Powell’s pivot: How Jackson Hole reshaped markets and what comes nex

Powell’s pivot: How Jackson Hole reshaped markets and what comes nex

The financial landscape presents a compelling narrative of shifting tides and strategic recalibration as we navigate the final stretch of August. Recent developments emerging from Jackson Hole have fundamentally reshaped market expectations, creating a domino effect across asset classes that demands careful dissection.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s carefully calibrated remarks last Friday did far more than hint at potential policy shifts; they effectively slammed the door on prolonged restrictive monetary policy while opening a wide window for immediate easing.

This pivot represents a significant departure from the Fed’s previous stance and carries profound implications for investors globally. Market participants responded with characteristic speed, pushing major US indices to fresh record highs as the S&P 500 gained 1.52 per cent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq surged 1.88 per cent.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average joined this upward trajectory, climbing 1.89 per cent to touch uncharted territory, a development underscored by the US government’s strategic investment in a major semiconductor manufacturer, which provided additional tailwinds for industrial and technology sectors.

Inflation cools, optimism rises

This renewed optimism stems directly from Powell’s acknowledgement that inflation has sufficiently cooled to warrant policy adjustment. His speech deliberately avoided the cautious hedging that characterised previous communications, instead emphasising the Fed’s readiness to act decisively should inflation continue its descent toward the two per cent target.

The immediate market reaction proved remarkably consistent across fixed income and currency markets. Treasury yields tumbled across the curve with the benchmark 10-year note falling 7.4 basis points to 4.254 per cent, while the two-year note dropped 9.5 basis points to 3.696 per cent. This yield compression reflects investor conviction that the current restrictive policy stance is temporary.

Concurrently, the US Dollar Index retreated 0.92 per cent as capital flowed toward risk assets while gold prices rebounded one per cent on the dual catalysts of dollar weakness and heightened rate cut anticipation. These movements collectively signal a powerful shift in market psychology where the so-called Fed put, the implicit promise of central bank support during market stress, has been reactivated with unusual clarity.

Earnings season exposes a split reality

The earnings season provides a critical counterpoint to this macro optimism, revealing a more nuanced corporate reality beneath the surface. While the much-discussed Magnificent Seven technology giants delivered robust results exceeding lowered expectations, the broader market tells a different story. Analysis of S&P 500 earnings revisions shows a troubling pattern of downward adjustments for the remaining 493 companies.

This bifurcation creates a dangerous illusion where headline index performance masks underlying weakness in the economic mainstream. Investors now turn their attention to the final wave of quarterly reports from key technology players, including Nvidia, CrowdStrike, Snowflake, and Autodesk, alongside consumer stalwarts Lululemon and Dollar General.

These results will serve as crucial stress tests for both the technology sector’s growth trajectory and consumer resilience amid persistent inflationary pressures. The market eagerly awaits these reports not merely for individual company performance but for what they reveal about broader economic health and corporate pricing power.

Asia’s liquidity pressures and regional sentiment

Asian markets present their own complex dynamics, particularly Hong Kong’s interbank rate market, which has exhibited unusual volatility. The one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate Hibor has surged dramatically from 1.0 per cent on August 11 to 2.77 per cent as of August 22.

This sharp increase reflects significant tightening in short-term liquidity conditions, likely driven by seasonal funding demands and potential regulatory adjustments. Such movements warrant close monitoring as they can transmit stress through global financial channels.

Despite these regional headwinds, Asian equity markets opened higher during early trading sessions today, suggesting regional investors remain influenced by the broader risk-on sentiment emanating from Powell’s comments. Yet US equity index futures currently indicate a potential pullback at today’s open, introducing an element of caution that underscores the market’s fragile equilibrium.

Crypto’s reaction: from Bitcoin to Ethereum

The cryptocurrency sector experienced particularly dramatic fluctuations following Powell’s speech, creating a fascinating case study in market psychology and whale behaviour. Bitcoin initially surged above US$67 000 following the dovish Fed commentary as traders anticipated lower interest rates would boost risk asset valuations.

