The U.S. SEC clarifies that broker-dealers holding stablecoins can count them as net capital at a 2% discount

Oxford Economics: Expects Bank of Japan to Delay Rate Hike from June to July

Oxford Economics expects the Bank of Japan to postpone its rate hike timeline from June to July, with continued rate increases through 2027. Due to rising energy costs, inflation will re-accelerate, with core CPI not expected to return to 2% until the second quarter of 2027. Meanwhile, real GDP growth forecasts have been downgraded to 0.3%.

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rate at 0.75% as Expected; Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Prices Higher, Becoming New Variable for Rate Hikes

The Bank of Japan maintained its policy rate at 0.75% in its March 19 decision and indicated that further rate hikes may be possible as the economic outlook improves. It particularly emphasized that oil price increases triggered by Middle East tensions will impact inflation. Market expectations suggest potential rate hikes could resume in May or July, with ongoing attention needed to the risks of yen carry trades.

Sompo Economist: Bank of Japan Has Not Abandoned Tightening Stance, Continues to Signal Further Rate Hikes

Sompo Research Institute economist Masato Koike points out that yen weakness is affecting the Bank of Japan's rate hike decision. Despite differing opinions, the central bank maintains its tightening stance. Market volatility and Middle East tensions may impact the pace of rate hikes. Koike will pay attention to Governor Ueda's position and response regarding relations with the Takagi administration.

ETF Absorbs Over $1.1 Billion Yet Struggles to Rescue the Market? Powell and Oil Prices Team Up to Put Pressure On, Bitcoin Breaks Key Support

Despite Bitcoin ETF inflows of $1.16 billion, Bitcoin price pulled back to $71,000, declining over 4%. Analysts attribute the pullback to interest rate expectations and inflation pressures, while ETF inflows indicate that institutions view Bitcoin as a long-term asset. The weakness in U.S. equities has also impacted the crypto market.

Prediction Markets Bet on Prolonged Iran Conflict, Fed Hawks Suppress Bitcoin Price

According to Polymarket data, the probability of a ceasefire between the US and Iran by March 31 is 7%, indicating the market's pessimistic view on the conflict. The Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to keep interest rates unchanged and raised its inflation expectations for 2026, under which impact Bitcoin fell nearly 4% to $71,017. Market volatility simultaneously affected Brent crude oil and the stock market, demonstrating the complex situation resulting from the interweaving of various factors.

Gold and Bitcoin decline simultaneously by 3.6% and 4.6%, respectively, as the global market faces stagflation shocks.

On March 19, escalating geopolitical conflicts and hawkish Federal Reserve policies exposed global markets to stagflation pressures driven by oil. Rising oil prices, coupled with declining equities and metals, also impacted cryptocurrencies. Macroeconomic dynamics revealed intensifying energy tensions and widespread risk-averse sentiment across markets.