Bitcoin managed to stay relatively stable last week, even as altcoins faltered, as the broader crypto market paused in anticipation of a pivotal week packed with macro events and tech earnings. With multiple economic catalysts lining up, traders are watching closely to see how the next few days will shape the next leg of the crypto bull run.
What’s Moving Markets This Week?
This week, three key forces could determine how Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins behave:
- The Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Decision (Wednesday)
- Earnings from tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon
- Ongoing inflows into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
Throw in Trump’s tariff threats and an uptick in inflation, and the stage is set for some serious market volatility.
Fed Rate Decision in Focus
At last check on Sunday, Bitcoin was hovering between $116,000 and $119,000, while Ethereum traded just under the critical $4,000 level. But those numbers could change quickly as we approach Wednesday’s interest rate announcement.
While inflation has ticked up rising from 2.4% in June to 2.7% in July most analysts believe the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at 4.25%–4.50%, despite mounting pressure from President Donald Trump to cut rates. Trump’s push comes as his proposed tariffs stir inflation concerns, and the Fed isn’t taking those lightly.
In addition to the rate decision, markets will closely watch this week’s key economic data, including:
- Tuesday: Consumer Confidence
- Wednesday: GDP Report
- Thursday: Personal Consumption Index
- Friday: Non-Farm Payrolls
These reports will heavily influence future Fed policy and, by extension, crypto prices.
The Magnificent Seven Earnings Season
Another major factor is second-quarter earnings, especially from the so-called “Magnificent Seven” Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, and Meta.
While major banks like JPMorgan and Bank of America have already reported, attention now shifts to tech. So far, earnings season has exceeded expectations, helping push the S&P 500 to record highs and since Bitcoin often tracks the blue-chip index, good results could drive crypto higher.
ETF Inflows Still Positive, But Slowing
Meanwhile, institutional interest in crypto continues. Spot Bitcoin ETFs added $72 million in inflows last week though that was the smallest gain since June. Ethereum ETFs told a different story, bringing in a massive $5.1 billion.
On top of that, corporate crypto accumulation continues to grow. Companies like Strategy, MetaPlanet, and SharpLink are adding to their reserves, adding fuel to long-term bullish sentiment.
Trump’s Tariff Threat Looms
Adding another layer of complexity: Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. On Sunday, a last-minute deal with the EU helped avoid a trade war for now with both sides agreeing to 15% tariffs on major European exports like cars. The pact takes effect August 1.
But deals with other nations South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada are still up in the air. If these countries don’t strike agreements before the deadline, we could see a fresh round of global trade tensions, which typically spook markets, including crypto.
Bottom Line
This week is loaded with risk and opportunity. Between the Fed’s rate call, mega-cap tech earnings, and ETF inflow data, crypto traders have plenty to digest. Add in the uncertainty around Trump’s tariff war, and you have a cocktail of macro pressures that could move markets in either direction.
For now, Bitcoin remains steady, but with the stakes this high, the calm might not last much longer.
