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- US Federal Reserve officials, including the Presidents of the Minneapolis and St. Louis branches, favor raising interest rates beyond 6% to control inflation amidst the looming US debt ceiling crisis.
- The Bitcoin price is threatened by these potential interest hikes and the ongoing debt talks, with some predicting a drop below $25,000.
Proposed Surge in US Interest Rates
In an unexpected twist of events, the US Federal Reserve’s top officials have shown support for the elevation of interest rates to over 6%. This move is an attempt to contain inflation, even as the nation grapples with an impending debt ceiling crisis. High-ranking officials such as Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, among others, are pushing for these increases despite the potential economic repercussions.
The debt ceiling negotiations could also bear heavily on Bitcoin’s price as the US Treasury plans to issue government bonds to recover from the banking crisis. A persistently high inflation rate and a strained labor market are additional factors nudging the Federal Reserve towards continued rate hikes. There appears to be no consensus yet, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech last week failed to provide clear guidance.
Implications for Bitcoin and Financial Markets
Bitcoin’s value could be at risk, with predictions indicating a possible dip below $25,000. The BTC price has been fluctuating for a week, currently hovering around $26,800. With anticipated rate hikes and the macroeconomic instability, many are selling off their BTC holdings.
Veteran trader Peter Brandt forecasts a fall in Bitcoin price to $24,800, followed by a potential recovery.
Simultaneously, the ongoing debt ceiling talks led by President Joe Biden raise serious concerns about default risks. While so far the broader financial markets, including cryptocurrencies, have not seen significant turbulence, JP Morgan cautions of potential volatility as the default deadline approaches. A note by JP Morgan’s equity macro strategy team suggests that equities may be slow to incorporate the potential hazards of a contested debt ceiling increase and the growing chances of a technical default.
As the deadline draws closer, these risks could lead to a market shock.
The US stock market did register a slight dip when initial discussions between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy were discontinued. However, the crypto market has remained stable despite the volatility of the stock market. The fate of these markets depends largely on the outcome of the renewed debt ceiling negotiations between President Biden and McCarthy, which could decide the potential default’s global financial impact.