Tag: FOMC

  • SEC Chairman Backs CLARITY Act as Fed Decision Caps Crypto Recovery

    SEC Chairman Backs CLARITY Act as Fed Decision Caps Crypto Recovery

    The cryptocurrency market edged higher on July 29 after SEC Chairman Paul Atkins voiced support for the CLARITY Act, but the rebound remained limited as traders awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Bitcoin rose 0.62% to $63,895.34, while Ethereum added 1.12% and traded at $1,906.56. The overall market gained 0.57% over 24 hours.

    SEC Support Halts the Immediate Crypto Sell-Off

    Atkins stated on X that he remains committed to helping Congress advance the CLARITY Act and offered technical assistance during the legislative process. He emphasized that U.S. leadership in digital finance requires a regulatory framework that supports domestic innovators. His comments helped Bitcoin recover the $63,000 level after a broad market decline on July 28, when reports that the Senate had suspended its review pushed Bitcoin down about $3,000. Ethereum also lost about $100 and fell below $1,900 before Atkins’ statement halted the immediate sell-off.

    Senate Delay and FOMC Decision Restrict Demand

    The Senate Majority Leader placed a Russia sanctions bill ahead of the CLARITY Act, leaving little time for a vote before Congress began its August recess. Attention also shifted to the Federal Reserve’s rate decision at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on July 29. High borrowing costs can support demand for Treasuries and dollar assets. CME data showed a 70.6% probability that the Fed would keep interest rates unchanged and a 29.4% probability of a 25-basis-point increase. The modest rebound demonstrated that the market still faced competing policy signals.

    Bitcoin ETF Outflows Meet New ETH and SOL Funds

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a fourth consecutive day of net outflows, with the latest session producing $49.75 million in withdrawals. Institutional observers viewed the four-day pattern as a possible sign of portfolio repositioning rather than simple profit-taking. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley launched the Morgan Stanley Ethereum Trust and Morgan Stanley Solana Trust on NYSE Arca, using the tickers MSSE and MSOL. Both funds charge a 0.14% expense ratio, described as the market’s lowest. Morgan Stanley also plans to stake part of each trust’s ETH and SOL holdings, passing staking rewards directly to investors. Amy Oldenburg, head of digital asset strategy at Morgan Stanley, said digital assets were becoming more important within diversified portfolios.

    Conclusion

    Atkins’ support helped Bitcoin and Ethereum recover, but Senate delays, the FOMC decision, and four straight Bitcoin ETF outflow days limited momentum. Morgan Stanley’s low-cost Ethereum and Solana trusts added another institutional route into digital assets. Attention now turns to the Fed announcement and Congress’s next steps.

  • Kevin Warsh Labels Fed’s 2020 Inflation Strategy a Costly Error, Launches Policy Review

    Kevin Warsh Labels Fed’s 2020 Inflation Strategy a Costly Error, Launches Policy Review

    Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has publicly criticized the central bank’s 2020 inflation framework, calling it a costly policy mistake. During testimony before the House on July 14, Warsh announced the creation of five task forces to reassess how the Fed sets monetary policy. He emphasized a firm commitment to returning inflation to the 2% target, though he offered no clear signals on the timing of future interest-rate changes.

    Rejection of the 2020 Inflation Framework

    The Fed adopted flexible average inflation targeting in 2020, which allowed policymakers to aim for inflation moderately above 2% after periods of below-target price growth. The framework also prioritized employment shortfalls before withdrawing policy support. Warsh told lawmakers this approach was a mistake, stating that the Fed asked for a little more inflation and received much more. Inflation has remained above the 2% goal since 2021, and Warsh stressed that policymakers have no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation.

    The framework was revised in August 2025, before Warsh became chair, replacing the average-inflation makeup strategy with flexible inflation targeting. The update also shifted from a focus on employment shortfalls to a balanced approach considering both inflation and employment gaps.

    Five Task Forces to Review Fed Policy

    Warsh has established five task forces to examine monetary policy operations. These groups cover Fed communications, balance-sheet policy, economic data, productivity and jobs, and inflation frameworks. External advisers will collaborate with Fed staff and present findings to the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The inflation group will study how the Fed identifies and responds to price growth, while the communications group will review how officials explain decisions during uncertain periods. Another panel will assess the timeliness of economic data, and the balance-sheet group will evaluate the Fed’s asset holdings and operating system.

    Warsh has not specified when the reviews will produce proposals. Any new framework would require support from other Fed policymakers. The FOMC makes rate decisions through votes, and members remain divided on whether rates should rise, stay unchanged, or fall later in 2026.

    Uncertain Interest-Rate Path

    June inflation data provides the Fed more time to assess its next move. The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4% for the month, and annual inflation slowed to 3.5% from 4.2%. Core inflation held flat monthly and eased to 2.6% year-over-year. Warsh warned lawmakers against treating one report as proof that inflation is defeated, saying, “There might be some that look at this morning’s data and say, ‘mission accomplished.’ That is not my view.” He offered no clear guidance on whether the Fed will raise rates at its July 28-29 meeting.

    The federal funds rate remains in a 3.5% to 3.75% range after the Fed held it steady in June. Warsh’s second congressional appearance is scheduled for July 15 before the Senate Banking Committee, where lawmakers may seek details on the task forces, the 2% target, Fed independence, and how future policy changes will balance inflation control with maximum employment.