Gourav-S

Why the S&P 500 Is Moving on Fed Rate Decision and Tech Earnings

The S&P 500 has shown notable swings around the latest Federal Reserve interest rate decision, reflecting how deeply equity markets are tied to monetary policy expectations. After the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its most recent meeting, the index temporarily cracked above the 7,000 level intraday but ultimately finished little changed, signaling mixed investor reactions to the pause.

Investors are balancing the Fed’s cautious stance with rising expectations for future rate cuts, while major tech earnings from companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla continue to shape sentiment and volatility.

This tug-of-war between rate policy outlook and corporate earnings results is driving short-term price fluctuations. As markets digest Powell’s tone on inflation, jobs, and future cuts, the S&P 500 is displaying typical Fed-day volatility — spiking on optimism, then pulling back as uncertainty persists.

UK Drives Bank Support for Crypto Innovation While Updating Regulatory Framework

The United Kingdom is moving aggressively to build a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, and part of this effort includes encouraging traditional financial institutions to work with crypto firms rather than hinder them. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been actively collaborating with industry players through regulatory sandboxes and feedback rounds to shape future rules that support innovation while protecting consumers and market integrity.

Under the UK’s ongoing reform roadmap — including planned crypto regulation by 2027 and a stablecoin testing sandbox — regulators want banks and payment providers to enable lawful crypto services like custody, trading, and token issuance for customers. These steps are designed to bridge traditional finance and digital assets, allowing banks to support regulated crypto activity upon authorization rather than block it.

However, current practice shows some tensions remain — recent reports indicate banks are blocking or delaying up to 40% of payments to crypto platforms, highlighting the need for clearer guidance and cooperation between banks and the crypto ecosystem.

Fairshake Raises Nearly $200M to Influence U.S. Elections and Advance Crypto Policy

The crypto industry’s political footprint is rapidly expanding as the pro-crypto Super Political Action Committee (PAC) Fairshake continues to amass one of the largest war chests in U.S. election history for its size. As of recent disclosures, Fairshake and its affiliated political groups have raised over ~$193 million ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, dwarfing previous cycles and signaling a major push for regulatory influence on Capitol Hill. Top contributors include Ripple ($25M), Andreessen Horowitz ($24M) and Coinbase among other major crypto firms and venture funds backing pro-innovation legislative agendas.

Fairshake’s funds are being directed toward supporting candidates who favor clear digital-asset regulation and opposing opponents seen as crypto-hostile, aiming to shape U.S. policy on issues like stablecoin frameworks, market structure reform, and regulatory clarity. Analysts say this marks a new era of coordinated political engagement by the crypto sector, reflecting how deeply digital assets have become entwined with U.S. political and financial policymaking.

Gold Rally Fuels Huge Crypto Inflows — PAXG Nears Multi-Billion Market Cap

Crypto investors are increasingly turning to tokenized gold, and Paxos Gold (PAXG) is at the forefront of that trend. According to the latest data, $248 million in net inflows were recorded into PAXG in January 2026 alone, pushing its market capitalization higher and highlighting booming interest in blockchain-based precious metal exposure. This surge in inflows comes as gold prices recently hit all-time highs, driving demand for digital gold products that combine traditional store-of-value appeal with blockchain liquidity and 24/7 trading access.

Across the tokenized gold sector, digital assets like PAXG and Tether Gold (XAUt) dominate a market now worth over $4 billion, reflecting broader adoption by both institutional and retail investors seeking alternatives to fiat and risk assets amid macro uncertainty.

Key takeaway: Rising gold prices, inflation fears, and safe-haven demand are driving record capital into tokenized commodities — with Paxos’ PAXG leading inflows in 2026.

Laser Digital Files U.S. National Trust Bank Application — What It Means for Crypto Finance

Nomura’s digital asset arm, Laser Digital Americas Group Holdings Inc., has officially applied to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter focused on digital assets and institutional services. If approved, Laser Digital National Trust Bank (LDNTB) would be able to operate nationwide under a single federal license instead of securing custody approvals state by state.

The proposed charter would allow the firm to offer institutional crypto custody, integrated spot trading of crypto and fiat, staking services, and custody of U.S. government securities — though it won’t take retail deposits.

Chairman Steve Ashley says this step reflects a shift toward regulated, durable infrastructure for institutional digital asset markets, supporting firms that meet high oversight standards. Purvi Maniar, LDNTB’s proposed President, noted the OCC framework aligns with how institutions manage risk and fiduciary duties today.

