All Eyes on Fed Rate Cut Hints

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to attend a discussion at Harvard University today. Markets are closely watching for any fresh signals on potential Fed rate cuts amid inflation concerns, mixed economic data, and US-Iran war tensions.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell Speech Today: Details and Where to Watch

The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% for the second consecutive meeting, causing a correction in stocks and Bitcoin. This also pushed back Fed rate odds to later this year, with some Wall Street banks signaling a rate hike amid elevated oil prices.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak at a moderated discussion with Harvard University’s introductory Principles of Economics Class on March 30. The discussion is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, as per the Federal Reserve calendar.

With no prepared remarks, Powell will likely face questions on Fed rate cuts, inflation amid rising oil prices, and FOMC monetary policy amid pressure from President Donald Trump and the U.S. DOJ investigation.

Live coverage and potential streams are typically available through official Federal Reserve channels. Users can check the Federal Reserve’s website for live video or audio feeds, or the Fed YouTube channel for archived or live broadcasts of major speeches.

Fed Rate Cuts Become Critical for Markets

At the March FOMC meeting, the Fed dot plot projected one rate cut in 2026, with another in 2027. Wall Street giants JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs revised their Fed rate cut outlook. This has caused selloffs in stocks and crypto markets.

Jerome Powell also hinted that surging oil prices could certainly weigh down the U.S. economy. Jerome Powell noted near-term inflation rising, but turned down fears of stagflation.

Notably, the CME FedWatch Tool still shows no rate cut in 2026, with the next cut not expected until October 2027. Brent crude oil prices surged to $115 today as Trump said he could “take the oil in Iran” and seize Kharg Island.

Bitcoin and Markets Under Pressure

US stock futures rose nearly 0.50% on Monday despite the Middle East conflict entering its fifth week with no end in sight. Crypto stocks such as MSTR, COIN, and CRCL are also rising today, tracking the US stock market gains.

Bitcoin price also jumped more than 1% in the past 24 hours, currently trading around $67,500. The 24-hour low and high are $64,971 and $67,722, respectively. Furthermore, trading volume has increased by almost 64% over the last 24 hours, indicating a rise in interest among traders.

However, Willy Woo predicts Bitcoin bottom forming between $46K-$54K price. He predicts a deeper crash as stock markets remain under pressure. Analysts have pointed out a bearish triangle pattern formation on the daily chart, indicating a breakdown could trigger a crash below $50,000.