The Federal Reserve's latest decision has just been finalized. On December 10, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a further 25 basis point cut, bringing the federal funds rate target range to 3.5%-3.75%. This is not just a numerical change; more importantly, it marks the sixth rate cut in this cycle.

The market had been prepared for this decision. After all, since September this year, the Fed has been in a continuous rate-cutting mode, lowering rates three times in three months, each by 25 basis points. If we look back to the significant 50 basis point adjustment on September 18, we can see that the Fed's policy stance has been gradually shifting.

This round of rate cuts has an interesting timeline: aggressive at the start (50 basis points), then gradually becoming more cautious. From the first substantial cut in September to November, December, January this year, and October, each cut has been 25 basis points, creating a step-by-step approach.

What has the official statement said? The Fed admitted in its post-meeting statement that although the U.S. economy is still growing, the pace has become moderate; job gains have started to slow down, the unemployment rate has recently increased, and inflation remains high. Uncertainty about the economic outlook is rising, and risks to the labor market are increasing. These data changes have fueled market expectations for further rate cuts.

What’s next? Whether the Fed continues to cut rates depends mainly on employment and inflation indicators. Meanwhile, the Fed plans to inject $40 billion monthly into market liquidity next year. For investors seeking safe havens in risk assets, this could be a signal — liquidity is increasing, which often boosts risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.