BOJ to Raise Rates, US Fed Uncertain; What’s for Crypto Prices?

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to raise rates in the next quarter. While this is attributed to the ongoing Middle East conflict, reports underline that a hike was expected anyway. The US Fed may show a similar reaction, a speculation that will only be confirmed by officials over time.

The crypto prices have been moving in a consolidated manner. Such developments could choke the segment for liquidity.

BOJ and Rate Revision

Japan’s current interest rate of 0.75% is expected to be kept unchanged in the next immediate meeting. But, it could be hiked to 1% by the end of June 2026. Reports clarify that the decision was unchanged before the Iran conflict began.

Logistics disruption has triggered a concern about global inflation and damage to economic growth. The component may only be an additional factor for consideration. Earlier, the Bank of Japan was expected to take the rate to 1.25% by the end of 2027 Q1 – eventually raising it to 1.50% in 2028.

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda interacted with lawmakers last week. Ueda confirmed that the bank would raise rates if the economic forecasts materialize. The Governor also warned about the possible impact on global growth due to the Middle East war.

Uncertainty over the US Fed

US President Donald Trump has been vocal about lowering interest rates. Investors, however, have started shortening their expectations. They now estimate a relief of one or two quarters in the futures markets. This is down from two or three quarters before the Middle East tensions erupted, according to a report.

Worldwide, it is anticipated that central bankers could be urged to raise interest rates, given that the energy crisis might trigger a price shock. Central bankers were previously expected to follow up on the sit-and-wait approach. That seems to have changed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Volatility for Crypto Prices?

There is no certainty in the market, and crypto prices always remain subject to volatility. Raising interest rates does divert a portion of allocation to safer alternatives, though. Investors experience difficulty in injecting liquidity to risky ventures, the crypto market in this case, and the heat shows up at one point.

For now, crypto prices seem to be consolidating since the last couple of days. In the last 24 hours alone, the likes of BTC and ETH have made little movements between their respective levels due to micro and macro scenarios.

BTC and ETH are currently trading at $69,548.19 and $2,009.91, respectively.

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