News
  • Zafar Naik
    author-profile
    Zafar Naik right arrow
    Author

    Zafar is a seasoned crypto and blockchain news writer with four years of experience. Known for accuracy, in-depth analysis, and a clear, engaging style, Zafar actively participates in blockchain communities. Beyond writing, Zafar enjoys trading and exploring the latest trends in the crypto market.

    • Reviewed by: Nidhi Kolhapur
      author profile
      Nidhi Kolhapur right arrow
      Reviewed

      Nidhi is a Certified Digital Marketing Executive and Passionate crypto Journalist covering the world of alternative currencies. She shares the latest and trending news on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain.

      • author facebook
      • author twitter
      • author linkedin
    • 2 minutes read

    Jerome Powell Speech Today: What It Means for Fed Rate Cuts and Bitcoin

    Story Highlights
    • Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Harvard University today at 10:30 AM ET in a moderated discussion.

    • CME FedWatch shows a 4.7% chance of a rate hike at the next meeting, with zero odds of a cut priced in for 2026.

    • Willy Woo's on-chain models posted today point to a Bitcoin bottom between $46K and $54K.

    Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak at Harvard University this morning in what is officially a moderated discussion with an undergraduate economics class. Markets are not treating it that way.

    The discussion begins at 10:30 AM Eastern and can be watched live on the Federal Reserve’s official YouTube channel. There are no prepared remarks, but with Brent crude at $114, the US-Israel-Iran war entering its fifth week since the February 28 strikes, and Bitcoin down 46% from its all-time high, traders will be parsing every answer Powell gives for signals on where interest rates go next.

    The Market Backdrop Is Complicated

    Just twelve days ago, the Fed held rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% for the second consecutive meeting. At his March 18 press conference, Powell acknowledged that inflation progress had been “not as much as we had hoped.”

    The dot plot still projects one cut in 2026. CME FedWatch currently prices a 95.3% probability of no change at the April 29 meeting, with zero odds of a cut and a 4.7% chance of a rate hike.

    Oil prices are going up drastically after President Trump threatened to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, adding fresh inflation pressure on top of an already slowing economy.

    Also Read: Biggest Oil Shock in 45 Years: What Happens to Bitcoin If Oil Price Hits $175?

    Powell is navigating the classic stagflation dilemma, a shock that simultaneously drives inflation higher and growth lower, and today’s classroom setting will offer reporters and traders an unscripted window into how he is thinking about it.

    What This Means for Bitcoin

    The relationship between Powell’s tone and crypto markets is well established at this point. Dovish signals push Bitcoin higher. Hawkish ones compress it. After the March 18 FOMC meeting, Bitcoin fell as rate cut expectations were pushed back further.

    Bitcoin is currently trading around $67,833, up over 1% in the past 24 hours. The near-term technical picture, however, remains under pressure.

    On-chain analyst Willy Woo posted today that his models point to a Bitcoin bottom forming between $46,000 and $54,000, anchored by the CVDD Floor Model currently sitting at $45,500.

    Separately, analysts have flagged a bearish triangle pattern on the daily chart, with a breakdown potentially targeting prices below $50,000.

    This Might Interest You: 5 Altcoins With the Strongest 10x Setup in the Current Bear Market

    Powell’s Last Chapter?

    Powell’s term as Fed Chair ends on May 15, leaving him with one more scheduled FOMC meeting before he hands over to his successor. That makes today’s Harvard appearance, informal as it is, one of the final few windows into how he is reading the economy before the transition, and markets are not wasting it.

    Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

    Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

    FAQs

    What time is Jerome Powell speaking at Harvard today?

    Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak at 10:30 AM Eastern Time in a live Harvard discussion, streamed on the Federal Reserve’s official YouTube channel.

    Why are markets closely watching Powell’s Harvard speech?

    Markets expect unscripted clues on interest rates, inflation, and economic outlook, especially amid rising oil prices and global geopolitical tensions.

    How does Powell’s stance affect Bitcoin prices?

    Hawkish signals often push Bitcoin lower, while dovish comments can support price gains by improving liquidity and risk sentiment.

    Trust with CoinPedia:

    CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

    Investment Disclaimer:

    All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

    Sponsored and Advertisements:

    Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

    Show More

    Related Articles

    Back to top button