Rate Hike

Euro area growth is softening, yet policy makers may be becoming more alert to the risk that inflation expectations re-ignite. With Brent crude still elevated and confidence weakening, the ECB’s next move could tilt toward cautionary tightening rather than cuts.

Bitcoin traders are turning to Tuesday’s Bank of Japan meeting, where a widely expected rate hike may trigger volatility. A crowded yen short trade raises the risk of a sharp squeeze that could unwind carry trades and pressure crypto.