When Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took the stage at Jackson Hole on August 22, markets were looking for clarity on where monetary policy is heading. What they got was a clear dovish tilt. Powell signaled that rate cuts are on the table as early as September, citing a softer labor market and reduced inflation pressures. That single shift in tone sent equities higher, weakened the U.S. dollar, and reignited momentum across crypto. For Cardano (ADA) , which had been consolidating after a strong July rally, Powell’s remarks may have just provided the spark for its next move.
Powell’s speech was not just about interest rates. It marked a shift in the Fed’s stance after years of battling post-pandemic inflation. By acknowledging downside risks to jobs and signaling rate cuts, Powell effectively loosened financial conditions in advance. For crypto, this matters because:
The context was also political. Trump’s tariffs and immigration policies are feeding economic uncertainty, but Powell stuck to data rather than politics. That gave investors confidence the Fed is still in control. ADA price, like other altcoins, thrives when investors are comfortable taking risk, and Powell’s speech reinforced that environment.
Markets moved immediately. The dollar dropped, U.S. stocks climbed, and crypto followed . Probability of a September rate cut jumped to 89%, up from 75% before Powell spoke. For ADA specifically, th e timing aligned with a 3.5% daily gain, lifting it to 0.92. This shows that ADA is directly tied to macro cues and not moving in isolation. Powell’s dovish stance turned into instant support for ADA bulls.
The daily ADA price chart shows price holding above 0.85 support and testing the 1.00 resistance zone. Heikin Ashi candles have turned green, signaling a shift in momentum.
The Bollinger Bands are tightening, often a precursor to a strong directional move. Powell’s speech may have been the catalyst to set that move in motion.
Powell’s Jackson Hole speech may prove to be the turning point for ADA in August. By signaling a readiness to cut rates, Powell opened the door for renewed liquidity flows into risk assets. $ADA now sits right below 1.00, a level that could unlock a fresh rally if broken. Until the September Fed meeting, ADA traders will be hanging on every macro headline, but the bias has clearly shifted in ADA’s favor.