Recently, the Fed hit the pause button on quantitative tightening. Honestly, this move is pretty subtle—the inflation problem isn’t fully resolved yet, and the economic data isn’t exactly bad either. Hitting the brakes at this point definitely takes some finesse. If they keep tightening, there’s a risk of crashing the economy; if they go full-on easing, inflation could flare back up. Pausing QT is kind of a balancing act, and it also helps take some pressure off the Treasury’s bond issuance.

For the market, this is definitely good news in the short term. The tightest liquidity squeeze has passed, so risk assets can finally catch a breather. But then again, the balance sheet is still huge, and the underlying issue of excess liquidity hasn’t really been solved. Where things go from here still depends on the data.

At times like this, some new sectors start emerging. Take AI-native payments, for example—the demand logic really does make sense. As AI decision-making scenarios become more common, high-frequency micropayments are bound to explode, and traditional chains just can’t keep up in terms of speed and cost. Networks like KITE, which are designed specifically for AI payments, offer low fees, second-level confirmations, and let AI agents complete payments autonomously within authorized limits—pretty spot-on features. Their on-demand evolving token model also shows the team has some long-term vision.

If the Fed actually shifts into an easing cycle, the AI+Crypto track could definitely become a hotspot for capital inflows. But when it comes to investing, a good story isn’t enough. You’ve got to dig into the tech fundamentals, check if the team is reliable, and see if the market strategy is real or just hype. In crypto, opportunities and pitfalls always go hand in hand, and FOMO can easily trip you up.

Bottom line, what’s needed most at this stage is calm observation. The signals of a policy shift are still being confirmed, and the new narratives are still in the validation phase. Instead of rushing to go all in, it’s better to do your homework first. After all, the market won’t disappear just because you miss one wave, but if your principal is wiped out, there’ll be no next wave for you.