Will Bitcoin Rise or Fall After Rate Cut? What Traders Are Saying

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The Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cut has once again placed financial markets under the spotlight — and this time, Bitcoin stands at the center of speculation. With Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup forecasting a 25-basis-point cut, and CME’s FedWatch tool showing a 61% probability of a more aggressive 50-basis-point reduction, investors are no longer asking if the Fed will cut rates — but how much, and what comes next for crypto.

Could this be the spark that reignites a bull run? Or will history repeat the volatility seen in 2022? More importantly, can altcoins capture the flood of liquidity unleashed by looser monetary policy?

Let’s explore expert insights, market dynamics, and potential scenarios shaping the post-rate-cut landscape for Bitcoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem.


A Different Macro Environment: Why Optimism Is Growing

The macro backdrop today differs significantly from previous cycles. Inflation pressures have eased, labor markets remain resilient, and regulatory clarity in the U.S. is inching forward. These factors are fueling bullish sentiment among institutional players.

Anthony Scaramucci: “Bitcoin to Hit $100K by Year-End”

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of hedge fund SkyBridge Capital, believes the Fed could cut rates by 50 basis points tonight — the first step in a broader easing cycle that may total at least 150 basis points over the next 18 months. He argues this shift will lift asset prices across the board.

“Lower interest rates, combined with clearer crypto regulations, create a perfect storm for Bitcoin,” Scaramucci said in a recent interview. “I expect Bitcoin to reach new all-time highs before the end of 2025 — possibly hitting $100,000.”

Scaramucci also highlights growing bipartisan support for crypto legislation in the U.S. Congress, including frameworks for stablecoins and digital asset innovation. With Kamala Harris’s campaign signaling pro-industry policies, he sees favorable conditions emerging for long-term adoption.

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Zach Pandl (Grayscale): Rate Cuts Favor Risk Assets — But Recession Risks Loom

Zach Pandl, Research Head at Grayscale Investments, agrees that rate cuts in a “soft landing” scenario are positive for Bitcoin.

“When the Fed pivots to easing while avoiding a hard economic downturn, it weakens the dollar and boosts appetite for risk assets like Bitcoin,” Pandl explained. “We could see markets retest all-time highs within months.”

However, he warns of a key downside risk: rising unemployment. If job losses accelerate and the economy enters recession, even Bitcoin may face headwinds.

“In such cases, we’d likely see a temporary drawdown in crypto prices. But historically, those periods become ideal accumulation zones — especially when followed by aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus.”

This duality underscores Bitcoin’s evolving role: part speculative asset, part macro hedge.


Could History Repeat? Lessons from 2022

Many traders are drawing parallels between today’s environment and mid-2022, when expectations of tighter policy began to reverse. Back then, Bitcoin surged from around $20K to nearly $69K within a year.

Jake Ostrovskis (Wintermute): “Rate Cut Signals Policy Pivot”

Jake Ostrovskis, OTC trader at market maker Wintermute, views any rate reduction as a structural shift in monetary policy — one that increases liquidity across financial systems.

“More liquidity typically benefits risk-on assets. Bitcoin has increasingly behaved like a high-beta tech stock with global exposure. When investors feel confident, they allocate more to assets like BTC.”

Crypto Rover & Lark Davis: Bullish on Parabolic Momentum

CryptoSea founder Crypto Rover predicts a 50-basis-point cut within 24 hours and expects strong momentum ahead.

“The last time we saw a major pivot, Bitcoin’s bull run ignited. I believe we’re standing at a similar inflection point.”

Wealth Mastery founder Lark Davis echoes this view:

“In 2022, after the Fed signaled a pause in hikes, Bitcoin went parabolic. If history rhymes, the next 6 to 12 months could be explosive.”

Ahmed@CryptoBheem: Volatility Ahead Despite Long-Term Upside

Not all traders expect smooth sailing. Veteran trader Ahmed (@CryptoBheem) warns of short-term turbulence.

