The U.S. Federal Reserve broke ground on September 17, 2025, by cutting interest rates for the first time since December 2024, lowering the federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 4.00%–4.25%. The move came in response to mounting signals of labor market weakness, alongside inflation that remains above target but showing signs of cooling. While this cut was widely expected, markets had priced nearly a 95%+ chance of a 25bps cut in advance, may mark the start of a broader easing cycle. With the Fed projecting two additional cuts this year and possibly more in 2026, analysts believe this policy inflection could catalyze a once-in-a-generation rally across crypto markets.