4 Catalysts That Could Send Crypto Markets Soaring or Crashing This Week

Crypto traders, buckle up—these are the make-or-break factors that'll shake your portfolio in the next seven days.

1. The ETF domino effect: BlackRock's surprise Bitcoin ETF tweak last Thursday already triggered a 9% pump. Now the SEC's playing whack-a-mole with three new filings—approvals could send us to ATHs, rejections might crash the party.

2. Fed speak vs. inflation data: Powell's Jackson Hole speech drops Wednesday, right after fresh PCE numbers. Watch for hawkish tones that could strangle the crypto rally—or dovish hints that'll send degenerate money flooding back in.

3. Ethereum's Layer 2 wars: Arbitrum and Optimism are slashing fees again (because apparently $0.17 was still too expensive for your $5 NFT trade). The chain with the biggest TVL grab this week could flip the ETH/BTC ratio.

4. That one shady exchange 'maintenance': You know the drill—sudden wallet freezes, withdrawal pauses, and CEO Twitter meltdowns. Bonus points if it happens during Asian trading hours for maximum chaos.

Remember: In crypto, 'fundamentals' just means which whale's Twitter account got hacked this time. Trade accordingly.

Economic Events July 28 to August 1

Tuesday will see consumer confidence data released, which reflects how the public views the current state of the economy. There will also be some job opening reports released on Tuesday. Wednesday is a busy day with the second-quarter GDP report released, reflecting economic growth over the period.

The central bank’s two-day policy meeting will be in focus this week, especially due to President Trump’s persistent attacks on the Chair Jerome Powell. The Fed is expected to hold the borrowing rate steady in a target range of 4.25% to 4.50%.

“We expect Powell to repeat a patient, data-dependent policy outlook with flexibility, but he is unlikely to commit to cuts,” Prashant Newnaha, senior Asia-Pacific rates strategist at TD Securities, told Reuters.

The Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index report is scheduled for release on Thursday. This is a major gauge for inflationary pressures and could impact investor sentiment.

Key Events This Week:

1. CB Consumer Confidence data – Tuesday

2. June JOLTs Job Opening data – Tuesday

3. Q2 2025 GDP data – Wednesday

4. Fed Meeting and Interest Rate Decision – Wednesday

5. June PCE Inflation data – Thursday

6. July Jobs Report – Friday

We have a…

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 27, 2025

The August 1 deadline to raise tariffs is on Friday, and many countries have yet to come to the table to discuss deals. Meanwhile, earnings from four of the ‘Magnificent 7’ stocks – Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple – are eagerly awaited.

Crypto Markets Moving

Total crypto capitalization is at an all-time high, having topped $4 trillion again as the big two are moving.

Bitcoin built on weekend momentum, reaching $119,754 during early trading in Asia on Monday morning. The asset has fully recovered from its Friday slump and is just 2.8% away from its all-time high.

Ethereum is doing even better with a 3% daily gain to come just over $3,900 on Monday. The asset is at a seven-month high and has gained a whopping 60% over the past month, largely due to ETFs and corporate treasury demand.

Other altcoins outperforming include Binance Coin (BNB), surging to an all-time high of $850, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Avalanche (AVAX).