchain #like_comment_follow