Laser Digital joins a growing list of crypto firms — including Ripple, BitGo, Circle and Paxos — pursuing federal bank charters as the U.S. regulatory climate becomes more accommodating.

Fed Chair Powell’s Policy Signals Help Fuel Gold Price Rally — Here’s Why

Recent gold price action — including **record-breaking rallies above key psychological levels — has been closely tied to comments and market reactions around Federal Reserve Chair **Jerome Powell’s policy outlook and broader economic uncertainty. Traders have pushed gold sharply higher as expectations of interest-rate cuts and fears of monetary policy instability increased demand for safe-haven assets. In several instances, markets sold the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields fell on Powell’s remarks about future rate flexibility, boosting gold’s appeal as a store of value.

Additionally, gold’s surge has been supported by external factors tied to Powell’s leadership — including concerns about the Fed’s independence and tariff-driven inflation pressures — which create risk-off sentiment that favors bullion. This dynamic shows how precious metals can rally not only on direct policy shifts but also when investors interpret Powell’s stance as dovish or uncertain.

Powell Focuses on Chair Term but Keeps Future Fed Board Plans Private

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has publicly declined to say whether he will remain on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors once his term as Chair expires in May 2026. Asked at a recent event in Dallas if he would stay on the board — a rare move, as most past chairs stepped down entirely — Powell said he’s focused on completing his chair term and hasn’t decided about staying beyond that. His board membership technically runs until January 2028, meaning he could remain on the policymaking board even after relinquishing the top role.

Powell’s silence on this issue has sparked market and political speculation because who controls the Fed board influences interest-rate policy, regulatory direction, and monetary independence. President Trump and advisors are already considering Powell’s successor for Chair, but Powell’s future as a governor could affect the balance of power on the Fed’s rate-setting committee if he stays versus leaves.

Federal Reserve Adjusts Labor Market Language Amid Signs of Job Stability

At its January 28–29, 2026 meeting, the Federal Reserve’s FOMC maintained interest rates at 3.50 %–3.75 % and updated the policy statement’s labor market language — a subtle but meaningful shift in how it views employment risks. The Fed removed prior wording about “downside risks to employment rising,” reflecting its view that the labor market has “shown some signs of stabilization”, even as job gains remain modest.

In addition, new guidance emphasizes that employment can run above estimates of maximum employment without automatically threatening price stability, a departure from older language that treated tighter labor conditions as a risk.

Chair Jerome Powell’s communications signal a data-dependent approach: the Fed is balancing inflation and jobs, reducing explicit downside risk language while preserving flexibility to act if labor tightness threatens price stability. This recalibration partly explains why markets see a pause on immediate rate cuts despite solid labor fundamentals.

40,000 SOL Moved From BitGo Custody to Anonymous Wallet — On-Chain Signals Shift in Whale Activity

Blockchain intelligence firm Arkham data shows a notable transfer of 40,000 SOL (≈ $5.04 million) moving from BitGo Custody to an anonymous wallet (starting with Dz6KMc…) in the early hours of January 29, 2026. BitGo is widely used as an institutional-grade custodian, often holding assets on behalf of funds, exchanges, or large investors.

Such transfers can signal multiple scenarios: strategic redistribution of institutional holdings, preparation for over-the-counter (OTC) settlement, or movement into private wallets for long-term holding rather than immediate sale. The absence of an exchange label on the receiving address suggests this isn’t a typical deposit for liquidation, but a non-exchange transfer that could reflect positioning or internal treasury management.

In context, other large SOL movements (e.g., 146,000 SOL (~$182 M) moving between anonymous wallets) show heightened whale activity that traders are watching closely.

Powell Says Core PCE Inflation Is Improving but Still Above Target

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell commented on the latest core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation — the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge that excludes volatile food and energy prices — noting that underlying inflation appears to be showing signs of gradual improvement even though it remains above the Fed’s 2 % target. Powell stated that much of the inflation overrun has been driven by temporary tariff effects on goods prices, and once those pass through, the core inflation measure without tariff-related distortions is only slightly above 2 %, which he described as a positive development toward price stability. He expects tariff-induced pressures to fade over time, helping core inflation move closer to the central bank’s goal. However, Powell also emphasized that inflation still remains “somewhat elevated” and further progress will be needed before any policy easing is appropriate.

