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On March 30, 2026, the financial markets experienced a day of striking contrasts. While Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Fed, eased concerns about interest rates, the rise in oil sent stocks and cryptocurrencies plummeting. A market capitalization of nearly $1.3 trillion disappeared in a matter of hours.
In short
- Jerome Powell confirms status quo on Fed rates and calms bond markets.
- Oil at $105 and geopolitical statements cause $1.3 trillion drop in S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
- Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies follow a downward trend and show their increased correlation with stock markets during crises.
Fed: Jerome Powell’s statement calms bond markets
Jerome Powell clarified the Fed’s stance during a speech at Harvard, saying that the central bank does not foresee an immediate increase in interest rates. The announcement, days after Trump called for an urgent rate cut, had a direct impact on bond markets:
- 10-year Treasury yields fell to 4.35%;
- while two-year yields fell to 3.83%.
Moreover, the probability of a rate hike in 2026, estimated at 25% before his statements, fell to 5%. Bond investors, reassured by this currency stability, have seen their assets regain attractiveness. Moreover, the Fed appears determined to maintain accommodative policy despite inflationary pressures from rising oil. But this calm is in stark contrast to the storm that has rocked other markets.
Oil and geopolitics sink stocks and cryptocurrencies
As the Fed tried to calm the markets, oil prices breached $105 a barrel, a level not seen since 2022. The rise immediately hit the stock markets:
- The S&P 500 eventually plunged after a brief rebound, erasing a huge amount of points in a matter of hours;
- Nasdaq futures followed the same path, hitting their lowest level since August 2025.
Unfortunately, cryptocurrencies were not spared. After briefly breaching $67,000, Bitcoin retreated to $66,500, erasing its early gains. This correlation between stocks and cryptocurrencies is explained by investors fleeing to less risky assets in uncertain times.
In addition, geopolitical tensions, especially Iran’s statements and Trump’s statements, have exacerbated this volatility and created an unprecedented atmosphere of instability. More than $1.3 trillion in market capitalization was wiped out in less than 24 hours, highlighting the markets’ vulnerability to external shocks.
This March 30, 2026 revealed the limits of the Fed’s influence against geopolitical and economic upheavals. While bond markets find respite, stocks and cryptocurrencies are bearing the brunt of rising oil. Do you think this volatility is just a passing episode or a sign of a deeper trend?
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The world is evolving and adaptation is the best weapon to survive in this wavy universe. Originally a manager of the crypto community, I am interested in anything directly or indirectly related to blockchain and its derivatives. In order to share my experiences and promote a field that I am passionate about, there is nothing better than writing informative and relaxed articles.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Before making any investment decision, do your own research.
