The U.S. SEC clarifies that broker-dealers holding stablecoins can count them as net capital at a 2% discount

Bank of America: Surging Oil Prices May Prompt Bank of Canada Rate Hike, Traders Have Priced In Expectations

Bank of America economists said that the Bank of Canada may maintain interest rates unchanged in 2026, but faces risk of rate hikes due to energy price volatility. The economist expects the central bank governor will focus on the uncertainty of Middle East conflicts on the economy and the impact of rising oil prices. Traders have begun to anticipate a possible rate hike by the end of 2026.

Macquarie adjusts forecast: The Federal Reserve may raise interest rates in the first half of 2027

Gate News report: On March 17th, international investment bank Macquarie released its latest forecast, predicting that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in the first half of 2027. Previously, Macquarie's forecast was that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2026. This latest forecast pushes back the rate hike timeline by approximately half a year.

Mysterious Trader Bets Federal Reserve Will Maintain High Rates Long-Term, Profits Around $10 Million from SOFR Options Trading

On March 17, a short-term interest rate options trade betting on the Federal Reserve maintaining higher rates for an extended period closed for a profit of approximately $10 million, exiting ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. The core thesis of the trade predicted that U.S. interest rates in 2028 would be higher than market expectations. Driven by inflation concerns, the market has downward-revised its expectations for rate cuts.

Trump Intensifies Pressure on Fed, Demanding "Immediate" Rate Cuts

Trump is calling for the Federal Reserve to immediately convene a special meeting to cut rates, emphasizing that now is the time for action and noting that lower interest rates would help reduce national debt servicing costs and stimulate the economy. Despite his pressure, market expectations for this rate cut remain low, as the Federal Reserve faces challenges from inflation and rising oil prices and may not quickly adjust policy. The crypto market has already priced in expectations of no rate cut, with focus shifting to the Federal Reserve's future policy direction.

DeFi Education Fund and Beba Withdraw SEC Airdrop Lawsuit, Crypto Regulatory Climate Shifts to More Lenient Stance

DeFi Education Fund and Beba have withdrawn their lawsuits against the SEC, reflecting that the SEC's cryptocurrency regulation is gradually becoming more relaxed under new leadership, particularly on airdrop policies. Industry insiders believe this will provide more legal certainty for DeFi projects, attract greater institutional participation, and will impact market sentiment and investment strategies in the crypto market.

Bitcoin Breaks Through $75,000: Capital Inflow and Supply Tightening Create Momentum, Probability of Reaching $80,000 Rises to 56%

Bitcoin surged during Asian early trading, breaking through $75,000 and reaching new highs, with gains extending to an eighth consecutive trading day, signaling recovery in market sentiment. Declining exchange inflows and heightened whale trading activity reinforce the upward momentum. Capital is shifting from gold to Bitcoin, though macro uncertainty remains. $75,000 has become key support, and future trends face testing.