Fed's Cook Signals Rate Hike Readiness: How the September FOMC Risk Is Hitting Crypto

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said on August 6 that she is "prepared to increase interest rates if inflation does not show signs of easing," a statement that landed while Bitcoin was trading at $64,341. The Fed held its funds rate at 3.50%-3.75% at the July FOMC meeting, but Cook's remarks made clear the pause is not a pivot. With U.S. CPI running at 3.7% year-over-year (170 basis points above the Fed's 2% target), the September meeting is now a live risk event for anyone holding crypto. Key Takeaways Fed Governor Lisa Cook signaled readiness for another rate hike on August 6, with rates currently at 3.50%-3.75% and CPI at 3.7% year-over-year. Bitcoin traded at $64,341 on August 7, up 2…