However, this rally proved short-lived with the digital asset subsequently declining approximately two per cent. Blockchain analytics firms identified significant movement by large holders shifting substantial Bitcoin positions into Ethereum, a trend that accelerated over the weekend.

Lookonchain data revealed one prominent wallet recently converted part of its 100,784 Bitcoin holdings to acquire 62,914 Ethereum tokens while simultaneously establishing a large derivatives position. This strategic rotation by major players suggests a fundamental reassessment of digital asset allocation priorities, where Ethereum increasingly appears as the preferred vehicle for institutional exposure to the crypto ecosystem.

Ethereum’s technical indicators present both opportunity and warning signs that demand careful interpretation. The cryptocurrency’s 30 day Market Value to Realised Value MVRV ratio has reached 15 per cent a threshold historically associated with profit taking and potential corrections.

Analytics firm Santiment explicitly warns that this constitutes a danger zone that could trigger selling pressure if Ethereum fails to break US$5,000 in the near term. Yet this short-term caution contrasts with the more favourable long-term MVRV ratio of 58.5 per cent, indicating substantial unrealised gains for patient holders.

Additional bullish signals include the declining supply of Ethereum held on exchanges, which suggests growing investor confidence and reduced immediate selling pressure. Combined with rising staking participation and expanding decentralised finance DeFi activity, these fundamentals position Ethereum as the structural cornerstone of the crypto economy rather than merely a speculative alternative.

Strategic imperatives for investors

For investors navigating this complex environment, several strategic imperatives emerge clearly.

First, the renewed viability of the Fed puts creates a tactical opportunity to accumulate quality assets during periods of volatility. Well-capitalised investors should view market pullbacks as entry points for fundamentally strong companies, particularly those demonstrating pricing power and resilient cash flows.

Second, the rotation from Bitcoin to Ethereum observed among major holders warrants serious consideration as it reflects a maturation of institutional crypto strategies. Dollar cost averaging into Ethereum provides a prudent approach to managing volatility while maintaining exposure to the asset’s long-term potential.

Third, investors should actively hedge existing cryptocurrency positions using options or futures contracts to protect against potential corrections, especially given the current MVRV warning signals.

Fourth, attention must remain fixed on Ethereum’s technological roadmap, where continued protocol upgrades like further implementation of EIP 4844 will drive sustainable value creation beyond mere speculation.

The road ahead: Volatility and value

The coming weeks will test the durability of this optimistic market posture as investors confront key data points, including the August CPI inflation report, consumer sentiment figures, and potential developments on trade policy. Historical precedent suggests September often brings increased market volatility; the current environment differs significantly from past cycles due to the Fed’s explicit commitment to policy normalisation.

While technical indicators show investor positioning has become somewhat extended, introducing near-term correction risks, the fundamental backdrop of potential rate cuts, combined with resilient corporate earnings, supports continued market advancement. The critical distinction this time involves the quality of the underlying assets driving the market.

Unlike previous cycles, where broad-based speculation fuelled gains, the current environment rewards careful stock selection focused on companies with demonstrable earnings power and sustainable competitive advantages.

This nuanced market landscape demands intellectual rigour and disciplined analysis from investors. The days of indiscriminate buying are over, replaced by an era requiring a granular understanding of both macroeconomic currents and individual company fundamentals.

Powell’s Jackson Hole speech has reset market expectations in profound ways, creating both opportunity and risk that will define investment outcomes for the remainder of 2024. Investors who combine patience with strategic precision while avoiding emotional reactions to short-term volatility will best position themselves to navigate the complex months ahead.

The market’s message is unambiguous: lower rates are coming, but their arrival does not guarantee universal gains. Success will belong to those who recognise that the Fed’s policy shift merely creates favourable conditions; the real work of identifying enduring value remains squarely the investor’s responsibility.

As we move toward September’s pivotal Federal Reserve meeting, the financial world watches with bated breath, knowing that the decisions made in the coming weeks will reverberate through markets for years to come.

 

Source: https://e27.co/powells-pivot-how-jackson-hole-reshaped-markets-and-what-comes-next-20250825/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

Bitcoin’s big moment: Can crypto shine as stocks stumble before Jackson Hole?

