After the Fed Hits the Brakes, the Market Experiences 'Icy and Fiery Extremes'!
The Federal Reserve paused its rate-cutting cycle in its first 2026 meeting, keeping the benchmark rate unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%, a move widely anticipated by the market. However, two dissenting votes highlighted internal divisions. The central bank signaled a shift from active policy adjustment to a more cautious, data-dependent stance.
Gold emerged as the standout performer, surging past $5,500/oz with a 10% weekly gain, driven by persistent inflation, geopolitical risks, and easing real-rate pressures. In contrast, other major assets—including U.S. stocks, the dollar, Treasuries, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin—showed limited movement, reflecting market uncertainty.
Attention is now turning to potential leadership changes at the Fed, with market-based predictions favoring Rick Rieder (34%), Kevin Warsh (28%), and Christopher Waller (20%) as top contenders to shape future policy.
Bitcoin faces caution as on-chain data indicates a rising share of supply in loss, suggesting structural softening though not yet full bearish momentum. The market remains in a wait-and-see mode, balancing macro uncertainty against evolving cycle signals.
比推01/29 00:30
