Fed Raises Rates by Quarter Point in First Hike Since 2023
The Federal Reserve sets borrowing conditions across the world’s largest economy, with changes in its benchmark rate rippling through Treasury yields, the dollar and global liquidity. Its latest move marks the first increase since July 2023 and signals a renewed tightening bias, an important shift for rate-sensitive markets and speculative assets such as bitcoin and ether.
The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points in a unanimous 12-0 decision, delivering its first hike in more than three years. Bitcoin initially spiked after the announcement before swinging alongside ether, as traders weighed tighter financial conditions against the policy signal. Fed Chair Warsh also emphasized inflation risks, sharpening investors’ focus on the timing and scale of any further rate increases.
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The history behind this eventFed Holds Rates as Three Policymakers Back Hike
The Federal Reserve sets borrowing costs through the Federal Open Market Committee, balancing its goals of stable prices and maximum employment. Inflation has remained above the central bank’s 2% target for more than five years, while the Iran war has lifted energy prices and clouded the economic outlook. Those pressures have intensified debate over whether policy is restrictive enough, with consequences for mortgages, credit cards, business financing and global markets.
On July 29, 2026, the FOMC voted 9-3 to keep the federal funds target range at 3.5%-3.75%, marking a fifth consecutive meeting without a change. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan dissented, preferring a 25-basis-point increase that would have lifted the range to 3.75%-4.00%. The unusually hawkish split underscored mounting concern over persistent inflation and geopolitical risks.
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