Bitcoin’s big moment: Can crypto shine as stocks stumble before Jackson Hole?

Investors face a muted global risk sentiment, with attention firmly fixed on the Jackson Hole symposium starting today and culminating in Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech tomorrow.

This annual gathering in Wyoming often sets the tone for monetary policy, and with recent data showing a cooling US labour market and persistent inflation concerns, markets anticipate signals on potential rate cuts. President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire by demanding Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook resign over mortgage fraud allegations, a move that underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the central bank.

Such political pressure could amplify volatility, especially as the Fed navigates a delicate balance between supporting growth and taming prices. In my view, this environment highlights the fragility of investor confidence, where policy missteps could trigger sharper corrections, but also opens opportunities for resilient assets like cryptocurrencies to shine amid traditional market wobbles.

US stock markets extended their downward trajectory yesterday, reflecting waning enthusiasm for technology stocks, particularly in artificial intelligence sectors that drove much of the earlier rally. The S&P 500 dipped 0.24 per cent, the Nasdaq fell 0.67 per cent, and the Dow Jones eked out a modest 0.04 per cent gain.

Consumer discretionary stocks lagged significantly, dropping 1.2 per cent, as the administration broadened tariffs on steel and aluminum to include various consumer goods. This expansion aligns with Trump’s protectionist agenda, which he has touted as a way to bolster domestic manufacturing, but it risks escalating trade tensions and inflating costs for businesses and consumers alike.

These tariffs represent a double edged sword: they protect certain industries in the short term but could stifle broader economic momentum, especially if retaliatory measures from trading partners emerge. Recent data from Schwab’s market update shows major indexes sputtering after a featureless session, with tech arresting its slide but only inching up, underscoring limited buying interest amid elevated price-to-earnings ratios. Investors appear cautious, weighing the potential for a soft landing against the reality of slowing growth.

Bond markets offered a slight reprieve, with US Treasury yields inching lower. The 10-year yield slipped one basis point to 4.28 per cent, while the two-year yield also declined one basis point to 3.74 per cent. This modest dip reflects expectations of easing monetary policy, as traders bet on rate cuts to support the economy. The spread between the 10-year and two-year yields remains a focal point, with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data indicating positive values that could imply future growth, though negative spreads have historically signalled downturns.

In my opinion, these yield movements suggest markets price in a dovish Fed pivot at Jackson Hole, where Powell’s speech could confirm or dash hopes for a September rate cut. Previews from Investing.com highlight all eyes on Powell as the Fed navigates a policy tightrope amid stagflation fears. If history serves as a guide, insurance cuts like those in 2019 have boosted equities, but reactive cuts during recessions often coincide with weaker returns.

Currencies and commodities presented a mixed picture. The US Dollar Index closed largely unchanged at 98.22, providing little directional cue. Gold climbed 0.9 per cent to US$3,345 per ounce, benefiting from a softer dollar and safe-haven demand ahead of Jackson Hole. Brent crude advanced 1.6 per cent to US$67 per barrel, spurred by reports of a six-million-barrel drop in US crude inventories.

Oil prices gained slightly in Asian trading, with larger-than-expected declines in crude and fuel supporting the uptick, as noted by Reuters. I see gold’s resilience as a hedge against uncertainty, particularly with geopolitical risks like the ongoing Russia-Ukraine talks between Trump and Putin potentially easing sanctions on Russian oil. Commodities like these often thrive when traditional assets falter, and the current setup reinforces their role in diversified portfolios.

Asian markets mirrored the global unease, closing mixed yesterday with sharp losses in export-reliant economies. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.51 per cent, and Taiwan’s index dropped 2.99 per cent, driven by a weak July export report from Japan. Early trading today showed most indices opening higher, but caution prevails.

Bloomberg reports updated stock indexes in Asia-Pacific, with China e-commerce stocks’ 230 per cent rally at risk amid concerns. These declines stem from tariff fears and slowing global demand, yet the rebound in early sessions indicates bargain hunting. US equity futures point to a lower open, aligning with the broader wait-and-see approach before Jackson Hole.

