Altcoins showed mixed action as traders wait for stronger macro or inflation signals.
Crypto prices held steady in a quiet session following the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates. The Fed left its benchmark rate unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%, citing ongoing uncertainty.
Investors responded with caution, leading to sluggish price action across the market. Bitcoin and Ethereum registered slight dips, while altcoins showed mixed momentum. Market participants now wait for clearer economic cues before committing to new positions.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed no changes to interest rates, noting the U.S. economy is still absorbing inflation pressure. He explained that rising tariffs are contributing to price increases, especially in consumer tech and imported goods.
Powell emphasized that while growth remains slow but steady, the Fed remains data-dependent. He acknowledged division within the Fed regarding potential rate cuts this year. This uncertainty has placed investors in a holding pattern.
CryptoBusy highlighted Powell’s concerns about inflation persistence and global risks. According to the post, Powell mentioned that geopolitical tensions and oil prices are making forecasting difficult.
He also admitted that reduced funding to agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics could hinder data accuracy. Traders interpreted this as a sign the Fed might be proceeding without full visibility.
According to CryptoRank.io, the total crypto market cap stands at $3.41 trillion, with $214 million in 24-hour liquidations.
Bitcoin trades around $104,900, down 0.32%, while Ethereum fell 0.58% to $2,526. Altcoins saw varied action, with Raydium, Aerodrome, and Jito showing slight gains. On the downside, HYPE, DOT, and IP continued to lose ground.
The Fear & Greed Index sits at 57, reflecting moderate optimism. However, analysts say a stronger move may not arrive until macro data shows clearer signs of easing inflation or a policy shift.
Coinbase rolled out a stablecoin payment feature for ecommerce platforms, aiming to simplify crypto-based transactions for merchants. This move supports wider adoption of digital assets in online commerce. Meanwhile, Lion Group announced a $600 million facility to boost its HYPE token treasury strategy.
Despite these developments, the market remains cautious, awaiting a catalyst. As Powell stated, the Fed is still watching the data closely before deciding its next step.
Small-cap gainers such as GOUT, FORT, and BID led today’s charge, posting double-digit growth. Forta Network and Ratio1AI also saw strong upticks. However, analysts caution that broader trends remain subdued, and most altcoins remain range-bound.
