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

EUR/USD: Analysis and Forecast

The EUR/USD pair is attracting buyers today, breaking a three-day losing streak and attempting to build intraday momentum above the psychological 1.1300 level. This indicates a renewed interest from buyers

Irina Yanina 11:59 2025-05-02 UTC+2

U.S. Labor Market Data Could Be a Major Disappointment

Employment growth in the U.S. likely slowed in April, although the unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged, pointing to healthy but moderate demand for labor. However, the Trump administration's

Jakub Novak 10:08 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The ECB Has No Other Choice

The European currency continues to lose ground against the U.S. dollar as traders increasingly place bets on the European Central Bank's upcoming monetary policy decisions. According to data, the chances

Jakub Novak 10:03 2025-05-02 UTC+2

China Has Finally Responded

The euro, the pound, and other risk assets reacted with gains following statements from Chinese authorities that they are assessing the possibility of trade negotiations with the United States—marking

Jakub Novak 09:57 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The Process Has Begun. China Is Ready for Trade Talks (There's a Chance of Renewed Decline in Gold and EUR/USD Prices)

Trading on the last day of the week is unfolding positively. News that China is ready to begin negotiations has inspired investors to buy risk assets and weakened the U.S

Pati Gani 09:43 2025-05-02 UTC+2

The Market Enters Turbulent Waters

The market is confident that tariffs won't materialize or that companies can pass them on to customers. The S&P 500's eight-day rally—its longest since August—strongly hints at this. So does

Marek Petkovich 09:24 2025-05-02 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 2? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Only a few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but some are quite significant. Naturally, the focus is on the U.S. NonFarm Payrolls and unemployment rate, yet it's also important

Paolo Greco 09:14 2025-05-02 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 2: The U.S. Dollar Didn't Rise for Long

On Thursday, the GBP/USD currency pair continued to decline. The dollar had strengthened for three consecutive days—despite having no objective reason. U.S. macroeconomic data has been consistently weak; there were

Paolo Greco 03:50 2025-05-02 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 2: The Dollar Faces a New Collapse – And It's Far from the Last

On Thursday, the EUR/USD currency pair once again traded relatively calmly, but the U.S. dollar failed to show any meaningful growth this time. A little bit of good news goes

Paolo Greco 03:47 2025-05-02 UTC+2

USD/JPY: A Rough Patch for the Yen

At its latest meeting, the Bank of Japan kept all key policy settings unchanged, effectively implementing the most expected baseline scenario—despite earlier conflicting statements from central bank officials

Irina Manzenko 01:19 2025-05-02 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.