“A 50-basis-point cut could trigger massive volatility — possibly even a sell-the-news event. I’d consider taking profits if that happens.”

He adds that a smaller 25-basis-point move might lead to initial disappointment and a dip — but followed by a sustainable recovery.

“Markets often underreact first, then overcorrect. The real rally starts after the shakeout.”

Altcoins Poised for Breakout?

While Bitcoin grabs headlines, many experts believe altcoins are best positioned to capture excess liquidity in a low-rate environment.

Arthur Hayes: “Market Crashes First, Then Bulls Return — ETH Shines”

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, delivered a contrarian take during his TOKEN2049 keynote. He argues the Fed is making a policy mistake by cutting rates amid high government spending and persistent inflation.

“When Treasury yields drop, assets like ETH become more attractive. Right now, ETH offers ~4% staking yield — competitive with bonds when real yields fall.”

Hayes predicts an initial market crash due to shrinking USD-JPY carry trade spreads, followed by a powerful rebound driven by renewed risk appetite. His portfolio favors ENA, ETH, ETHFI, and PENDLE — all yield-generating or ecosystem-rich protocols.

“After the dust settles, we’ll enter a new bull phase. Ethereum will lead.”

👉 See how yield-generating crypto strategies are gaining traction post-rate-cut

Noodles: DXY Drop Fuels Altseason Rotation

Trader Noodles outlines a clear chain reaction:

“Bitcoin leads early rallies, but once confidence returns, investors chase higher returns in altcoins. Watch ETH/BTC — it’s the canary in the coal mine.”

Michaël van de Poppe: ETH Set for Catch-Up Move

MN Consultancy founder Michaël van de Poppe expects Bitcoin to climb to $65K–$68K post-cut. But he’s particularly optimistic about Ethereum.

“Even though ETH charts look weak now, lower rates boost DeFi activity and staking demand. Don’t be surprised when ETH makes its move too.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do rate cuts always lead to Bitcoin price increases?
A: Not immediately. While lower rates generally support risk assets, markets often react with short-term volatility. The long-term trend tends to be positive if cuts signal sustained easing.

Q: Why might altcoins outperform Bitcoin after a rate cut?
A: In low-interest environments, investors seek higher returns. Altcoins — especially those offering staking yields or DeFi returns — become more attractive than low-yielding traditional assets.

Q: Can economic weakness offset the impact of rate cuts?
A: Yes. If rate cuts come alongside rising unemployment or recession signals, risk aversion may dominate initially — leading to broad market declines before recovery.

Q: How does the DXY (Dollar Index) affect crypto prices?
A: A falling DXY makes dollar-denominated assets like Bitcoin cheaper for foreign buyers and reduces opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

Q: Is now a good time to buy Bitcoin before the Fed announcement?
A: It depends on your risk tolerance. Pre-event positions carry volatility risk, but successful rate cuts have historically led to strong follow-through rallies.

Q: What indicators should I watch after the rate decision?
A: Key signals include BTC dominance trends, ETH/BTC ratio, DXY movement, and on-chain stablecoin inflows — all of which reflect shifting investor sentiment.


Final Outlook: Positioning for the Next Phase

The consensus leans bullish: rate cuts are coming, and they’re likely to benefit digital assets over time. But timing matters. The immediate aftermath may bring volatility — even declines — as markets digest expectations versus reality.

Bitcoin remains the gateway asset, but Ethereum and select altcoins appear poised for outsized gains if liquidity floods back into speculative markets. Regulatory momentum in the U.S., growing institutional interest, and yield-bearing crypto products further strengthen the case for long-term growth.

👉 Start building your diversified crypto portfolio ahead of macro shifts

As always, navigate with discipline. Use dollar-cost averaging, set clear entry/exit levels, and stay informed — because in crypto, opportunity often arrives disguised as uncertainty.