Markets price no Fed rate cuts in 2026 — Fed funds stuck at 3.50–3.75% as new Chair Kevin Warsh inherits 3.8% inflation
first published 2026-05-20T14:23:31Z
Traders and prediction markets have largely abandoned expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2026, pricing the federal funds target at 3.50%–3.75% through the year. CME FedWatch shows 95%–98% odds of no change at upcoming meetings. Kalshi and Polymarket wagers exceed $42M betting the Fed will keep rates unchanged at the June 17, 2026 meeting. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is seen as hawkish and favors balance-sheet reduction. Elevated core inflation, a resilient labor market, and oil-price pressures from the Middle East conflict are cited as drivers. The repricing has lifted short-term yields, pressured equities and crypto (including Bitcoin), and strengthened the dollar; June 17 will be watched for Warsh’s first formal signals.
AI Analysis
CME FedWatch shows 95%–98% odds of no change; Kalshi and Polymarket traders placed >$42M betting no change on June 17; Warsh is described as structurally hawkish; repricing has lifted short-term yields and pressured equities and crypto (including Bitcoin).
Expected Investor Sentiment: Bearish
Potential Market Impact: High
Source Articles
- Traders Price Zero Fed Rate Cuts in 2026 as New Fed Boss Kevin Warsh Inherits 3.8% Inflation - Bitcoin.com
- Prediction markets firms take heat in Senate Commerce hearing scrutinizing surge - CoinDesk
- Polymarket moves to list parlays while SEC seeks public input on prediction market ETFs - CoinDesk
- Key Bitcoin price metric used by bulls falls to six-week low, but there’s a silver lining - Cointelegraph