How the Fed impacts stocks, bonds, crypto and other investments

Cryptocurrency Market - In 2022, cryptocurrency prices struggled due to rising interest rates, but began to recover in 2023 and 2024 following the introduction of bitcoin ETFs [1] - By the end of 2025, cryptocurrency prices deteriorated while precious metals reached new highs [1] - The performance of major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum has been volatile, with many coins failing to keep pace with the rise of precious metals [11][12] Stock Market Performance - Major stock indexes, including the S&P 500, experienced a downturn in 2022 but rebounded significantly in 2023, with a 24% increase [2] - The S&P 500 continued to rise by 23% in 2024 and ended 2025 with a 16% annual return after recovering from a downturn related to President Trump's tariffs [2] - The stock market outlook improved as investors gained clarity on the end of rising interest rates in 2023 [3] Interest Rate Impact - The Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times starting in 2022, which significantly affected various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies [4][7] - Interest rates are a primary tool for the Fed to influence economic activity, with lower rates stimulating growth and higher rates slowing it down [5] - The Fed has cut interest rates six times since September 2024, indicating a shift in monetary policy [5] Labor Market and Economic Conditions - The labor market showed signs of slowing but may be at a turning point, with inflation decreasing from its 2025 peak [6] - Economic conditions remain uncertain as policymakers await new data before making further decisions [6] Commodities Market - Precious metals have shown strong performance, while oil prices fluctuated between $70 and $85 in 2024, dropping below $60 in 2025 due to economic concerns [10][14] - The performance of commodities has been mixed, with gold and silver reaching record highs while oil faced challenges [10][14]