Federal Reserve Holds Rates at 3.5%-3.75%, Signals Possible Further Hikes Amid Sticky Inflation

According to Jangul research firm, the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate path and Middle East geopolitical risks emerged as key variables for crypto markets this week. The Fed held its benchmark rate at 3.50%-3.75% in June's FOMC meeting, while some board members reviewed the need for additional rate hikes, according to the published meeting minutes.

U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 215,000 on July 9 (below market expectations of 218,000), signaling a resilient labor market and limiting near-term interest rate cut expectations. Brent crude surged 5.20% on July 8 before declining 2.20% to $76.30 per barrel on July 9 as geopolitical tensions eased temporarily. The crypto market saw selective buying focused on Bitcoin, with limited rotation into altcoins, as uncertainty persists around inflation trends and Middle East stability.