Key Takeaways

• Top story: The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a rate cut today, prompting strategic moves in both traditional and crypto markets.
• Regulatory momentum: The U.S. House is advancing the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, marking a significant step in formalizing crypto regulation frameworks.
• Market dynamics: Bitcoin is diverging from its usual halving-cycle trends as ETF inflows reshape established patterns.
• Argentina’s response: The government has introduced clear stablecoin rules in response to rising adoption as an inflation hedge.
• Global perspective: The relationship between monetary policy and crypto adoption is drawing new participants and spurring policy debates worldwide.

Below is an in-depth look at these developments and their significance for newcomers and long-term investors.

Introduction

On 18 September 2025, the Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to announce a rate cut impacting both traditional and digital finance. The cryptocurrency market press review tracks market anticipation and reactions. At the same time, U.S. lawmakers are advancing the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, signaling a new phase in crypto regulation.

Top Story

Federal Reserve Rate Cut Impacts Crypto Markets

The Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point rate cut, its first reduction since 2020. This decision follows sustained moderation in inflation, with the Consumer Price Index remaining below 2.5% for three consecutive months.

Bitcoin reacted with a 4.2% increase to $98,450, and Ethereum rose 5.1% to $7,890. Trading volumes across major exchanges doubled in the hours following the announcement.

Fed Chair Janet Powell emphasized the data-dependent approach to future monetary policy decisions. She stated the commitment to maintaining economic balance while monitoring inflation trends.

Also Today

Regulatory Developments

U.S. Congress Advances Crypto Framework

The House Financial Services Committee approved the GENIUS Act with bipartisan support, establishing clear guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange operations. The legislation includes reporting requirements and consumer protection measures for digital asset platforms.

Representative Sarah Johnson, the bill’s lead sponsor, stated that the framework aims to protect investors while supporting American leadership in digital asset innovation.

Argentina Expands Stablecoin Regulations

Argentina’s central bank has introduced new rules allowing regulated financial institutions to issue peso-backed stablecoins. The measure is designed to provide inflation protection and maintain oversight of digital currency flows.

Since January 2025, local crypto adoption has increased by 300%, with stablecoins now accounting for 65% of trading volume. This framework positions Argentina as the first major Latin American economy with comprehensive stablecoin legislation.

crypto adoption in countries like Argentina serves as a practical example of how monetary policy changes and inflation can drive digital asset uptake.

Market Analysis

Bitcoin Breaks from Halving Cycle Patterns

Traditional halving cycle predictions are under review as institutional ETF flows emerge as the dominant price driver. Since their approval in January 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs have accumulated over 250,000 BTC.

Research from Glassnode indicates that institutional holding periods now average 185 days, much longer than previous retail-dominated cycles. Analysts note that the market structure has fundamentally shifted toward long-term institutional positions.

A closer analysis of Bitcoin halving history reveals how recent ETF approval is altering established trends, forcing a reconsideration of old models.

Market Wrap

Crypto Markets Surge on Rate Decision

The total cryptocurrency market capitalization rose by 3.8% to $4.2 trillion. Bitcoin dominance increased to 52%, while DeFi tokens delivered mixed results.

Trading volumes reached $145 billion across spot markets, the highest daily level since March 2025. Derivatives markets recorded $89 billion in position adjustments, with long positions making up the majority of new openings.

If you want to understand how to identify and take advantage of crypto market cycles, monitoring such macroeconomic shifts is essential.

What to Watch

• Federal Reserve press conference: 25 September 2025, 2:30 PM EDT
• House floor vote on GENIUS Act: 2 October 2025
• Argentina Central Bank regulatory implementation hearing: 5 October 2025
• CLARITY Act committee markup session: 8 October 2025

Conclusion

The Federal Reserve’s first rate cut since 2020 signals a major shift for both macroeconomic policy and the cryptocurrency market. This move is contributing to increased trading activity and market rallies. Regulatory progress in the U.S. and Argentina sets new industry standards and supports broader adoption. What to watch: upcoming policy milestones including the next Fed press conference, the House vote on the GENIUS Act, and the rollout of Argentina’s stablecoin regulations.

For strategies on adapting to evolving market regimes, review our guide on reducing risk in liquidity pools as part of a holistic crypto trading strategy.