Bitcoin and Fed rate cuts have been closely watched as traders prepare for the Federal Reserve’s September 17 meeting. The cryptocurrency market rally has been building momentum, and Fed rate cut predictions are suggesting either 25 or 50 basis points might be on the table. At the time of writing, this altcoin surge is being driven by months of easier money expectations, though the actual scale of any decision could trigger different reactions across digital assets right now.
Also Read: Crypto Pumps as Fed Cut Odds Double—Bitcoin Traders Eye 50bps
Crypto Rally Builds as Fed Rate Cut Predictions Drive Bitcoin Surge and Altcoin Gains
Bond yields have been dropping below 4.00% for the first time since April, and the cryptocurrency rally has been gaining steam. This Bitcoin and Fed rate cut scenario presents three main possibilities that could reshape how altcoins perform in the coming weeks.
The 25 Basis Point Baseline
Most analysts are expecting a quarter-point Bitcoin Fed rate cut as the baseline scenario right now. Charlie Bilello has noted that the Fed Funds Rate is expected to be cut 25 bps this week, and bond market watchers like Shazi argue the decision has already been locked in.
The Kobeissi Letter stated:
“The 10-Year Note Yield officially drops below 4.00% for the first time since April 4. Markets are now fully pricing in three 25 bps interest rate cuts by year-end.”
BREAKING: The 10-Year Note Yield officially drops below 4.00% for the first time since April 4th.
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) September 11, 2025
Markets are now fully pricing-in three 25 bps interest rate cuts by year-end. pic.twitter.com/nWKapMyOWg
However, this widespread certainty might actually create sell-the-news risks for the crypto rally. Analysts at IncomeSharks had this to say:
“There’s probably a 99% chance a rate cut is announced on Wednesday. No one will be surprised by that. This is why it’s often a sell-the-news event. Once we get past that news, Thursday will probably be green, and Friday will probably be some chaos that finishes green.
Bitcoin’s history with rate cuts shows that excitement often gets followed by steep sell-offs. Analyst Quinten was clear about the fact that:
“The last time the Fed cut rates was December 18, 2024. Bitcoin was at $106,000 and dumped 30% within weeks.”
With Bitcoin trading above $115,000 right now, traders are being cautious that similar dynamics might play out again.
The 50 Basis Point Surprise
A larger Bitcoin Fed rate cut remains possible despite lower probability estimates. Standard Chartered is expecting a 50-bps move, though Kalshi odds are suggesting only a 9% chance of this happening. This scenario could unleash significant liquidity, and it might supercharge both the altcoin rally and broader crypto rally momentum.
JPMorgan’s assessment suggests a 50-bps cut has just a 7.5% probability but could move equities by 1.5% either way. Such aggressive easing would likely break the recurring sell-the-news cycle by signaling the Fed’s willingness to provide deeper liquidity.
The Fed will cut rates in just 2 days.
— Ted (@TedPillows) September 15, 2025
JP Morgan and other big analysts are expecting a market dump before reversal.
Scenario 1: $BTC will dump towards $104,000 level before reversal.
Scenario 2: Bitcoin will dump towards $92,000, which also has a CME gap before reversal and a… pic.twitter.com/Pq08pjMABR
The Zero-Cut Risk
Should the Bitcoin Fed rate cut fail to materialize, the crypto rally could reverse sharply. Market participants are already on edge, and sentiment could unravel quickly. Trader Hunts stated:
“The Crypto markets are back on shaky ground. Bitcoin has pulled back from recent highs as traders weigh what the Fed will do next. A 25-bps rate cut at this week’s FOMC meeting looks likely, but President Trump is demanding even deeper cuts to soften the blow from tariffs and a cooling job market.”
Political pressures are complicating this Bitcoin Fed rate cut decision, with the altcoin rally hanging in the balance right now.
Powell’s Guidance Key
Beyond the actual Bitcoin Fed rate cut decision, Powell’s tone will be determining whether the crypto rally continues or not. Fed chair guidance has been closely watched by market participants, and traders will be parsing every word for clues about future policy direction.
Analyst Kale Abe argued:
“It won’t be sell the news if Powell speaks in a dovish manner, which he is extremely likely to do.”
It won’t be sell the news if Powell speaks in a dovish manner, which he is extremely likely to do imo
— Kale Abe (@kale_abe) September 15, 2025
Also Read: First US Crypto Fund Says Bitcoin Going To $750,000
The altcoin rally’s future depends entirely on which scenario unfolds, making this Bitcoin Fed rate cut decision quite pivotal for digital assets. September’s traditional equity selling season is adding another layer of risk, and crypto markets have been rallying for months on expectations of easier money policies.