$XRP Crypto commentator Austin Hilton has sounded an urgent note for XRP holders: a pivotal U.S. Federal Reserve decision will arrive within 48 hours, and it could ripple through the entire digital-asset market.

In a video shared on X, Hilton explained that while XRP is currently down about 1.6% alongside a broader 1.4% dip in global crypto capitalization, the real catalyst lies ahead.

“About one-ish in the afternoon … we’re gonna find out what the Federal Reserve is going to do about cutting that base interest rate,” he said, pointing directly to the Fed’s next policy announcement as the moment to watch.

✨Exact Timing of the Fed Statement

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concludes its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. At 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fed will release its official statement and updated economic projections, followed by a press conference with Chair Jerome Powell.

Hilton’s reference to “about 1:30 in the afternoon” matches the typical window when traders brace for headlines. This mid-September meeting is one of the Fed’s quarterly gatherings that also includes the highly scrutinized Summary of Economic Projections—the “dot plot” revealing members’ forecasts for inflation, growth, employment, and the path of interest rates.

✨What the Market Expects

Current futures pricing assigns a 95–97% probability that the Fed will trim its benchmark rate by 25 basis points (0.25%), marking the central bank’s first cut of 2025. Analysts are debating whether policymakers might surprise with a more aggressive 50-basis-point cut, but consensus leans toward the smaller move.

Beyond the headline number, traders will parse the statement and Powell’s comments for signals on how many additional cuts may follow this year.

✨Why It Matters for XRP and Crypto

Interest-rate policy is a powerful driver of risk appetite. Lower rates generally weaken the dollar and increase liquidity, conditions that can channel capital into speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies.

A Federal Reserve leaning dovish, whether through a significant rate cut or hints at forthcoming easing, might amplify the crypto market’s recent rally, which propelled global valuations beyond $4 trillion and enabled XRP to reclaim the $3.00 threshold.

Conversely, if the Fed delivers only the expected 25-point cut and tempers expectations for future easing, markets may react with profit-taking and short-term volatility.

✨XRP’s Position Ahead of the Decision

As of report time, XRP trades at $3.00, consolidating after a strong summer rally. The token’s price has mirrored the wider market’s seven-day advance of roughly 4%, aided by speculative flows anticipating looser monetary policy.

Hilton highlighted that many investors are “sitting on the sidelines” waiting for clarity, a stance that could set the stage for swift moves once the Fed speaks.

✨The 48-Hour Countdown

With less than two days until the Fed’s 2:00 p.m. ET statement on September 17, XRP traders are watching both traditional and crypto markets for early signals. Whether the central bank delivers the widely expected quarter-point cut or surprises with a bigger move, the decision will likely set the tone for digital assets into the final quarter of 2025.

Hilton’s message is clear: stay alert, because the Fed’s words on Wednesday could be the spark—or the brake—for XRP’s next major swing.

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