Jerome Powell Warns Government Shutdown Is Complicating Economic Assessment

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has acknowledged that the U.S. government shutdown has weighed on economic activity and complicated the Fed’s ability to assess the economy, particularly by delaying key economic data releases. Because agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics have paused data collection, the Fed has had to turn to private-sector indicators and anecdotal reports to fill gaps in employment and inflation data — making monetary policy decisions more challenging and uncertain.

Powell previously also indicated that shutdown effects might temporarily weigh on growth and delay official reports, potentially influencing Fed deliberations on rates and outlook until the shutdown ends and full data resumes.

His remarks highlight how political gridlock can spill over into monetary policy — affecting not just interest-rate decisions, but the timeliness and accuracy of economic assessments the Fed relies on.

How U.S. Tariffs Are Shaping Inflation — Fed Chair Powell’s Latest Analysis

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has openly linked the recent inflation overshoot in the United States largely to tariff-induced price increases rather than broad demand pressures. In remarks following a recent FOMC meeting, Powell noted that goods inflation — which has climbed above service inflation in part — is “really tariffs that are causing most of the inflation overshoot,” and that without these tariff effects, inflation would already be closer to the Fed’s 2 % target.

Powell explained that higher duties on imported goods have pushed up prices in retail and intermediate supply chains, which complicates the Fed’s efforts to achieve price stability while also supporting employment. He described this tariff-driven inflation as a one-time price level effect, but acknowledged that the full impact on consumer prices and inflation expectations remains uncertain.

This link between trade policy and inflation reflects how monetary policy and tariff-induced cost pressures can interact, influencing pricing dynamics even as the Fed seeks to balance its dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment.

📊 Powell: Fed Positioned for Flexible Rate Adjustments — No Preset Policy Path

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has emphasized that monetary policy is well positioned to respond flexibly to evolving economic conditions — without committing to any preset path for future interest-rate changes. In a recent assessment of the Fed’s stance, Powell noted the central bank “is not on a preset course” and will make decisions meeting by meeting based on incoming data, inflation trends, and labor market dynamics. This flexible approach reflects the Fed’s commitment to balancing its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability amid lingering inflation above target and mixed signals from the job market.

Powell’s comments show the Fed’s willingness to adjust rates up or down as needed, rather than locking in a rigid forecast — signaling adaptability in uncertain economic terrain.

📊 FOMC Statement Reveals 10-2 Vote to Maintain Rates — Market Implications Explained

At its first policy meeting of 2026, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5% – 3.75%, marking a pause after three consecutive cuts in late 2025. The decision was approved by a 10-2 vote, illustrating a split in views among policymakers.

The majority backed the hold-rate stance amid mixed economic signals — with inflation still above target and labor market softening — prompting caution before future moves. However, two dissenters — Fed Governors Christopher Waller and Stephen Miran — voted in favor of an immediate rate cut, advocating more aggressive easing to support growth.

This FOMC vote highlights a real debate within the Fed between data-dependent caution and dovish pressure, contributing to ongoing market speculation about the timing of the next rate shift. Financial markets reacted to the announcement with mix volatility in equities and bonds, as traders recalibrated expectations for inflation trends and future policy direction.

📌 U.S. White House Convenes Top Industry Leaders to Resolve Senate Crypto Legislation Deadlock

The White House is set to host a high-level meeting next week bringing together senior bankers and crypto industry executives to break the logjam around stalled U.S. crypto legislation — particularly the Senate’s market structure bill that has faced delays and controversy.

This discussion will focus on key sticking points that have slowed progress in the Senate, such as whether crypto firms should be allowed to offer interest or rewards on stablecoins — a major point of contention between banks and digital-asset firms. Traditional financial institutions argue such incentives could pull deposits away from banks, while crypto companies insist these features are essential for competitiveness.

Industry leaders set to attend include top exchange executives, DeFi advocates, and banking representatives, ensuring broad perspectives are heard before the Senate resumes markup. This meeting reflects growing administration commitment to find bipartisan solutions and deliver a regulatory framework that can support crypto innovation while protecting financial stability.

With the bill already passed by the House and awaiting Senate action, the White House meeting could be a turning point in U.S. crypto policy.

📌 Fed Holds Reverse Repo & Discount Rates Steady — What It Means for Markets

In its latest policy update, the Federal Reserve decided to keep key administered rates unchanged, including the reverse repurchase (reverse repo) rate and the discount (primary credit) rate. According to on‑chain and market reports, the Fed held these short‑term policy tools at their current levels as part of a broader pause in monetary tightening. The reverse repo facility — used by financial institutions to park cash overnight with the Fed — remains at its existing rate, supporting market liquidity stability without altering liquidity drains.

