The Fed's messaging is getting confusing. Powell kept a neutral stance during December's press briefing, yet the FOMC meeting minutes paint a more hawkish picture. What's happening? The Fed Communication Index has shifted back into moderately hawkish territory—hovering near its historical average. So the central bank is talking dovish while the actual policy stance suggests otherwise. Market participants are watching closely: will words or actions win out? This kind of mixed communication typically unsettles traders across all asset classes, especially in crypto markets where macro signals drive major price moves.