Bitcoin absorbs Fed rate hike as officials see more tightening
Bitcoin stayed near $76,000 after the US Federal Reserve raised rates by 25 basis points, its first hike since 2023, to combat persistent inflation. The move was widely expected, so Bitcoin showed little immediate reaction and held near pre-announcement levels even as US stocks fell. Analysts said the muted price response suggests crypto markets had largely priced in the decision. Still, the Fed signaled inflation remains elevated and that another rate hike may come before year-end, which could test Bitcoin’s resilience. Market data showed mixed positioning: perpetual futures turned net selling, while spot buying remained positive, implying spot demand absorbed some of the pressure. Exchange flows also picked up, indicating traders were repositioning rather than exiting outright.
