Fed's FOMC Meeting to Influence Korean Stock Market as Interest Rates Expected to Hold
Advice has been given that investment strategies should be adjusted according to the policy direction of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). Experts emphasize that it is important to read the economic projections summary (SEP) included in Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's statements and dot plot, rather than the possibility of interest rate fluctuations.
Interest rates are expected to remain frozen, but if Chair Powell indicates a more accommodative currency policy than before, it could have a positive impact on the stock market due to expectations of interest rate cuts. Conversely, if the Fed maintains a hawkish stance, focusing on stocks with clearly improving performance will be advantageous.
Fed's FOMC Meeting to Influence Korean Stock Market as Interest Rates Expected to Hold Monetary policy updates may cause fluctuations in South Korea's financial markets depending on the Federal Reserve's signals.
By Cho Eun-seo Published 2025.06.17. 08:12 Updated 2025.06.17. 08:21 Advice has been given that investment strategies should be adjusted according to the policy direction of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). Experts emphasize that it is important to read the economic projections summary (SEP) included in Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's statements and dot plot, rather than the possibility of interest rate fluctuations.
Interest rates are expected to remain frozen, but if Chair Powell indicates a more accommodative currency policy than before, it could have a positive impact on the stock market due to expectations of interest rate cuts. Conversely, if the Fed maintains a hawkish stance, focusing on stocks with clearly improving performance will be advantageous.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). Jerome Powell, Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). The Federal Reserve will hold a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on 17th and 18th (local time). The market's attention is focused on the Fed's currency policy direction. Recently, with the KOSPI index rising nearly 12% for three consecutive weeks, it is expected that the Fed's policy direction will affect the stock market.
Experts are adopting the atmosphere of accepting the interest rate freeze in June as a 'done deal.' According to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) FedWatch, the interest rate futures market sees a 99.1% chance that the Fed will keep the benchmark interest rate frozen at 4.25% to 4.5%. The forecast for a July freeze is 84.8%.
Rather, what to watch in this FOMC is the future direction of currency policy. The key will be whether the Fed hints at the possibility of interest rate cuts after freezing the rates this month.
The first scenario is if the Fed shows 'dovish' behavior by holding off on interest rate hikes. In this case, there is a high probability that the won will strengthen against the dollar, and further potential for a rise in the KOSPI could be expanded due to foreign capital inflows.
Lee Jae-man, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "If the Fed's currency policy stance becomes more dovish, one of the variables for KOSPI's rise will be corporations' shareholder-friendly policies," adding, "When selecting companies, it is essential to focus on those with a higher dividend per share (DPS) growth rate compared to the earnings per share (EPS) growth rate this year, and those with a price-to-book ratio (PBR) below 1." He suggested KB Financial, Hyundai Mobis, Mirae Asset Securities, and Korean Air.
Bitcoin (BTC) is showing signs of recovery during the European trading session on Monday, climbing above $107,000 after a slight correction last week. Despite the signs of mild recovery in price action, the market sentiment remains cautious as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fourth day after fresh strikes over the weekend. Despite the geopolitical headwinds, institutional interest in Bitcoin remains robust, as Metaplanet added 1,100 BTC to its holdings while spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) recorded a total inflow of $1.37 billion last week.
“Market believes a peace deal” – The Kobeissi Letter Bitcoin price faced a sharp correction on Thursday and marked a low at 102,664 on Friday as the Israel-Iran conflict escalated. However, BTC recovered initial losses and closed the day positively around the $106,000 level. Early on Friday morning, Israel launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program and military targets. In response to this attack, Iran launched a new barrage of missiles and drones at Israel on Sunday evening. The strikes between Israel and Iran continue into Monday, escalating the tensions.
The National Assembly of Vietnam approved the Law on Digital Technology Industry on June 14, bringing digital assets under regulatory oversight.
The legislation, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, recognizes crypto assets and lays the groundwork for broader digital innovation across the country, according to reports from local media outlets.
The law classifies digital assets into two categories: virtual assets and crypto assets. While both rely on encryption or digital technologies for validation and transfer, neither includes securities, digital fiat currencies or other financial instruments.
The government is now tasked with outlining specific business conditions, classifications, and oversight mechanisms for these asset types.
The law also mandates cybersecurity and Anti-Money Laundering safeguards aligned with international norms, an effort likely aimed at addressing the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) concerns. Vietnam has been on the FATF “gray list” since 2023.
Japanese investment firm Metaplanet’s latest 1,112 Bitcoin purchase has finally tipped its total Bitcoin holdings to 10,000 BTC, surpassing Coinbase as the seventh-largest publicly traded company with a Bitcoin treasury.
