Fed Officials Fail To Cut Rates After U.S. Economy Contracts In Q1

By: forbes - crypto & blockchain|2025/05/08 05:30:05
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Federal Reserve officials left the highly visible benchmark federal funds rate unchanged during this month’s policy meeting even after government data showed the U.S. economy contracted during the first quarter. The feds fund rate, which has significant implications for broader borrowing costs, has generated countless headlines since Federal Open Market Committee members started hiking it in 2022. Further, it could have significant implications for risk assets, for example stocks and many cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, which do not pay yields like fixed-income securities. After boosting rates several times, the target range for the fed funds rate reached 525 to 550 basis points in 2023, its highest level in more than 20 years. Since then, FOMC officials have reined in the fed funds rate, decreasing it to a range of 425 to 450 basis points in December 2024 and leaving it unchanged since then. These government officials spoke to recent economic developments this afternoon, specifying in a statement that “Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.” “The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid,” the officials continued . “Inflation remains somewhat elevated.” They offered this guidance after government data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicated that the nation’s real GDP shrank 0.3% during the first three months of 2025. The U.S. economy grew 2.4% in the final three months of 2024, so the outcome of the latest BEA report did not signify the start of a recession. The fed funds rate has generated significant visibility because of the implications it has for a wide range of lending rates, including those tied to mortgages, credit cards and auto loans. It can also impact investment behavior by bolstering yields and therefore giving market participants additional incentive to seek fixed-income securities, for example bonds, that make regular payments to their owners. This makes risk assets, for example cryptocurrencies like bitcoin that do not make such payments, less attractive in comparison, potentially sapping demand and placing downward pressure on their prices.

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LALIGA Match Report: Vinícius scores as 10-man Real Madrid secure a 3-2 comeback victory in Madrid derby

In the early hours of March 23, 2026, Round 29 of LALIGA delivered a headline clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid hosted their local rivals, Atlético de Madrid, in a high-stakes encounter. Under referee José Munuera, the match unfolded at a fierce pace, packed with physical duels and momentum swings. After a five-goal thriller, Real Madrid held firm for a 3–2 home win, taking all three points. They remain second on 69 points, now four behind leaders Barcelona.

From a numbers standpoint, Real Madrid stayed composed under pressure, completing 526 passes with a 52.4% share of possession. Atlético struck first in the 33rd minute through Lookman. After the break, Real Madrid flipped the game: Vinícius converted a penalty to level, then Valverde fired them ahead. Molina pulled Atlético back on level terms, but Vinícius stepped up again in the 72nd minute to seal the win. Late drama followed as Valverde saw red, forcing Real Madrid to defend deep with ten men through the final stretch. Atlético's aggressive approach—12 fouls and 4 yellow cards—kept the pressure on, but they couldn’t stop the comeback.

WEEX Insights: As the official LALIGA partner in the Hong Kong and Taiwan regions, WEEX sees this win as a masterclass in control under pressure. Even after a red card and constant attacks, Real Madrid stayed sharp and executed with precision. That same discipline—staying calm in volatile moments and acting with clarity—reflects the core trading mindset WEEX stands for. LALIGA fan campaigns are coming soon—celebrate the game with WEEX.

About WEEX

Founded in 2018, WEEX has developed into a global crypto exchange with over 6.2 million users across more than 150 countries. The platform emphasizes security, liquidity, and usability, providing over 1,200 spot trading pairs and offering up to 400x leverage in crypto futures trading. In addition to the traditional spot and derivatives markets, WEEX is expanding rapidly in the AI era — delivering real-time AI news, empowering users with AI trading tools, and exploring innovative trade-to-earn models that make intelligent trading more accessible to everyone. Its 1,000 BTC Protection Fund further strengthens asset safety and transparency, while features such as copy trading and advanced trading tools allow users to follow professional traders and experience a more efficient, intelligent trading journey.

Follow WEEX on social media

X: @WEEX_Official 

Instagram: @WEEX Exchange

 Tiktok: @weex_global 

Youtube: @WEEX_Official 

Discord: WEEX Community 

Telegram: WeexGlobalGroup

LALIGA Match Report: Araujo seals 1–0 win as Barça tighten grip on top spot

In the early hours of March 22 (Beijing Time), Barça edged Rayo Vallecano 1–0 at Camp Nou in a key Round 29 clash. The hard-earned win lifts Barça to 73 points, strengthening their hold on first place.

Barça controlled the game with 61% possession and a sharp 89% passing accuracy (460 passes). Rayo pushed back with intensity, earning 9 corners, but Barça's defense stayed solid. Yellow cards for Raphinha, Yamal, and Cubarsí highlighted the physical edge of the match. Second-half subs like Rashford and Olmo added fresh energy to help see out the result. Rayo remain 14th on 32 points.

WEEX Insights: As the Official LALIGA Partner in HK & TW, WEEX sees Barça’s 89% passing accuracy as a clear example of high execution with minimal error. Staying precise under pressure and finding the breakthrough reflects the same disciplined approach used in rational trading.

LALIGA interactive campaigns are coming soon—stay tuned with WEEX ⚽️

About WEEX

Founded in 2018, WEEX has developed into a global crypto exchange with over 6.2 million users across more than 150 countries. The platform emphasizes security, liquidity, and usability, providing over 1,200 spot trading pairs and offering up to 400x leverage in crypto futures trading. In addition to the traditional spot and derivatives markets, WEEX is expanding rapidly in the AI era — delivering real-time AI news, empowering users with AI trading tools, and exploring innovative trade-to-earn models that make intelligent trading more accessible to everyone. Its 1,000 BTC Protection Fund further strengthens asset safety and transparency, while features such as copy trading and advanced trading tools allow users to follow professional traders and experience a more efficient, intelligent trading journey.

Follow WEEX on social media

X: @WEEX_Official

 Instagram: @WEEX Exchange 

Tiktok: @weex_global 

Youtube: @WEEX_Official 

Discord: WEEX Community 

Telegram: WeexGlobalGroup

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