Search results for Michael Barr
Crypto
Bitcoin edges lower as odds of October Fed rate hike jump to 75 percent
Bitcoin slips back to around $84,490 as markets factor in a greater chance of additional U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes amid rising inflation concerns. CME FedWatch puts the probability of an October rate increase at about 75 percent and December at about 59 percent. The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage point on Sept. 16 to a 3.75 to 4 percent target range. Most major cryptocurrencies move lower or flat, while derivatives liquidations total $348.33 million.
Crypto
Fed proposes mandatory customer identification for payment stablecoin issuers
The U.S. Federal Reserve has issued a draft rule that would require payment stablecoin issuers to conduct customer identification checks. The proposal would require issuers to collect legal name, date of birth or formation, physical address and a government ID number before opening a new customer account. The Fed will take public comments for 60 days. The move follows the Genius Act signed in July 2025 and aligns with other U.S. agencies\' stablecoin-related rulemaking.
AI & Enterprise
AI infrastructure investment seen at $800 billion, shaking bitcoin liquidity recovery scenario
A surge in investment in AI infrastructure is emerging as a new growth driver for the U.S. economy but is also seen as a burden for bitcoin, as it could stoke inflation and delay Federal Reserve rate cuts. Goldman Sachs forecasts AI capital spending nearing $800 billion in 2026. Investors see a high chance of rates being held steady at the June FOMC meeting. Bitcoin has fallen below $62,000 and spot ETF outflows have extended to 11 sessions.
