Bitcoin Slips Below $90,000 as Fed Signals Uncertainty and Rising Risks

 The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), recently plunged to approximately $88,600, marking its lowest level since April and erasing more than 5 % of its gains for the year. 

Macro Backdrop: The Fed’s Warning Bell

The slide in Bitcoin’s price coincided with the release of the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) minutes from its October meeting, in which policymakers flagged the economy’s exposure to “two‑sided risks” and signalled deep divisions over the pace of monetary policy easing. 

Key concerns cited by the Fed include:

• Slowing job growth and rising unemployment, weakening the labour market’s resilience. 

• Inflation that remains persistently above the Fed’s target — thanks in part to persistent service‑price inflation and tariffs. 

• A recognition that monetary policy is not on a preset path; upcoming decisions — including the December meeting — are entirely conditional. 

The market’s interpretation of the minutes was swift: the odds of a 25‑basis‑point rate cut in December, as priced on Polymarket, fell from ~52 % to ~30%, while the probability of rates remaining unchanged jumped to nearly 70 %. 

Impact on the Crypto Market

The heightened macro uncertainty and policy ambiguity weighed heavily on the crypto ecosystem. Several structural red‑flags emerged:

• The BTC perpetual futures market saw open interest rise by more than 36,000 BTC, the largest such increase since April 2023 — at a time when funding rates flipped positive as traders bet on a bounce. 

• According to Vetle Lunde of K33 Research, conditions look akin to previous “dangerous” setups for Bitcoin: high leverage, increased speculation, and a potential “catch‑the‑falling‑knife” dynamic. 

• Lunde estimates a potential bottom zone between $84,000–$86,000, though warns the price could fall further toward ~$74,500 if selling pressure accelerates. 

• The weakness is not isolated to Bitcoin — Ethereum also slipped to ~US$2,870, dropping below US$3,000 for the first time since July, while XRP slid close to US$2. 

What It Means Going Forward

The interplay between macro‑risks and crypto has never been clearer:

1. Policy uncertainty dominates: With the Fed signalling no fixed path and acknowledging deep internal disagreement, markets are left hanging. That ambiguity naturally triggers risk‑off behaviour.

2. Leverage amplifies downside: The increase in futures open interest and speculative positioning means that a negative shock could cascade as leveraged players unwind.

3. Key levels to watch: If the $84 k–86 k region fails to hold, a deeper test of ~$74,500 becomes plausible.

4. Broader contagion risk: Strength in other cryptocurrencies is likewise under pressure — meaning the risk is not isolated to one asset.

5. Investors, tread carefully: As the original article notes, this is not investment advice, but rather a reminder that the market is navigating a complex environment with significant macro constraints. 

Final thoughts

Bitcoin’s drop below US$90,000 signals more than a mere technical correction. It flags a moment where macroeconomic realities — in particular central‑bank ambiguity and persistent inflation — are exerting real pressure on crypto markets. Whether this marks the beginning of a deeper slide or simply a consolidation phase depends heavily on forthcoming economic data and the Fed’s next moves.

For now, the message is clear: volatility remains elevated, structural risks are rising, and staying alert to the interplay between policy and crypto is more important than ever.

---

Ready to start your cryptocurrency journey?

If you’re interested in exploring the world of crypto trading, here are some trusted platforms where you can create an account:

• Binance – The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume.
• Bybit – A top choice for derivatives trading with an intuitive interface.
• OKX – A comprehensive platform featuring spot, futures, DeFi, and a powerful Web3 wallet.
• KuCoin – Known for its vast selection of altcoins and user-friendly mobile app.

These platforms offer innovative features and a secure environment for trading and learning about cryptocurrencies. Join today and start exploring the opportunities in this exciting space!
 Want to stay updated with the latest insights and discussions on cryptocurrency?
Join our crypto community for news, discussions, and market updates: CryptoBCC on Telegram | X(Twitter)
Disclaimer: This is not investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry high risk. Always conduct your own research.