On Monday, Metaplanet announced that it had purchased the Bitcoin stack for 16.88 billion Japanese yen ($117 million). The firm now holds 10,000 Bitcoin, beating Coinbase’s 9,267 Bitcoin
The average price of Metaplanet’s 10,000 BTC now stands at 13.9 million Japanese yen, approximately $96,400 per Bitcoin.
It comes just two weeks after Metaplanet became the eighth-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.
Moscow: US President Trump had a telephone conversation with Russian President Putin, in which the situation in the Middle East was discussed.
According to officials from the Russian presidential office, the two presidents spoke for 50 minutes, and the conversation was very useful and meaningful. President Putin said that Russia condemns the Israeli military operation against Iran.
According to Kremlin officials, the two presidents did not rule out the possibility of resuming Iran nuclear talks. Trump said that US negotiators are ready to resume work with Iranian representatives. Trump said that the situation in the Middle East is very worrying.
According to Kremlin officials, the Russian president also said that negotiations with Ukraine will continue after June 22. Trump said that he is interested in an early resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Putin also wished President Trump a happy birthday
Jordan Kerridge: whale buys $435 million in Ethereum
A significant investment in Ethereum has been reported, with a single unidentified investor, often referred to as a 'whale,' acquiring $435 million worth of the cryptocurrency within the past two weeks. This substantial transaction highlights the continued interest and investment in Ethereum, despite the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market.
Crypto analyst, John Martinez, noted, ''This purchase underscores the confidence that some major investors have in Ethereum's long-term potential, especially considering its role in decentralized finance and smart contracts.'' Such large individual transactions can have a noticeable impact on the market, potentially influencing prices and overall market sentiment.
Ethereum, known for its innovative technology and applications beyond mere cryptocurrency transactions, remains a focal point for investors seeking to diversify portfolios with digital assets. As market observers watch the effects of this purchase, the broader implications for Ethereum and the crypto market continue to unfold.
Sharplink Gaming drops 73% amid looming $1B Ethereum buy
A crypto executive says if Sharplink Gaming were to announce its planned mega-Ether buy tomorrow, it could “light the match to reignite the stock.”
Shares in sports betting platform Sharplink Gaming tumbled 73% in after-hours trading on Thursday after filing to register a large volume of shares for potential resale as the firm is soon to bet big on Ether.
However, Sharplink Gaming chairman Joseph Lubin, who is also CEO of blockchain software firm Consensys, said that market watchers had misinterpreted the filing.
Bitcoin dipped below $104,000 on Wednesday, reaching an intraday low of $103,362 following reports of airstrikes in Tehran that unsettled global markets and triggered risk‑off sentiment.
The cryptocurrency slid approximately 4.1% in the latest session, mirroring investor caution amid escalating Middle East tensions. In contrast, gold surged to $3,410 an ounce, up about 0.6% over the past hour, as investors flocked to traditional safe‑haven assets. The precious metal’s advance was further supported by a weakening dollar and anxiety over geopolitical flare‑ups. Bitcoin‘s fall also contributed to the day seeing $920 million in derivatives liquidations with $875 million being long bets.
Israel strikes Iranian nuclear facilities and military commanders
Iran retaliates with more than 100 drones, Israel says
Israel declares state of emergency anticipating retaliation
The U.S. says it was not involved in the strikes
IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI
"The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands."
That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see."
According to Michaël van de Poppe , Bitcoin (BTC) failed to break through the key resistance level at $110,000 and is now expected to see a corrective move. Ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran are fueling a rally in Gold, which could influence risk sentiment across crypto markets. However, as long as Bitcoin remains above the support level at $106,000, there is no immediate technical threat to the bullish structure. Traders should monitor these levels closely for short-term trading opportunities and be mindful of potential volatility linked to global events.
Talks aimed at cooling tensions between the US and China have ended in a "deal", according to US President Donald Trump.
He said China had agreed to supply US companies with magnets and rare earth metals, while the US would walk back its threats to revoke visas of Chinese students.
"Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval from President Xi and me," Trump wrote on his media platform Truth Social.
It followed two days of intense talks in London to resolve conflicts that had emerged since the two sides agreed a truce in May, after a rapid escalation of tariffs had nearly paralysed trade between the world's two largest economies.
Ethereum strengthens against Bitcoin, signaling a shift in capital toward altcoins.
The Bitcoin Dominance chart risks a downfall with a double top and bearish RSI divergence, signaling altcoins’ chance to shine.
The Altseason Index indicates improved chances as the crypto market cap, excluding Bitcoin, surpasses $1.22 trillion.
