Bitcoin’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Powell’s Speech Threatens Market Stability

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming address at the National Association for Business Economics meeting is poised to send ripples through the cryptocurrency markets. With Bitcoin and other digital assets still reeling from last week's $125 billion market wipeout, investors are bracing for heightened volatility. Powell's commentary on U.S. economic outlook and monetary policy comes at a critical juncture for crypto markets, which have shown extreme sensitivity to macroeconomic indicators. The speech could either accelerate the current bearish trend or provide much-needed relief, depending on the Fed's stance on interest rates and inflation control measures. Market participants are closely monitoring the event, as Powell's words may determine whether Bitcoin can hold key support levels or face another downward spiral in this fragile market environment.

Fed Chair Powell's Speech Looms as Crypto Markets Brace for Volatility

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming address at the National Association for Business Economics meeting carries significant weight for digital asset markets. The speech, focused on U.S. economic outlook and monetary policy, comes amid heightened sensitivity to macroeconomic indicators following recent market turmoil.

Crypto markets remain fragile after last week's $125 billion wipeout triggered by renewed U.S.-China trade tensions. Bitcoin's 15% plunge from $122,000 to sub-$102,000 levels demonstrates the sector's continued correlation with traditional risk assets. Over 1.66 million traders faced liquidations during the sell-off, totaling $19.33 billion in positions closed.

Market participants will scrutinize Powell's remarks for clues about interest rate trajectories and quantitative tightening timelines. Any hawkish signals could exacerbate the current crypto downturn, while dovish tones might provide stabilization. The Fed's communication takes on added importance as traders gauge whether recent volatility represents a temporary correction or the start of a broader risk-off cycle.

Canaan Rallies to Six-Month High on Bitcoin Gas-to-Compute Data Center Launch

Canaan Inc. (CAN) surged to a six-month high following the announcement of a pioneering gas-to-compute data center in Canada. The 2.5MW facility will harness excess natural gas flares to power 700 Avalon A15Pro Bitcoin miners, targeting 90% uptime while reducing CO₂ emissions by 12–14K tons annually.

The Calgary-based pilot, developed with Aurora AZ Energy Ltd., represents a strategic shift toward sustainable mining. Canaan's modular systems convert stranded gas into electricity at sub-industry costs, with CEO Nangeng Zhang framing it as "transforming wasted resources into productive energy." The project also explores dual-use capacity for AI computing during non-mining cycles.

Bitcoin Weekly Preview: Trump’s Tariff Playbook and Market Impact

Bitcoin enters the new week with a clear catalyst: renewed tariff tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with a market structure still reeling from record crypto liquidations. The WHITE House's latest trade maneuver follows a predictable script—one that markets have traced with eerie precision.

The Kobeissi Letter's 11-step tariff playbook has unfolded as forecast. From Trump's cryptic posts to Treasury reassurances, each phase aligns with historical patterns. Friday's market crash—triggered by a 100% tariff threat—served as the pivot point. Risk assets tumbled, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7% and Nasdaq falling 3.6%.

Crypto markets now brace for the next act. Past cycles suggest a temporary resolution could propel assets to new highs within weeks. But with Bitcoin's recent volatility, traders are parsing every development for signals.

Kenya Approves Landmark Crypto Regulation Bill, Paving Way for Digital Asset Growth

Kenya's National Assembly has passed the VIRTUAL Asset Service Provider Bill, marking a pivotal step toward formalizing cryptocurrency operations in the country. The legislation designates the central bank as the licensing authority for stablecoins and virtual currencies, while the capital markets regulator will oversee crypto firms.

Finance Committee Chairman Kuria Kimani emphasized the bill addresses longstanding regulatory gaps, positioning Kenya alongside South Africa as Africa's only nations with comprehensive digital asset frameworks. President William Ruto's signature WOULD enact the law, potentially accelerating institutional crypto adoption.

The move follows growing recognition of cryptocurrency's role in financial inclusion across emerging markets. bitcoin advocates celebrated the development on social media, with analysts noting Kenya's 4.5 million crypto users could benefit from enhanced investor protections.

Bitcoin Derivatives Market Resets After $12B Open Interest Wipeout

Bitcoin's derivatives market underwent a violent deleveraging event as open interest plummeted from $47 billion to $35 billion within days. The liquidation cascade, exacerbated by renewed US-China trade tensions, erased over $20 billion in Leveraged positions across crypto markets.

Market structure appears healthier post-flush. The Estimated Leverage Ratio retreated to 2022 levels while Stablecoin Supply Ratio hit April lows - signaling available dry powder for re-entry. Despite the bloodbath, BTC demonstrated resilience by rebounding to $115,000, with analysts interpreting the shakeout as necessary leverage normalization rather than fundamental breakdown.

"This was the market swallowing a bitter pill after weeks of speculative excess," noted Shawn Young of MEXC Research. The derivatives reset comes as traders debate whether Bitcoin's next stop could be $130,000 or another test of lower support levels.

$1B Volume Hits Bitcoin ETF Inflows: Will MicroStrategy Push More

Bitcoin ETF inflows surged between October 1–9, with a notable $1.2 billion entering the asset on October 6 alone. Total assets under management for BTC-listed funds now hover around $158.96 billion, signaling robust institutional interest despite market volatility.

MicroStrategy's continued accumulation of Bitcoin raises questions about whether corporate demand will further amplify ETF inflows. The convergence of institutional and corporate capital could redefine market dynamics in the coming weeks.