Shifting to cryptocurrencies, recent insights from Glassnode illuminate intriguing divisions among Bitcoin investors. The “First Buyers” group increased their stakes by 10 per cent, seizing opportunities during market dips, while “Conviction Buyers” also bolstered holdings by 10 per cent, adopting a cautious yet hopeful stance.

Profit-Takers offloaded 5.4 per cent more assets to capitalise on gains, and Loss Sellers emerged, shedding positions amid creeping losses. Glassnode’s on-chain analysis reveals short-term holders selling at a loss for the first time in seven months, a trend that rings alarm bells but could signal a necessary market reset.

X posts from Glassnode highlight limited realised losses, suggesting newer Bitcoin investors defend their cost basis near US$112,000.

From my standpoint, these shifts underscore Bitcoin’s maturing ecosystem, where long-term holders exhibit resilience, but short-term volatility tests newcomers. The STH-SOPR dipping below 1 mirrors past corrections, yet the average unrealised loss of 10.6 per cent among short-term holders indicates panic selling that might create buying opportunities for institutions.

Institutional interest remains a cornerstone of Bitcoin’s stability, with anticipated ETF inflows amplifying demand despite macroeconomic headwinds. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded US$3.37 billion in net inflows last week, pushing Bitcoin from US$116,000 to US$124,000 before a pullback.

Cumulative inflows stand at US$54.85 billion, with assets under management at US$150.9 billion, even as recent outflows hit US$643 million. Trump’s executive order allowing cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans opens the door for broader adoption, potentially injecting billions from retirement savings.

The Department of Labor rescinded 2022 guidance discouraging crypto in plans, democratising access to alternative assets. I believe this policy shift marks a pivotal moment, bridging traditional finance and crypto, though risks like volatility persist for retirement investors.

Bitcoin’s consolidation ripples through altcoins like Ethereum and Solana, with Bitcoin’s market dominance at approximately 58.89 per cent. CoinMarketCap charts show Bitcoin dominance at 59.62 per cent, a slight uptick reflecting its safe-haven status. Ethereum ETFs outpaced Bitcoin inflows for five straight days, with corporate treasuries accumulating ETH amid falling exchange supply. This interdependence means Bitcoin’s stability bolsters altcoins, but a breakout above key resistance could trigger broader rallies. Solana, in particular, benefits from its speed and low fees, positioning it for growth if institutional flows diversify.

Hong Kong’s foray into spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs adds an international dimension, with recent debuts showing cautious investor appetite. MicroBit Capital Management launched ETFs tracking US dollar prices of Bitcoin and Ether, with the Bitcoin ETF (stock code 3430) rising 0.1 per cent to HK$7.82 (US$1.00) and the Ether ETF (3425) up 2.8 per cent to HK$8.03 (US$1.03).

Trading volumes reached about HK$29.68 million (US$3.80 million), per SoSoValue, contrasting with US euphoria but aligning with new stablecoin rules. Pando Finance teamed with OSL Exchange for its Bitcoin ETF launch on July 18, powered by CME CF benchmarks. Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime, effective August 1, requires licenses for issuers, with the first batch expected early next year. The HKMA’s public registry for licensed issuers enhances transparency. I regard this as a strategic move to position Hong Kong as a crypto hub, potentially attracting Asian capital and fostering innovation in fiat-backed stablecoins for trade and payments.

Overall, these developments paint a picture of interconnected markets navigating uncertainty. Traditional assets grapple with tariffs and policy risks, while cryptocurrencies demonstrate resilience through institutional backing and regulatory progress. Jackson Hole could catalyse shifts: a dovish Powell might ignite risk appetite, lifting stocks and crypto, whereas hawkish tones could strengthen the dollar and pressure yields. X discussions emphasise the symposium’s importance, with investors parsing every nuance.

In my experience, such events often precede turning points, and with Bitcoin’s on-chain metrics showing conviction among long-term holders despite short-term pain, I remain optimistic on its trajectory. The US allowing crypto in 401(k)s could unleash trillions in fresh capital, bridging generations of investors. Yet, caution prevails—volatility remains high, and diversified approaches win in the long run. As we await Powell’s words, markets hold their breath, but history favours those who adapt swiftly to emerging trends.