This decision comes as the Fed also paused further rate cuts, keeping the benchmark federal funds rate steady after recent easing, reflecting a cautious, data‑dependent stance amid mixed inflation and employment signals.

Holding the reverse repo and discount rates steady helps central banks manage short‑term liquidity, maintain smooth funding markets, and avoid premature tightening or loosening — all while watching inflation and growth data closely.

📊 Who Will Replace Powell? Rieder, Warsh, Hassett & Waller Lead Fed Chair Race

The debate over the next Federal Reserve Chair is intensifying as Jerome Powell’s term nears its May 2026 end and internal dissent surfaces within the Fed. Recently, Governor Christopher Waller — along with Governor Michelle Bowman — voted for a rate cut, marking a rare divided board stance and highlighting growing debate over policy direction at the central bank.

This internal split has fueled market and political speculation about leadership change. President Trump is under pressure to nominate a successor who might be more dovish on rates, aligning with his criticism of Powell’s cautious approach. Prediction markets now show BlackRock’s Rick Rieder leading the race with ~48% odds, followed by former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and others.

Other contenders include Kevin Hassett, Christopher Waller, and Michelle Bowman — each representing different monetary philosophies. With the chair nomination expected soon, markets are closely watching how a new leader could shift interest‑rate policy, inflation strategy, and even risk asset performance.

Powell to Keep Focus on Inflation & Rates, Clarida Indicates — Dollar Strategy Takes Back Seat

Richard Clarida — who served as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2018 to 2022 and is now a global economic adviser — has offered public commentary on how the Fed approaches economic policy, particularly under Chair Jerome Powell. Clarida has emphasized that Powell is very data‑dependent in policy decisions, preferring to wait for clearer economic signals before committing to rate cuts or a dramatic shift in messaging.

Importantly, Powell himself has signaled in interviews that the Federal Reserve does not comment directly on the U.S. dollar’s level, because managing the dollar isn’t within the Fed’s formal mandate — it is monitored as part of broader financial conditions but is not a primary policy target. For example, in a recent televised interview, Powell noted that the Fed does not have responsibility for the dollar’s value, which instead falls more clearly under general financial conditions and Treasury responsibilities.

Clarida’s views — and Powell’s own emphasis on data dependency rather than pre‑emptive signaling — suggest that Powell is more likely to keep rate and inflation policy front and center, steering clear of direct commentary on dollar strategy until economic conditions clearly demand it.

Key takeaway:

Powell is expected to prioritize interest rates, employment, and inflation data over explicit dollar commentary in his public statements.

Former Fed officials like Clarida highlight communication strategy and market expectations as critical parts of policy messaging.

Jerome Powell Signals Cautious Fed Policy as U.S. Economy Balances Growth and Inflation

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has been front and center this week as the central bank held interest rates steady at 3.5–3.75%, emphasizing a data‑driven approach to economic stability despite political pressure for deeper cuts. Powell and Fed policymakers stressed that while the U.S. economy shows resilience, inflation remains above target and labor market trends are softening, leading the Fed to pause rate moves until clearer data arrives.

In recent remarks, Powell noted the central bank is balancing price stability with maximum employment and will not rush to adjust policy until there’s greater confidence in inflation cooling. Reuters polling of Fed officials also shows the committee forecasting only limited rate cuts this year, reinforcing a cautious outlook.

Powell’s leadership continues to be a linchpin for confidence in U.S. economic stability — with independence and long‑term outlook central to his message amid market and political pressures. Support from global central bankers underscores how crucial an independent Fed is for broader macro stability.

📈 Gold & Silver Surge After Federal Reserve Pauses Rate Hikes

The U.S. Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, a move that markets had largely anticipated and priced in — and precious metals responded strongly. According to the latest financial data, gold and silver prices surged as the dollar eased and rate‑cut expectations lingered, with gold hitting record and near‑record levels and silver rallying sharply on safe‑haven demand.

Investors are closely watching the Fed’s stance after the pause — as maintaining steady rates reduces the opportunity cost of holding non‑yielding assets like bullion, boosting demand for precious metals. A weaker dollar and continued geopolitical uncertainty have added to this effect, helping gold climb above $5,000 per ounce in recent sessions and silver push to multi‑year highs.

Market sentiment suggests traders are positioning for a possible future easing cycle, where lower rates could further lift metals while also influencing broader risk assets. Gold and silver’s performance around these policy decisions shows how monetary policy expectations still play a central role in asset price dynamics.