Fed Raises Interest Rates by 0.5%, Bitcoin Exhibits Volatility
The Federal Reserve has followed through on its commitment to moderate interest rate hikes, as inflation appears to be coming under control. Fed Increases Rates by 0.5%, Bitcoin Experiences Fluctuations In the early hours of December 15, the Federal Reserve announced its final interest rate adjustment for 2022, raising the benchmark rate by 0.5%. This increase was anticipated, following remarks from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in early November, suggesting a potential slowdown in rate hikes as
The Federal Reserve has followed through on its commitment to moderate interest rate hikes, as inflation appears to be coming under control.

Fed Increases Rates by 0.5%, Bitcoin Experiences Fluctuations
In the early hours of December 15, the Federal Reserve announced its final interest rate adjustment for 2022, raising the benchmark rate by 0.5%. This increase was anticipated, following remarks from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in early November, suggesting a potential slowdown in rate hikes as U.S. inflation showed signs of easing.
In total, the Fed has implemented seven rate hikes in 2022, elevating the key economic parameter from 0.25% to 4.5%. This marks the highest rate imposed by the Fed since the 2008 economic crisis, aimed at curbing U.S. inflation, which has remained at a 40-year high for several months.
However, according to Bloomberg, Fed officials plan to continue the rate hike strategy into 2023, targeting an annual rate of 5.1% before reducing it to 4.1% in 2024.

Fed’s Interest Rate Changes. Source: Trading Economics
During the press conference following the interest rate announcement, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell made several noteworthy statements:
After climbing above $18,000 and reaching a high of $18,387 since November 9, Bitcoin's price adjusted back to $17,700 as the market absorbed the news without significant surprise.

1-Hour BTC/USDT Chart on Binance as of 02:50 AM December 15, 2022
Liquidations over the past 4 hours amounted to just over $41 million, with 61% of these being long positions.

Crypto Liquidation Value in the Past 4 Hours. Source: Coinglass as of 02:50 AM December 15, 2022
Fed officials will reconvene on January 27-28, 2023, to decide on the next interest rate adjustment.