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The global financial markets are in meltdown, with major US stock indices already in the bear market territory.
Major Asian stock markets, including Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, saw double-digit declines — their worst single-day performance in several years. Even China’s stock market saw the worst single-day drop since the 2008 financial crisis.
After temporary resilience, the crypto market fell prey to the broader market uncertainty as well. The Bitcoin price fell below $75,000, while altcoins like Ethereum, Solana and XRP are down nearly 20%.
As even his supporters turn critical of his steep tariffs, Donald Trump continues to pass the buck to the Federal Reserve. Taking to Truth Social, he cited the falling oil and food prices as evidence of the dwindling inflation and asked the Fed to cut rates.
While Fed Chair Jerome Powell didn’t appear to be in any rush to change the central bank’s monetary policy last week, the Black Monday sell-off could force his hands.
Data from the CME FedWatch Tool shows that interest rate traders are now pricing in four rate cuts in 2025—significantly higher than the earlier consensus, which anticipated just one.
Earlier today, the odds of a rate cut at the May FOMC meeting surged past 50%. However, with that meeting still a month away, U.S. equities may require more immediate support from the Fed to avoid slipping into a recession.
Toda’s board meeting could allow the central bank that opportunity. An adjustment to the discount rate, while keeping the Federal Funds Rate steady until the May FOMC, could offer just enough support to the financial markets.