Right now, bitcoin’s price is cruising comfortably over the $97,000 mark, and we’ve got just ten days until we wave goodbye to the year. Here’s a rundown of four big economic happenings that might steer bitcoin’s course in the future.
A Look at 4 Big Trends Ready to Tilt Bitcoin’s Trajectory
Bitcoin enthusiasts are all abuzz about how the coin will fare in 2025, with only a smidgen of 2024 left. As we close out the year, there’s a bunch of exciting stuff on the horizon for next year—some could be a boon, while others might spell trouble for BTC’s value in fiat currency. Beyond the thirst for exchange-traded products (ETPs) and companies like Microstrategy hoarding bitcoins for their treasuries, there are plenty of outside influences that could shake up the bitcoin scene. So, keep your eyes peeled for these four economic events in 2025.
U.S. Federal Reserve Rate Hikes and Decisions
Barring any major surprises, economists aren’t expecting fresh stimulus in the upcoming year. However, discussions about coordinated rate cuts remain on the table. Recently, following the Federal Reserve’s meeting to adjust rates, Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters that any reductions might be modest in 2024. His cautious stance has already weighed on BTC prices. According to the CME Fedwatch tool, the federal funds rate is likely to stay unchanged at the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Jan. 29.
That meeting will take place just nine days after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president. The CME tool currently indicates a 91.4% likelihood of no change and an 8.6% chance of a quarter-point cut. While Federal Reserve decisions sometimes leave the markets unmoved, they can also influence sentiment, as seen last week when bitcoin (BTC) prices dipped amid negativity surrounding Powell’s most recent comments.
Trade Policies and Tariffs
The Biden administration’s trade policies have been relatively low-key, but many anticipate Trump will reintroduce tariffs with significant impacts. These could affect global inflation, which is projected to drop from 5.9% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, with advanced economies reaching targets faster than emerging markets. On the other hand, persistent inflation remains a risk if hefty tariffs are imposed, potentially raising costs for American consumers.
Such shifts in trade, inflation, and global tariffs might either pressure or boost bitcoin’s price. Historically, economic uncertainty has nudged investors toward alternative assets like BTC, seen as a buffer against market volatility. Even so, bitcoin’s path will hinge on how trade policies, inflation trends, and regulatory developments intersect.
Geopolitical Risks
Geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, combined with rising global debt, are expected to challenge economic stability. These crises disrupt supply chains and spur higher oil prices, driving prices upward. In response, investors sometimes turn to bitcoin, often viewed as a haven in uncertain times, while others who consider it risk-on, may sell. Meanwhile, increasing debt levels can weaken confidence in fiat currencies, further encouraging interest in decentralized digital currencies.
That said, bitcoin’s value remains susceptible to a wide range of influences. While military conflicts have sometimes spurred bitcoin demand, they have also triggered severe price declines. The reciprocity between these factors exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market during times of war and Black Swan events.
U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Should President Trump secure congressional backing to create a strategic bitcoin reserve, it could send bitcoin’s price soaring. Many argue this would represent a bold show of governmental support, boosting trust among both institutional and retail investors. The ripple effect could inspire other nations to jump on the bandwagon, driving up global demand even further. On top of that, if the U.S. opts to hold onto the 198,109 BTC seized from criminal activities, it’s widely expected that this stash would remain locked away—treated more like a gold reserve rather than being sold on the open market.
A Fresh Chapter for the Leading Cryptocurrency
As the curtain drops on 2024, bitcoin’s path continues to be linked with a mix of economic influences, political changes, and worldwide uncertainties. While historical trends give us clues, the new mix of factors in 2025 is set to write a new story for the leading cryptocurrency. Enthusiasts will be eagerly observing how these elements not only affect bitcoin’s price but also its overall story within financial systems.
The shifting scene around bitcoin highlights its double life as both a peer-to-peer, censorship-resistant currency and a safeguard against economic upheaval. With traditional markets wrestling with policy adjustments and international tensions, bitcoin’s standing in the financial pecking order might either strengthen or falter. In 2025, the crypto market could act as a mirror to and a reaction against the global economic and political heartbeat. It certainly has during the latter half of 2024.