The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by 0.25% today, making it the first cut in five years and reducing it to 3.75%. Crypto industry experts shared with Crypto Briefing that this movement is important for different reasons, as it raises important questions about stablecoins in the European Union and the demand for Bitcoin in the Eurozone.Aurelie Barthere, Principal Research analyst at Nansen, explained that the ECB’s rate cut was already priced in by the markets, so investors shouldn’t have surprises.
“In general, the ECB has less influence than the Fed on crypto markets, and the ECB follows the Fed, not the other way around. The reason why the ECB cut earlier than the Fed is the weakness of growth in the Eurozone vs the US,” Barthere added.
As reported by BBC, Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB said the outlook for inflation had improved “markedly”, paving the way for the rate cut. Yet, Lagarde warned investors to keep their hopes in check, as inflation might average 2.5% in 2024, and the ECB would keep interest rate policy “sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary.”Nevertheless, the ECB decision might benefit the crypto market indirectly, highlighted Eneko Knörr, CEO of Stabolut. “While European economic policies might not have a direct influence on global crypto trends, lower interest rates generally drive investors toward higher-risk, higher-return assets,” he explained.As a result, crypto might become more attractive as investors seek better yields. Therefore, the rate cut could boost interest in crypto as part of a broader search for higher returns.Moreover, Bitfinex analysts assessed that this move aims to stimulate economic growth amid signs of a slowdown in the Eurozone, although this might weaken the euro. This is good news for crypto, as investors in the European Union could ramp up their demand for alternative assets like Bitcoin. “The increased liquidity from this monetary easing could also support risk assets, including crypto.”Kevin de Patoul, CEO of Keyrock, is also keen to believe that the rate cuts are a bullish signal for markets with higher risks and potential returns. Additionally, the stablecoin sector in the Eurozone might witness a significant impact.
“This move raises important questions about the future of EURO stablecoins, especially in light of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation coming into effect in June. The rate cut could significantly impact the financial outlook for EURO stablecoin issuers.”
Weighing if this decision affects the FOMC meeting next week in the US, Knörr stated that the Fed decisions are largely irrelevant to ECB actions, and vice-versa. However, the ECB’s rate cut might signal to markets that inflation concerns may be easing.