 

Source: https://e27.co/bitcoins-big-moment-can-crypto-shine-as-stocks-stumble-before-jackson-hole-20250821/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

Jackson Hole looms: Can Powell save markets from a global risk meltdown?

Jackson Hole looms: Can Powell save markets from a global risk meltdown?

The global financial landscape presented a picture of cautious stability, with investors navigating a mix of easing geopolitical tensions and lingering uncertainties ahead of the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium later in the week. Risk sentiment held steady, buoyed by slight improvements in US fiscal outlooks and a softening of immediate concerns over international conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump’s recent affirmations of support for Ukraine, coupled with optimistic remarks about a potential summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, contributed to a modest dip in Brent crude oil prices, which fell 1.2 per cent amid growing hopes for a ceasefire.

This development rippled through energy markets, underscoring how diplomatic signals can swiftly influence commodity valuations in an interconnected world. The broader narrative remained fixated on the Fed’s upcoming gathering, where Chair Jerome Powell’s speech could provide critical clues about interest rate trajectories amid a slowing but resilient US economy.

In the US equity markets, the session unfolded with a tech-led retreat that highlighted vulnerabilities in an index heavily reliant on a handful of megacap names. The S&P 500 closed down 0.59 per cent at around 6414 points, erasing some of the gains from the previous week’s rebound and snapping a brief streak of optimism.

The Nasdaq Composite bore the brunt of the selling pressure, tumbling 1.46 per cent as investors rotated out of high-growth technology stocks amid fresh doubts about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom. Nvidia, a bellwether for the sector, plunged 3.5 per cent, dragging down peers and exposing the market’s narrow breadth despite over 350 S&P constituents posting gains; the index’s fate hinged on a few giants.

In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a marginal 0.02 per cent increase, supported by resilient performances in non-tech sectors like retail, where Home Depot’s earnings provided a lift. This divergence illustrated a market grappling with rotation themes, as value-oriented and cyclical stocks attempted to reclaim ground from the growth darlings that have dominated 2025’s narrative.

Bond markets offered a counterpoint of calm, with US Treasury yields dipping as traders sought safety. The two-year note yield declined two basis points to 3.75 per cent. In comparison, the benchmark 10-year yield fell 3 basis points to 4.30 per cent, reflecting tempered expectations for aggressive Fed tightening in light of recent data showing inflation pressures easing but not vanishing entirely.

Currency and commodity dynamics further painted a picture of measured adjustment rather than outright panic. The US Dollar Index edged up 0.1 per cent, steadying against a basket of peers as investors weighed the implications of a potentially hawkish Fed stance against global growth concerns.

Gold, often a haven in turbulent times, slipped 0.4 per cent, suggesting that immediate fears of escalation were subdued. Brent crude’s decline, driven by those ceasefire prospects, marked a shift from the volatility seen earlier in the year when energy prices spiked on supply disruption fears.

Trump’s reiteration of US backing for Ukraine, while expressing hope for dialogue, added a layer of geopolitical nuance that markets interpreted as de-escalatory, at least for now. These movements came against a backdrop of broader economic indicators, including a mixed bag from China’s data; retail sales slowed to 3.7 per cent in July, while property investment sank 12 per cent. Exports held firm despite US tariff pressures.

Across the Pacific, Asian equities mirrored the global caution, mainly closing lower in a session characterised by narrow ranges and selective buying. Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.53 per cent, and South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.81 per cent, reflecting tech sector weakness that echoed the Nasdaq’s woes, given the region’s heavy exposure to semiconductor supply chains. However, India bucked the trend, with the Sensex rising 0.46 per cent on continued momentum from weekend announcements of indirect tax cuts aimed at boosting consumer spending.

These measures, including income tax rebates totalling 1 trillion rupees, have invigorated urban households and supported sectors like retail lending and consumer discretionary goods. Early trading in Asia pointed to further softness, with US equity futures implying a lower open stateside, perpetuating the risk-off tone.

