The Fed Keeps Interest Rates Steady, Citing Uncontrollable Inflation
The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged within the 3.50%–3.75% range, reflecting a cautious approach as inflation remains difficult to fully contain. Policymakers indicated that economic growth is still relatively resilient, reducing the urgency to begin cutting rates in the near term. The decision underscores the Fed’s priority to maintain price stability before shifting toward a more accommodative stance. However, the policy decision was not unanimous, highlighting growing internal divisions within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Two members dissented, favoring a quarter-point rate cut to ease borrowing costs sooner. This split illustrates the ongoing debate between officials concerned about persistent inflation and those worried that prolonged tight monetary policy could slow economic momentum. The Federal Reserve also adjusted its language on labor market risks, signaling a subtle but important shift in outlook. While job growth has moderated, the central bank removed previous references to rising downside risks in employment. This change suggests that policymakers increasingly view the labor market as more balanced, with slower hiring aligning with structural factors rather than signaling an imminent downturn. The current pause follows multiple rate cuts implemented toward the end of 2025, a period that already revealed unusual levels of disagreement among policymakers. Entering 2026, recent economic data has done little to reconcile differing views on whether inflation is sufficiently on track toward the 2% target or whether tighter financial conditions could eventually push unemployment higher. Looking ahead, policy uncertainty is expected to persist, particularly as the Federal Reserve approaches a leadership transition scheduled for mid-year. Market participants widely anticipate that interest rates will remain on hold until a new chair takes office, making upcoming inflation and employment data critical drivers of future policy decisions.#FedWatch $BTC $XAU
Fed Holds Rates at 3.75%: What It Means for Stocks, Bonds, and Crypto
The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged within the 3.50%–3.75% range, signaling a cautious stance amid ongoing economic uncertainty. This decision suggests that the central bank does not yet see sufficient justification to ease monetary policy, even as inflation pressures have shown signs of moderating. By maintaining current rates, the Fed aims to preserve price stability while avoiding the risk of renewed inflationary pressures. Notably, the Federal Reserve has shifted its assessment of labor market conditions, no longer viewing a slowdown in employment as a positive development. While weaker job growth was previously seen as a sign that inflationary pressures might ease, policymakers now recognize that an excessive cooling of the labor market could pose risks to broader economic stability. This adjustment reflects a more balanced policy approach focused on sustaining long-term economic health rather than reacting to short-term indicators. For global financial markets, the decision reinforces expectations that higher interest rates may remain in place for an extended period. This outlook has implications across asset classes, including equities, bonds, currencies, and risk-sensitive assets such as cryptocurrencies. As future policy moves remain highly dependent on incoming inflation and employment data, investors are encouraged to stay cautious and adapt to a prolonged environment of tight monetary conditions. #FedWatch #USIranStandoff $BTC $ETH
Amazon axes 16,000 jobs as it pushes AI and efficiency
Amazon has carried out another major round of layoffs, cutting approximately 16,000 corporate jobs in late January 2026. This move completes a broader workforce reduction plan that began in October 2025, bringing the total number of job cuts to around 30,000 employees. The decision reflects Amazon’s efforts to improve operational efficiency while accelerating its transition toward artificial intelligence–driven processes. The layoffs come amid a wider restructuring across the global technology sector, where companies are streamlining management structures and scaling back underperforming business units. At Amazon, nearly 10% of corporate staff have been affected, making this the company’s largest workforce reduction to date. However, the majority of Amazon’s overall workforce—mainly warehouse and fulfillment employees—remains unaffected. According to company executives, the job cuts are intended to reduce internal bureaucracy, strengthen accountability, and enable faster decision-making. Alongside the layoffs, Amazon has also shut down several physical retail initiatives, including remaining Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores, and discontinued its palm-scanning payment system, Amazon One. These actions signal a strategic shift away from experimental ventures toward core business efficiency. The impact of the layoffs has been widespread across multiple divisions. Employees from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Alexa, Prime Video, devices, advertising, and last-mile delivery teams have reported being affected. Tensions rose internally after an email referencing the layoffs under the name “Project Dawn” was mistakenly sent early to some AWS staff, causing confusion and anxiety among employees. Amazon acknowledged that it had overexpanded its workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, when online shopping demand surged. While company leadership stated that recurring large-scale layoffs are not part of its long-term plan, they also indicated that further adjustments may occur where necessary. Overall, the situation highlights the challenges facing major technology firms as they balance growth, cost control, and AI-driven transformation. $TAO