Fed's Hammack, Incoming Voter, Signals End to Interest Rate Cuts, Impact on Markets

Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack, who gains a vote on monetary policy this year, has indicated that the cycle of interest rate cuts is likely over. In recent remarks, Hammack emphasized a data-dependent approach but suggested that the current policy stance is appropriate to bring inflation sustainably down to the Fed's 2% target. Her comments align with a broader Fed consensus to hold rates steady, reflecting confidence in the economy's strength. This stance is critical for investors assessing the outlook for bonds, equities, and digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as higher-for-longer rates typically pressure risk assets. Market participants will closely watch incoming inflation and employment data for any shifts in this hawkish-leaning policy trajectory.