The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points has pushed the crypto market into a mixed psychological state. Bitcoin remains weak because the rate cut had already been priced in well before the announcement. As BTC struggles to gain traction, several altcoins that historically diverge from Bitcoin’s trend are now positioned to benefit.
At the same time, DeFi tokens are emerging as strong contenders as investors increasingly look for safer, yield-driven opportunities rather than taking outsized exposure in the spot market.
Below are the three standout altcoins most likely to capitalize on the current macro shift.
1. Zcash (ZEC) — The Leading Altcoin When Bitcoin Weakens
Zcash has one of the most notable inverse correlations with Bitcoin, with its 1-year correlation coefficient close to –1.0. Historically, whenever Bitcoin drops, Zcash often shows strength — a dynamic that becomes especially clear during macro uncertainty.
Privacy-focused coins, including $ZEC , have been outperforming recently due to:
rising demand for financial privacy
increasing regulatory debates
the need for censorship-resistant transactions in volatile markets
The Fed’s rate cut triggered profit-taking on Bitcoin, which could deepen BTC’s short-term weakness. If that happens, Zcash is positioned to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Market Structure & Technical Setup
ZEC declined 8% today but remains up 13% for the week — showing underlying strength.
Price is approaching the $573 Fibonacci 0.618 resistance, a crucial breakout point.
Maintaining price above the long-term rising trendline reinforces a medium-term bullish outlook.
A decisive move above $573 may trigger a new bullish cycle for ZEC — something traders are closely monitoring.
Given the strength of the privacy narrative in this market cycle, Zcash stands out as a top contender following the Fed’s rate cut.
2. $UNI (UNI) — Riding the DeFi Expansion Wave
While the market absorbed the Fed’s latest policy shift, Uniswap remained remarkably stable — a sign of confidence in DeFi during times of macro uncertainty.
As investors become more risk-aware, many shift capital away from spot markets and into yield-producing, well-established DeFi platforms. Being the largest decentralized exchange (DEX), Uniswap naturally benefits from:
higher trading volume
increasing liquidity
rising platform fees
more users interacting with the ecosystem
This activity typically translates into increased demand for the UNI token.
On-Chain & Technical Indicators
The top 100 UNI wallets increased holdings by 2.53% over the last 30 days — strong accumulation ahead of the Fed meeting.
UNI is firmly holding above the key support at $4.74.
If this support remains intact, upside targets are $6.47 and eventually $7.20, the level that may confirm a broader bullish reversal.
With DeFi interest surging as rates fall, Uniswap is one of the most likely winners in this new macro environment.
3. Monero (XMR) — Completing the Trio With Steady Strength
Monero stands out with a +2.7% gain over the past 30 days, a notable performance compared to many altcoins that traded sideways or declined. Its negative 7-day correlation with Bitcoin shows that XMR often moves independently in the short term.
Combined with its strong fundamentals and long-standing reputation as the most mature privacy coin, Monero is well-positioned in the current environment.
Technical Setup
$XMR continues to move within a rising price channel.
Immediate resistance lies at $439, with a secondary resistance at $470.
If BTC remains weak, Monero’s negative correlation may allow it to extend its upward momentum.
The narrative around privacy remains powerful this cycle, helping Monero maintain a leading position.
Conclusion: The Fed Cut Hasn’t Pumped Crypto… But It’s Moving Money Around
The Fed’s rate reduction didn’t produce an immediate market-wide pump, but it has triggered a noticeable capital rotation.
Here’s the breakdown:
If Bitcoin stays weak because the news was priced in, Zcash and Monero could strengthen thanks to their inverse correlation with BTC.
If investors seek more stable yield and utility, Uniswap becomes the top DeFi pick.
These three altcoins — Zcash, Uniswap, and Monero — are the most important ones to watch in the period following the Fed’s rate cut.
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