Loretta Mester, who previously headed the Cleveland Fed, just dropped her take on where monetary policy should head next. Her stance? She's hoping the central bank hits pause on any further moves once they wrap up the December rate adjustment.

The timing's interesting here. With inflation data still fluctuating and market participants eyeing every Fed signal, former policymakers weighing in carries weight. Mester's call for a breather suggests concerns about overtightening—or maybe just letting previous cuts work through the system before making another move.

For crypto markets, Fed policy shifts remain a major variable. Rate decisions ripple through risk assets, and any extended pause could shift liquidity dynamics across digital assets.