Weekly Crypto Update: Fed Delivers First 2025 Rate Cut

The crypto market delivered mixed but resilient performance during the week of Sept 15–21, 2025. Bitcoin (BTC) rallied 8.75%, climbing from $107,255 → $116,665, before stagnating with declining volumes into the weekend. Despite the slowdown, BTC still logged modest weekly gains. Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) also rebounded, helping the total market cap rise above $4.1T after briefly dipping 0.4% early in the week. Stablecoin inflows and token unlocks played a role in liquidity trends, though activity outside the Fed meeting was relatively quiet. Let’s dive into the gainers, losers and key drivers for the prices in this weekly crypto update.

The FOMC meeting (Sept 17) delivered the first rate cut of 2025—a 25 bps reduction to 4.00%–4.25%. The move reflected softening labor markets and inflation pressures above 2%. While Governor Miran dissented, the Fed signaled two more cuts this year. Crypto’s initial reaction was muted, with BTC flat near $116,929, showing the cut was priced in. But post-announcement, risk appetite returned: BTC pushed higher, XRP climbed 1.5% to $3.08, and Solana surged, confirming renewed capital inflows.

Looking ahead, expectations lean bullish, with future cuts likely to boost liquidity and reallocate capital into crypto. Analysts see short-term volatility from economic data, but the long-term case for BTC as an inflation hedge remains strong.

Weekly Crypto Update : Top Gainers (7d) 📈

$ASTER (+1611%) – Explosive launch with backing from top crypto leaders.
$AVNT (+160%) – Reported $4.25B daily volume vs $531M cap.
$QRL (+65%) – Renewed attention from quantum-computing risks.
$CCD (+64%) – PayFi integrations + ecosystem growth.
$TWT (+56%) – Tokenomics revamp and litepaper release.

Weekly Crypto Update : Top Losers (7d) 📉

$SAPIEN (–29%) – Correction after prior pump.
$PAAL (–23%) – Accusations of manipulation + dumps.
$PUMP (–22%) – Profit-taking after $2.5B cap.
$QUBIC (–18%) – Low volume + profit taking.
$ZKJ (–17%) – Lack of updates and weak socials.

Market Highlights

• BTC rallied 8.7% to $116,665, then stagnated on low volume.
• ETH and SOL rebounded, aiding $4.1T+ total market cap recovery.
• FOMC cut rates 25bps to 4.00–4.25%, first cut of 2025.
• Fed projects 2 more cuts this year, Miran dissented.
• BTC flat at $116,929 immediately post-FOMC, reaction priced in.
• Risk-on followed: BTC, XRP (+1.5%), and SOL gained.
• Token unlocks + stablecoin inflows shaped liquidity.
• Analysts see volatility near-term, bullish tilt long-term.

Closing Thoughts

This weekly crypto update shows how macro and monetary policy continue to drive the cycle. BTC’s strong rally to $116K highlights investor confidence despite lower volumes. The Fed’s first cut of 2025 adds fuel for a liquidity-driven rally, with more easing likely in coming months.

The setup into Q4 remains constructive: BTC as an inflation hedge is in focus, and altcoins are positioned to benefit from capital rotation once volatility stabilizes. Key risks remain in short-term macro data—but the long-term trend stays bullish.