Fed’s Powell: December Rate Cut Faces Challenges

Key Points:
  • Fed Chair Powell signals rate cuts are “challenging.”
  • Inflation remains a hurdle for future cuts.
  • No immediate market reactions noted.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that further rate cuts, particularly in December, would be challenging unless inflation significantly declines, following the October 2025 rate cut of 25 basis points.

Powell’s statement highlights ongoing economic constraints, impacting market expectations and potentially influencing cryptocurrency valuations as risk assets may react to the Fed’s monetary policy adjustments.

Monetary Policy and Inflation

The Federal Reserve, led by Chair Jerome Powell, cut rates by 25 basis points at the October FOMC meeting. Powell reiterated that further cuts, such as in December, would be challenging without a decrease in inflation.

Jerome Powell emphasized the limitations on monetary policy due to persistent inflation. No direct quotes confirmed his statement about December’s difficulties, highlighting his caution in signaling future actions.

Impact on Financial Industries

The decision impacts financial industries, with no large liquidity programs linked to this specific rate cut. The Fed ceased “quantitative tightening” to stabilize the Treasury and MBS markets beginning December 1.

Affected assets such as BTC and ETH often see increased bids following US rate cuts. Although no immediate exchange data shows extraordinary TVL changes, historical trends suggest potential for a future rally.

Unexpected Market Movements

Historically, rate cuts have led to rallies in BTC and ETH. The exact impact of Powell’s remarks remains to be seen, with no immediate changes in TVL or crypto market responses recorded.

Market observers expect possible financial shifts if inflation eases, allowing the Fed more flexibility. Past events suggest crypto rises after dovish Fed moves; however, data availability is limited for current impact analysis.

Jerome Powell’s Caution

Jerome Powell, Chair, Federal Reserve, – “future rate cuts are difficult without a drop in the inflation rate” [1].

Otto Bergmanr

Otte Bergmar is a crypto journalist covering Scandinavian and European blockchain markets, with a focus on decentralisation, privacy, and the AI–crypto interface. He reports on Web3 startups, market structure, and EU policy; from licensing regimes to consumer protection and cross-border compliance. At TokenTopNews, Otte transforms policy drafts, regulatory disclosures, and on-chain data into actionable, decision-ready insights, helping readers understand how regulation influences blockchain adoption across Europe.