Minutes from the January assembly present fee hikes aren’t off the desk. If inflation stalls, policymakers are able to tighten once more. That could be a direct warning to danger markets.
For Bitcoin worth, this flips the script. The market was leaning towards cuts. Extra liquidity. Simpler situations. Now the Fed is signaling the alternative.
Larger charges. Tighter liquidity. And that modifications all the pieces for crypto.
Key Takeaways
- The Sign: Fed officers mentioned “upward changes” to charges if inflation stays above goal ranges.
- The Cut up: The vote was 10-2 to carry charges, however a big “hawkish” contingent is pushing again in opposition to cuts.
- The Threat: Larger-for-longer charges usually drain liquidity, creating headwinds for Bitcoin and ETF inflows.
Why Does This Matter for Crypto and Bitcoin Value?
Markets had been relaxed. Cuts in 2026 felt virtually assured. Now that confidence obtained shaken once more.
The Fed held charges at 3.5% to three.75%, hitting pause after three straight cuts in late 2025. However the tone was not delicate. Contained in the dialogue, a hawkish group made it clear they aren’t prepared to vow extra easing.
hawkish fed stance dampening macro sentiment
— Binan Good Child
(@Binansmartkid) February 18, 2026
Some officers even floated “upward changes” if inflation sticks round. That could be a huge shift. The market had assumed a easy path decrease. The minutes evaluation say in any other case.
The Fed needs clear proof that disinflation is actual earlier than slicing once more. That places severe weight on the February CPI print. If inflation runs sizzling, fee hikes transfer from concept again to actuality.
What Occurs Subsequent?
Pricing is getting messy. CME futures nonetheless present a 94% probability of a pause in March. However the hike danger is not zero.

Now all of it comes right down to inflation knowledge. If the following print runs sizzling, the Fed fears get validated. If not, this scare may fade simply as quick because it appeared.
Uncover: Listed here are the crypto prone to explode!
The put up The Market Priced in Cuts, the Fed Talked about Hikes. What It Means For Bitcoin Value? appeared first on Cryptonews.


(@Binansmartkid) February 18, 2026
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