Market expectations just got reshuffled. The Federal Reserve's rate cut schedule is looking different from what traders had penciled in earlier. Instead of seeing cuts roll out starting in March followed by June, the new forecast points to June and September as the likely windows for 25 basis point reductions.

This shift matters more than it might seem at first glance. Delayed rate cuts mean liquidity conditions stay tighter for longer, which ripples through everything from equities to digital assets. When the Fed holds steady, capital tends to flow differently, and those managing crypto exposure need to factor this timeline into their positioning. The spread between the old expectations and this revised outlook gives traders a clearer picture of what's priced into markets right now—and where potential surprises might lurk.