1. Fed Holds Rates Steady, Dampening Crypto Market Hopes

The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25%-4.5% for the fifth consecutive meeting, resisting pressure from President Trump to cut rates aggressively. Powell emphasized the need for more data on inflation and tariff impacts before easing monetary policy.

2. Powell’s Mainstream Crypto Endorsement

In a surprising pivot, Powell acknowledged crypto’s growing mainstream adoption and signaled openness to bank engagement with digital assets:

"The industry is maturing... banks could increase activity if done safely."\

3. No Fed CBDC Under Powell

Powell firmly ruled out a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC) during his tenure, citing privacy concerns and legislative hurdles.

4. Trump-Powell Feud: Crypto’s Wild Card

President Trump’s repeated attacks on Powell (calling him "Too Late") and threats to replace him inject uncertainty:

  • Potential Outcomes:

    • Rate Cuts: A Trump-aligned Fed chair could slash rates, boosting crypto as a high-yield alternative

5. Tariffs & Inflation: The Crypto Wildcard

Powell warned that Trump’s tariffs are "pushing up prices" temporarily, but sustained inflation could delay rate cuts—potentially prolonging crypto’s sideways trend.

Market Outlook

  • Short-Term: Crypto volatility likely amid Fed/White House tensions.

  • Long-Term: Powell’s pro-innovation stance (minus CBDCs) and bank-friendly policies could legitimize crypto further.

▶️ Stay tuned for September’s FOMC meeting—the next crypto inflection point.