The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is one of the most anticipated financial events globally, shaping investor sentiment across traditional markets and cryptocurrencies. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will deliver his post-meeting speech today, March 19, 2025, 9:30 P.M. EAT), discussing the Fed’s economic outlook and the much-anticipated interest rate decision.

For crypto investors, Powell’s speech is critical, as monetary policy decisions often influence market volatility. Here’s everything you need to know about the speech, including where to watch it live, what to expect, and its potential impact on Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.

Why This Fed Meeting Matters for Crypto

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy significantly affects liquidity in financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. The Fed’s decisions on interest rates influence investor sentiment, risk appetite, and the availability of capital for speculative assets like Bitcoin and altcoins.

This particular FOMC meeting (March 18-19, 2025) is happening amid market uncertainty, following increased trade tensions, inflation concerns, and a recent crypto market sell-off that erased nearly $1 trillion in value. Investors are keenly watching Powell’s speech for any indications of future rate cuts or economic policy shifts.

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What Analysts Expect

• The Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50%, a level maintained since December 2024.
• Previous forecasts suggested the Fed could cut rates twice in 2025, but analysts now believe the Fed may wait until late Q2 or early Q3 before making any moves.
• Key concerns include inflation stability, economic growth, and potential policy shifts based on trade disruptions and recession risks.

Seema Shah, Chief Global Strategist at Principal Asset Management, noted, “The Fed would likely prefer to wait until they have policy clarity and a clear line of vision into the economic outlook, suggesting that policy easing will be delayed.”

Jerome Powell Speech: Time & Schedule

🔹 Date: March 19, 2025
🔹 Policy Decision Time: 2:00 P.M. ET (6:00 P.M. UTC | 9:00 P.M. EAT)
🔹 Jerome Powell Speech: 2:30 P.M. ET (6:30 P.M. UTC | 9:30 P.M. EAT)
🔹 Key Topics: Interest rate decision, economic projections, inflation trends, and policy outlook

Where to Watch Jerome Powell’s Speech Live

You can watch the Fed Chair’s speech live on multiple platforms, including:

✅ Federal Reserve’s Website – www.federalreserve.gov
✅ Federal Reserve’s Official YouTube Channel
✅ Financial News Networks:

• CNBC
• Bloomberg TV
• Fox Business
• CNN Business
  

What to Expect from Powell’s Speech

Powell’s speech will cover several critical topics that could influence financial markets, including:

🔹 Interest Rate Policy – Confirmation on whether rates remain unchanged or hints about future cuts.
🔹 Inflation Outlook – Powell’s assessment of inflation trends and how the Fed plans to maintain price stability.
🔹 Recession Risks – Economic concerns, trade policies, and their impact on growth.
🔹 Stock & Crypto Market Reaction – How Fed policies might influence risk-on assets like Bitcoin.
🔹 Quantitative Tightening (QT) Pause? – Some analysts speculate that the Fed may consider pausing its balance sheet reduction policy.

If the Fed signals potential rate cuts later in 2025, it could lead to a bullish reaction in both crypto and stock markets. However, if Powell maintains a hawkish stance, markets could experience short-term volatility.

How This Affects Crypto Markets

The crypto market has closely tracked macroeconomic events, with Bitcoin and Ethereum reacting sharply to inflation reports, Fed meetings, and interest rate decisions. Here’s how today’s speech could impact the market:

📉 No Rate Cuts: If Powell signals no immediate rate cuts, risk assets like Bitcoin could experience a pullback due to tighter liquidity.
📈 Rate Cut Hints: If Powell hints at potential rate cuts in the coming months, we may see a relief rally in Bitcoin and altcoins.
🔄 Stable Policy: If the Fed maintains its current stance, crypto markets may consolidate, waiting for clearer policy signals.

Many investors are closely monitoring the $60K Bitcoin price level, as the Fed’s stance could determine whether BTC continues its bullish trajectory or faces a correction.

Bottom Line

Jerome Powell’s speech today is a must-watch for crypto investors, as it will provide insights into the Fed’s economic policy and interest rate outlook. The Fed’s decision could either fuel a market rally or increase uncertainty, impacting Bitcoin, altcoins, and global financial markets.

📌 Don’t miss out! Watch Powell’s speech live at 2:30 P.M. ET (6:30 P.M. UTC | 9:30 P.M. EAT) and stay updated on the latest market trends.

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