Asia Morning Briefing: Equities Rally on Rate-Cut Bets, Crypto Stays Cautious
Asian markets opened higher on September 9, 2025, as equities rallied on renewed bets that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at its September 17 FOMC meeting. The dovish shift in monetary policy expectations has lifted regional indexes
Equities Rally on Rate-Cut Momentum
Markets across Asia gained ground as rate-cut optimism grows.
- Fed Expectations:
- 87% probability of a 0.25% rate cut on September 17 (per CME FedWatch)
- Powell’s recent Jackson Hole speech signaled labor market softness and inflation control
- Regional Market Gains:
- Nikkei 225: +1.2%
- Hang Seng: +1.8%
- ASX 200: +0.9%
- Sector Rotation:
- Tech and crypto-linked stocks (e.g., Robinhood, Coinbase) outperform
- Gold holds strong at $2,540/oz, reflecting hedging demand
With 88 global rate cuts already in 2025, the U.S. is now seen as the last major central bank to pivot.
Crypto Stays Cautious Ahead of Key Catalysts
Digital assets are consolidating, not retreating.
- Bitcoin (BTC):
- Current Price: $111,830 – $112,200
- Holding above $100K for 123 consecutive days — a new era of stability
- ETF inflows remain steady (BlackRock, Fidelity)
- Ethereum (ETH):
- Price: $4,350
- Spot ETH ETFs attract $280M weekly inflows
- EIP-4844 and Firedancer boost scalability narrative
- XRP:
- Price: $2.98 → $2.99
- Building toward $3.20 breakout; $2.85 support holds
- CME futures volume remains high — institutional interest intact
Despite the calm, on-chain activity shows whale accumulation and exchange outflows, suggesting strength beneath the surface.
Key Developments
- Solana (SOL):
- $208.50, up +2.1% — SOL Strategies (STKE) set to list on Nasdaq tomorrow
- Regulatory Watch:
- HR 5166 advances in U.S. House — bill mandates Treasury to create Bitcoin custody plan
- Could pave way for federal strategic BTC reserves
- Market Sentiment:
- Fear & Greed Index: 48 (Neutral)
- Investors in wait-and-see mode ahead of PCE inflation data and FOMC
Final Takeaway: Macro Leads, Crypto Waits
- ✅ Equities rise on Fed rate-cut hopes
- ✅ Crypto consolidates with strong fundamentals
- ✅ Bitcoin holds $112K, XRP eyes $3.20, SOL gains on Nasdaq news
While stocks charge ahead,
crypto is loading the cannon—
quietly, deliberately, and ready for the next move.