Veteran analyst Peter Brandt sees upside in ETH and risk in BTC
Ethereum recording a near 48% rise, outpacing Bitcoin’s 31% at press time on Wednesday. Typically, Ethereum and other altcoins rally while Bitcoin remains relatively stable before or during an altcoin season.
The Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) indicator flashes a positive crossover with the signal line in the weekly chart. In addition, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 46 indicates fading bearish momentum and sufficient room to increase, which supports a bullish move ahead.
BTC Eyes Breakout Above 115K as Bullish Patterns Strengthen
Bitcoin prices exhibit strong bullish momentum near the black trendline, specifically in the 105,000 to 115,000 region. A break above 115,000 would likely trigger a strong surge toward the 140,000 region.
The orange circles along the trendline resemble the peaks seen in March and November 2021. However, this time, the formation of a cup pattern, the breakout from a descending broadening wedge, and the emergence of a bullish hammer at the 50-day SMA indicate that a breakout above 115,000 is likely.
BTC Eyes $140k after breakout
The daily chart for Bitcoin also shows that prices are trading above the red line at 105,000. However, the real breakout is expected at 115,000, as indicated in the weekly chart. A break above 115,000 would likely trigger a move toward 140,000 in the coming months. This target is based on the resistance of the descending broadening wedge pattern.
Ethereum Breaks $2,700: Will It Rally to $3,000 Next? Ethereum faces resistance at $2,700–$2,800, a breakout could spark an altcoin rally, while failure may push it back to $2,400–$2,500.
Ethereum has jumped by 8% in the last 24 hours and reached $2,700 for the first time in almost two weeks. The increase in price is supported by more people staking their coins, more institutions joining the market, and positive technical signs that may lead to a rise to $3,000.
ETH, which is about 30% of the total, is now staked on the Beacon Chain. The rise in prices here is the highest ever and is due to long-term holders becoming more confident and choosing to earn from their holdings instead of selling.
Institutional investors are also becoming more active. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has not experienced any outflows for 23 consecutive trading days.
Shiba Inu Price Ready to Bounce Back as SHIB Wallets Hit 1.5M
The Shiba Inu $SHIB price has been constantly recording a weak action over the past few days. Despite the bearish sentiment around SHIB, the optimism among the Shiba Inu’s investors is on a constant rise. This highlights increasing trust among the investors and adoption in the real-world application of its ecosystem.
Lucie, the marketing lead of Shiba Inu, with a substantial followers of 168.2k has recently expressed optimism toward SHIB memecoin with the support of statistical data. Through the post, light was shed on Shiba Inu hitting a new ATH in terms of wallets holding SHIB tokens.
As per reports, 1,511,101 wallets now hold SHIB meme coins which sums up to a total of 0.011% of the world population. Following this, optimism was expressed as the post concluded with a quote that “the army is growing, the mission is alive.” Notably, at the time of writing the value of one Shiba Inu token was $0.00001268.
Canary Marinade Files 1st Solana Staking ETF in Delaware
In a major win for crypto investors, Canary Capital has registered the Canary Marinade Solana ETF in Delaware, becoming the first U.S. exchange-traded fund to offer staking rewards for Solana.
This exciting move, announced on June 10, 2025, brings a fresh way for people to invest in Solana, a fast-growing blockchain worth $90 billion, while earning extra income through staking.
The ETF, outlined in a new SEC filing, teams up with Marinade Finance to manage staking. Solana’s system lets people “lock” their $SOL tokens to help run the blockchain and get paid for it.
Paraguay Declares Bitcoin Legal Tender, BTC to $125K?
President Peña revealed that the government has already secured $5 million worth of Bitcoin as part of its national reserves.
In a major announcement, Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay Economist, shared on Twitter that Bitcoin is now officially legal tender in Paraguay.
In his presidential speech, Peña called it a “historic achievement in the economic transformation of our nation.” He explained that after thorough reviews and expert consultations, he added, “I enacted legislation that formally recognizes Bitcoin as a legal tender currency in our large country.”
“This bold decision has its roots in our unbreakable commitment to financial innovation, economic sovereignty and inclusive growth,” Peña said. Along with this news, President Peña revealed that the government has already secured $5 million worth of Bitcoin as part of its national reserves.
According to Santiment and ThinkingCrypto1, current on-chain data indicates that retail investors have significantly reduced their Bitcoin holdings, potentially setting the stage for large holders or 'whales' to drive a new price surge. The discussion highlights that if Bitcoin approaches its $112K all-time high, it could trigger increased volatility and trading volume across related altcoins like Ethereum, XRP, and Solana (Source: Santiment, June 9, 2025). This environment provides active traders with key opportunities as whale accumulation typically precedes major price movements. Monitoring whale activity and retail sell-off metrics is critical for anticipating short-term crypto market direction.