empty
29.01.2025 10:53 AM
Markets expect no surprises at FOMC meeting. NASDAQ CFDs and Bitcoin poised to grow

Indeed, the DeepSeek case in China caught the West off guard and served as a striking example of a "cold shower" reaction in an environment where Western economies have been basking in their own achievements in artificial intelligence. However, in my view, it's too early to talk about Western AI companies losing their leadership—this sector simply won't be a monopoly anymore, which is ultimately beneficial for consumers of these technological solutions.

On Tuesday, after digesting the news from China, the stock market began an active recovery. The three benchmark US stock indices recouped most of their losses, and investors are now fully focused on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision. The two-day FOMC meeting concludes today, and it's worth taking a closer look at this issue.

Market expectations and the Fed's interest rate decision

Let's start with market expectations—do investors foresee any changes in monetary policy following this meeting? According to futures on federal funds rates, the market assigns a 99.5% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged within the 4.25%–4.50% range. As I mentioned earlier, the key factor won't be the decision itself but Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference, where markets will be looking for his outlook on further rate cuts this year.

What to expect from Powell?

I don't believe Powell will deliver any new insights to the markets. He will likely highlight the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's economic policies, which are already causing market fluctuations. One day, Trump threatens to impose higher import tariffs on Colombia over migration issues. The next, he backtracks after getting his way. And so the cycle continues.

Powell is also expected to reference inflation trends amid a strong labor market, where employment growth and still-high wages continue to drive consumer demand for goods and services. Additionally, he may touch on tariff policies, which, if implemented rather than merely threatened, could further drive up prices and inflation. Given these factors, Powell will likely emphasize the need to maintain a wait-and-see approach, closely monitoring economic developments before making any moves.

If the FOMC and Jerome Powell deliver no surprises regarding interest rates, market reaction to the decision is likely to be muted. This, in turn, would create favorable conditions for US stock indices to continue their recovery, while demand for cryptocurrencies could also rise. The US dollar, however, could come under pressure in such a scenario.

Daily forecast

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

#NDX The NASDAQ 100 CFD is recovering. A breakthrough above the 21,536.20 resistance level could push the index further toward 21,859.40.

Bitcoin Bitcoin is trading below 102,805.00. Easing market tensions could drive crypto prices higher. A break above this level may serve as a catalyst for growth toward 106,660.00.

Pati Gani,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

US Dollar: Weekly Preview

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? The US dollar will again try to answer that question in the new week. To briefly recap: over the past

Chin Zhao 01:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Trump targets Powell

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump stated that he could dismiss Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, casting doubt on the idea of central bank independence. He also expressed frustration that policymakers

Jakub Novak 14:42 2025-04-18 UTC+2

EU increases pressure on US

The entire world is now watching the ongoing negotiations between the US and its key trading partners. Despite President Trump's loud claims that the talks are going well, there

Jakub Novak 14:04 2025-04-18 UTC+2

The Market Taken Hostage

Will the White House cross the Rubicon by initiating the dismissal of Jerome Powell from his position as Chair of the Federal Reserve? That would deal another blow to financial

Marek Petkovich 09:16 2025-04-18 UTC+2

Why Are Markets Frozen and What Are They Waiting For? (There is a possibility of continued Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidation in sideways ranges)

Today is Good Friday, a day Christians observe worldwide across all denominations. Market activity has noticeably decreased ahead of the Easter holiday, but this isn't the main reason for market

Pati Gani 09:00 2025-04-18 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 18? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are no macroeconomic events scheduled for Friday—not in the US, the Eurozone, Germany, or the UK. Therefore, even if the market were paying any attention to the macroeconomic backdrop

Paolo Greco 06:51 2025-04-18 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 18. Powell's Speech: Nothing Positive for the Dollar

The GBP/USD currency pair continued to trade relatively calmly on Thursday, showing only a minimal downward bias. We still can't classify the current movement as a "pullback" or "correction."

Paolo Greco 03:48 2025-04-18 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 18: The ECB Predictably Cut Rates, and the Market Predictably Ignored It

The EUR/USD currency pair spent most of the day moving sideways. When the European Central Bank meeting results were released, the market saw a small emotional reaction, but nothing fundamentally

Paolo Greco 03:48 2025-04-18 UTC+2

The Dollar Undid Everything Itself

He meant well, but it turned out the usual way. Donald Trump firmly believes that tariffs can replace income tax, generate massive revenue for the budget, and bring about

Marek Petkovich 03:39 2025-04-18 UTC+2

XAU/USD: Analysis and Forecast

Gold is undergoing a corrective pullback today as traders take profits following its recent surge to a new all-time high. This decline, although moderate, is driven by several factors, including

Irina Yanina 12:00 2025-04-17 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.