Central Bank Easing

Definition ∞ Central bank easing describes monetary policy actions designed to stimulate economic activity. These policies typically involve lowering interest rates or increasing the money supply through quantitative easing, making credit more accessible and affordable. The objective is to encourage lending, investment, and consumption, thereby counteracting economic slowdowns or recessions. Such measures aim to reduce the cost of capital, providing liquidity to financial systems.
Context ∞ Central bank easing often influences the broader financial landscape, including digital asset markets, by reducing the appeal of traditional savings and potentially driving capital towards higher-risk, higher-return assets like cryptocurrencies. News reports frequently link easing policies to increased speculative activity or a general flight to alternative assets as investors seek protection against fiat currency devaluation. The ongoing debate questions the long-term effects of such policies on inflation and asset bubbles within both conventional and decentralized finance.