In their latest statements, FED officials expressed their views on the US economy, monetary policy, and the cryptocurrency sector.
Important statements were made by FED members Hammack and Goolsbee, touching on interest rates, economic growth, and Bitcoin's role in the financial ecosystem.
Hammack emphasized a data-driven approach to monetary policy, noting that the U.S. economy remains strong with solid growth, low unemployment and gradually decreasing inflation, adding that “the economic situation requires moderately restrictive monetary policy.”
Hammack hinted that the Fed may slow the pace of rate cuts, in line with market expectations that there will be a single rate cut at the next two Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings.
“The time has come, or will soon come, for the Fed to slow the pace of rate cuts,” Hammack said. The member added that the outlook for financial markets was consistent with his view, suggesting a less aggressive stance as inflationary pressures ease and the labor market stabilizes.
Meanwhile, Fed member Goolsbee addressed cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, arguing that its high volatility prevents it from functioning effectively as a currency.
“Bitcoin’s attractive volatility prevents it from being a currency because it is not a stable store of value,” Goolsbee said. Goolsbee also expressed skepticism about the broader economic impact of cryptocurrencies, describing them as speculative assets with limited real-world applications:
“So far, the rise of crypto assets hasn’t had much of a macro impact, but there could be a wealth impact.”
Regarding the FED's intervention in Bitcoin, Hammack explained that the FED follows developments regarding cryptocurrencies but does not have a direct relationship with Bitcoin.
Both officials said that incoming data is important in shaping the Fed's decisions. Hammack took a clear stance on the December FOMC meeting, saying additional data on inflation and consumer spending would influence the final decision.
*This is not investment advice.
