In the ever-evolving world of finance, Bitcoin (BTC) recently experienced a modest 2% boost, courtesy of the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB hinted that its tenth consecutive hike to its main interest rate might be the last.
ECB’s Confidence in Rate Levels
“Based on its current assessment, the Governing Council considers that the key ECB interest rates have reached levels that, maintained for a sufficiently long duration, will make a substantial contribution to the timely return of inflation to the target,” wrote the ECB in a Thursday announcement. This move involved increasing three key ECB interest rates by 0.25%.
Notable Rate Changes
Following this rate hike, the central bank’s rate for its main deposit facility now stands at 4%, a significant increase from the -0.5% in June 2022. Analysts had been casting doubt on whether the ECB would tighten rates again at its September meeting, with markets pricing in a 63% likelihood of a rate hike on Thursday morning.
A Glimpse at the Digital Euro
It’s important to note that the ECB has been diligently working on the development of a digital euro since 2020. This development indicates the central bank’s progressive approach to evolving financial technologies.
Concerns Over Stablecoins
In the ever-changing landscape of finance, stablecoins issued by private companies, such as PayPal, have been a topic of concern. These stablecoins not only pose a threat to the financial stability of the economic sector but could also hinder healthy competition within the market if they were to achieve a dominant and monopolistic position. European Central Bank executive board member Fabio Panetta expressed these concerns, stating that “Private providers of payment services, including PayPal, have no incentive to limit the take-up of their stablecoins or the range of services they provide.”
Inflation and Economic Projections
Despite the rate hike, the current rate still falls short of matching inflation, which the European Central Bank anticipates will average 5.6% in 2023 before gradually reducing to 3.2% in 2024. These revised projections are attributed to an upward revision in the expected pathway for energy prices.
The ECB has noted, “Underlying price pressures remain high, even though most indicators have started to ease. Financing conditions have tightened further and are increasingly dampening demand, which is an important factor in bringing inflation back to target.”
The central bank also anticipates a substantial contraction in euro area economic growth, with a projected growth rate of 0.7% for this year and 1.0% in 2024.
Impact on Investments
The series of rate hikes by the European Central Bank, along with similar moves by the Federal Reserve and other monetary authorities, has had a significant impact on investments in risk assets. This includes stocks and cryptocurrencies, which have witnessed fluctuations since last year. Notably, Bitcoin temporarily rebounded above $30,000 in March 2023 after the Federal Reserve launched its Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) as a liquidity lifeline for banks at risk of contagion from Silicon Valley Bank’s failure that month.
ECB’s Advice on Bitcoin Exposure
The European Central Bank (ECB) has also provided guidance for EU banks regarding their crypto holdings. They expect these banks to implement limits on their crypto holdings even before the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s (BCBS) global standards come into effect in 2025. These standards categorize cryptocurrencies into two groups based on the specific risks they pose, offering banks guidance on how to manage their exposure to each group. Bitcoin, for example, falls into the “unbacked” asset category in group 2 of risky assets.
Bitcoin’s Resilience
While many anticipate that Bitcoin will rebound once central banks reverse course, some, like BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, believe that Bitcoin can thrive in both high and low-interest rate environments. In a recent blog post, Hayes outlined how the unique state of the economy, characterized by negative real yields on bonds despite rising interest rates, might make risk assets like Bitcoin more attractive for yield.
For more tech content like this VisitIT and Tech:https://www.info-tech.online/
BANKING, ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES:https://www.finance-tech.online/
HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICALS:https://www.healthcare-tech.online/
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS:https://www.transport-tech.online/
ENTERTAINMENT, TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY:https://www.entertainment-tech.online/
MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS:https://www.channel-tech.online/
HUMAN RESOURCES COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:https://www.humanresources-tech.online/
MECHANICAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING:https://www.engineering-tech.online/
MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION:https://www.manufact-tech.online/
NON-PROFIT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS:https://www.nonprofit-tech.online/ Want to promote your content?
Visit:https://www.exellius.com/contact-us/ orhttps://www.mediamartech.com/contact-us/c
