Fed Chair Powell: Bitcoin Is ‘Just Like Gold,’ Except That It Is Digital’

As a seasoned economist with years of experience under my belt, I find myself intrigued by Powell’s balanced approach to monetary policy. His ability to navigate through complex economic landscapes is commendable, especially given the potential impact of tariffs on consumer prices and inflation.


On December 4th, during an appearance at The New York Times DealBook Summit, Chair Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve offered a detailed analysis of the American economy, discussed inflation patterns, and shared his perspectives on digital currencies such as Bitcoin.

Economic Condition and Inflation: Powell characterized the U.S. economy as being in a “strong and stable” state, emphasizing strong economic expansion and a solid job market. Although inflation remains an issue, it appears to be slowing down. This economic strength enables the Fed to take a more measured approach when considering lowering interest rates. The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting on December 17-18 will play a significant role in deciding the future direction of monetary policy.

Powell Hints at Gradual Rate Reductions: Due to the economy performing better than anticipated, Powell suggested that the Federal Reserve might approach interest rate reductions with caution. He pointed out that while the economy is growing strongly, inflation is still slightly above target, calling for a careful balance. Although the Fed’s intention to lower rates in 2025 is evident, the exact size of these cuts remains unclear. Powell underscored the importance of reaching an interest rate level that maintains economic growth at a steady pace.

Possible Consequences of Tariff Increases: Powell discussed the possible consequences of Donald Trump, the President-elect, increasing tariffs, which might influence consumer prices and maintain high inflation rates. Nevertheless, he emphasized that it is too soon for the Fed to make policy decisions concerning these potential tariffs because their details and global responses are still unclear.

In my role as an analyst, I find myself navigating a multifaceted governance landscape, considering the historical criticisms of the Federal Reserve by President Trump. However, I remain optimistic about my professional rapport with the incoming Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and anticipate our working relationship to be fruitful, much like those I’ve had with previous Treasury secretaries in the past.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies: Powell drew parallels between Bitcoin and gold, likening it more to a speculative investment than a practical means of transaction. He pointed out Bitcoin’s unpredictable nature and its challenge to gold rather than the U.S. dollar. Powell underscored the Federal Reserve’s priority in preventing crypto-related activities from jeopardizing banks’ stability. He made it clear that the Fed does not have direct control over cryptocurrencies, and when prompted, he admitted that he is prohibited from personally owning any form of crypto.

Read More

2024-12-05 13:19