Fed Chairman Powell Addresses Market Volatility: Expectations for Bitcoin Intervention Misguided

In a recent pronouncement, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addressed the prevailing notion that the Federal Reserve will intervene to stabilize market volatility. Speaking at a conference in Chicago on April 17th, Powell firmly dismissed such expectations, stating, “My answer is no, but I will provide an explanation.” He emphasized the challenges surrounding the current economic landscape attributed to uncertainty, largely driven by shifts in U.S. trade policy, notably under former President Trump’s tariffs. This uncertainty contributes to ongoing market fluctuations, Powell suggested.

Elucidating the complexities of the situation, Powell noted that market participants often misinterpret causes of turmoil, frequently reassessing their views weeks later. He cited past experiences with significant bond market shifts, indicating that early interpretations can be misleading. Furthermore, Powell indicated that ongoing turbulence is partly a result of hedge funds reducing their leverage, cautioning that volatility may persist in the short term.