Fed Officials Can’t Decide If They’re Okay With Rates: Crypto Loses It

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The Fed, in all their infinite wisdom, just released minutes that are basically a group therapy session about how they’re all too scared to cut rates. February 18, 2026, brought us yet another reminder that the Federal Reserve functions less like a central bank and more like a reality TV show where everyone’s too nervous to make a decision.

Some members are “open to future rate cuts if inflation falls further,” which is Fed-speak for “we might do something if the universe doesn’t collapse first.” Others prefer to “closely watch economic conditions,” which sounds ominous until you realize they just mean “Google it later.”

March? Please. The Fed Can’t Even Agree on What Day It Is

After keeping rates stuck in the 3.50% to 3.75% range-because that’s the perfect place to park money if you want it to lose value faster than a hot potato-the Fed decided to do absolutely nothing. All 19 governors attended the meeting, but only 12 had voting rights. Classic. Ten voted to stay put, two were probably asleep at the meeting. And yes, the FOMC voted 10-2 to hold rates steady. Ten people wanted to stay the course, two were probably asleep at the meeting. Classic.

FED MINUTES: ALMOST ALL PARTICIPANTS SUPPORTED JANUARY RATE PAUSE

– *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) February 18, 2026

Analysts now believe there’ll likely be no rate cut in March. And if you trust the CME FedWatch Tool, which is basically a group of people guessing based on how many lattes they’ve had that day, there’s a 94% chance rates stay stagnant. Because 6% is just for show.

Divided? More Like Dysfunctional

Even though the Fed decided to do nothing, they’re still arguing about it. Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller wanted to cut rates, but Waller warned against cutting too early because inflation might “rise again if financial conditions loosen too quickly.” Translation: “We’re terrified of anything changing, but also terrified of staying the same.”

New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is all for lower rates, while others remain “cautious” and “haven’t ruled out rate hikes.” Because nothing says “economic leadership” like a committee of people who can’t agree if they should raise, lower, or just whisper about it.

With Powell’s term ending in May, it’s clear the Fed would rather pass the buck than make a decision. Rate cuts? Mid-2026. Maybe. If the stars align and someone remembers to bring the agenda.

Crypto Market Reaction: Panic, 5% Loss, and a Lot of Regret

The Fed’s indecision hit crypto like a bad haircut: Bitcoin dropped 1% to $67,150, and altcoins like XRP, SOL, and Doge plummeted 5%. Of course they did. Why would investors trust risk assets when the Fed can’t even decide if they want to exist?

Higher interest rates? They’re just a fancy way to say “your money is now less valuable.” And when the Fed delays rate cuts, everyone scrambles to bonds like it’s the last safe space in a horror movie. Meanwhile, crypto is left in the dark, screaming for a flashlight and a refund.

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2026-02-19 10:12