CoinDesk Podcast Network What Happens to BTC If the Fed Pauses Rates? | CoinDesk Daily
Jan 26, 2026
Discussion about how Bitcoin might respond if the Federal Reserve pauses interest rate moves. Traders watch Powell’s comments amid political pressure and legal scrutiny. Coverage of gold’s rally and risks from unallocated ETFs. A proposal for on-chain, allocated gold ownership is explained. Weather-driven drops in Bitcoin hash rate highlight mining concentration risks.
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Powell's Comments Could Move Markets
- The Fed will likely pause rate changes but Chair Powell's press conference is the main market risk event this week.
- Traders are watching whether Powell pushes back on President Trump's $200 billion mortgage bond directive and DOJ scrutiny.
Housing Push Could Clash With Fed Goals
- Trump's directive to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds aims to lower rates but risks reigniting inflation.
- Market participants fear this policy could clash with the Fed's inflation-fighting stance.
Gold Rally Masks Unallocated Risk
- Gold surged to an all-time high as investors sought a safe haven amid macro uncertainty.
- Orlean CEO Bjorn Schmitke warns most gold exposure is effectively unallocated IOUs, not specific bars.