The Fed Is In Crisis Over Rate Cuts

Federal Reserve & Monetary Policy - A crisis is underway at the Federal Reserve, with Jerome Powell facing a revolt from fellow central bankers due to disagreements on monetary policy [1][2][6] - Two Fed governors dissented at the same meeting in July, a rare occurrence not seen since 1993, signaling potential cracks in the central bank's armor [4][6] - There's nearly an even split among voting members of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) regarding a December rate cut, with approximately 63% odds assigned by the market to a rate cut and 95% odds on Poly Market for a 25 basis point cut [6][7] - The author anticipates the central bank will likely cut another 25 basis points, despite preferring a 50 basis point cut to bring interest rates below 3% [13][14] - Market chaos is expected if the Fed doesn't cut interest rates, as financial markets are anticipating cheap capital [16] Economic Data & Poverty Line - The traditional poverty line calculation, based on a 1963 formula of food costs multiplied by three, may be outdated due to significant changes in household spending patterns [17][21][22] - Applying the original poverty line logic to current spending patterns suggests a modern poverty line for a family of four could be between $130,000 and $150,000 per year [25][26] - Two-thirds of Americans may be living below this modern poverty line, indicating the economic data may be inaccurate and not reflecting people's actual financial struggles [27][28] Bitcoin & Market Volatility - Bitcoin has experienced a 35% drawdown from its all-time high, which is considered a healthy reset in the context of its historical volatility [41] - Over the last decade, Bitcoin has drawn down 30% or more 21 times, with seven of those drawdowns being 50% or more [39] - Bitcoin's volatility may be decreasing, potentially leading to smaller drawdowns (around 40% instead of 80%) [42] - Despite recent price drops, the S&P is only about 5% off all-time highs, and most markets around the world are up double digits, suggesting a broader bull trend [30][37]