This regional performance aligns with a year where Asian markets have shown resilience amid trade tensions, with valuations remaining attractive compared to developed peers. Asia ex-Japan trades at a discount, offering entry points for long-term investors amid stable inflation and proactive fiscal policies.

The cryptocurrency space, however, stole headlines with Bitcoin’s sharp descent below US$113,000, the first such breach in over two weeks, triggering US$113 million in leveraged long position liquidations and sparking debates about the end of the bull run. From its all-time high of US$124,176 just days prior, BTC’s nine per cent plunge reflected a confluence of factors: profit-taking after a euphoric surge, mounting macroeconomic uncertainties, and a broader risk-off sentiment amplified by Trump’s trade policies and Fed ambiguity.

On-chain data revealed short-term holders selling at losses for the first time since January, with net exchange outflows of 3.4K BTC daily signaling potential capitulation. Analysts like those at The Block noted repositioning ahead of Powell’s Jackson Hole address, while Forbes warned of deeper corrections if support at US$110,530 fails.

Social media buzzed with mixed reactions—some X users viewed it as a healthy reset, others feared a 70 per cent drop to US$23K-US$43K based on bearish RSI divergences. Whales appeared to buy the dip, and ETF inflows of US$17 billion in BTC and ETH over the past 60 days suggested institutional interest persists, potentially cushioning further downside.

Compounding Bitcoin’s woes was news of a US Securities and Exchange Commission probe into Alt5 Sigma, a firm entangled in a US$1.5 billion partnership with Trump-backed World Liberty Financial. The investigation centers on allegations of fraud, stock manipulation, and earnings inflation involving Alt5’s president, Jon Isaac, who claims that surfaced amid insider share sales during price surges.

World Liberty, positioning itself as a DeFi and stablecoin platform with Trump as “co-founder emeritus,” raised US$550 million via token sales, and the former president disclosed US$57.4 million in earnings from his stake. Eric Trump is set to join Alt5’s board, deepening the family’s ties. Alt5 clarified that Isaac is not its president and denied knowledge of any SEC inquiry, but the reports triggered a sharp drop in its stock. This scandal rippled through crypto sentiment, exacerbating the Nasdaq’s 1.5 per cent fall and linking political intrigue to market volatility.

Adding fuel to the tech correction was a sobering MIT NANDA report, revealing that 95 per cent of companies fail to achieve rapid revenue growth from AI pilots, based on 150 corporate interviews and 300 deployments. The study highlighted a “GenAI Divide,” with most efforts stalling due to integration challenges, hesitancy in solo implementations, and over half of 2025 AI budgets funneled into sales and marketing without proportional returns. This revelation triggered sell-offs in AI-linked stocks, amplifying doubts about the hype cycle and contributing to the Nasdaq’s woes.

From my vantage, who has chronicled market cycles for years, this day’s events underscore a pivotal inflection point. The Bitcoin plunge and SEC scrutiny on Trump-linked crypto ventures highlight the perils of intertwining politics with speculative assets. World Liberty’s rapid fundraising and high-profile ties risk amplifying regulatory backlash, potentially eroding trust in an industry still recovering from past scandals. While Trump’s involvement has injected visibility, it also invites scrutiny that could deter mainstream adoption.

On AI, the MIT findings validate growing skepticism about an overhyped revolution; with 95 per cent failure rates, we’re witnessing echoes of past tech bubbles, where promise outpaces delivery. I remain cautiously optimistic: markets have absorbed tariff shocks before, and Asia’s undervalued equities, bolstered by domestic stimulus like India’s tax cuts, offer diversification amid US concentration risks.

The Jackson Hole meeting could catalyse a rebound if Powell signals dovish intent, but investors must brace for volatility. Focusing on fundamentals over frenzy will separate winners from the washout. In a world where geopolitical whispers move billions, resilience lies in balanced portfolios that weather these storms, not chase fleeting highs.

 

Source: https://e27.co/jackson-hole-looms-can-powell-save-markets-from-a-global-risk-meltdown-20250820/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j