FOMC Minutes Signal “Higher for Longer” Rates, Pressuring Bitcoin and Crypto Markets

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Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market are entering the New Year under pressure after the Federal Reserve released the minutes from its December policy meeting. While the Fed delivered a rate cut last month, the message that followed was far less supportive for risk assets. Policymakers made it clear they see little urgency to ease further anytime soon.

FOMC Minutes Update: Rate Cuts Take a Back Seat, for Now

The December minutes suggest the Fed is comfortable hitting pause after its recent 25-basis-point cut. Several officials said holding rates steady for a while would allow time to measure the delayed impact of earlier easing on both inflation and the labor market. While markets had already ruled out a January cut, the minutes also dampened hopes for a quick move in early 2026.

According to interest rate futures, a cut in March now looks unlikely, pushing realistic expectations toward April at the earliest. This “higher for longer” outlook is weighing on investor confidence across risk assets, including crypto.

Several Fed members pointed to recent inflation readings as a positive sign. Consumer price data for November showed headline inflation easing to 2.7% year over year, with core inflation at 2.6%, both below expectations. These figures suggest inflation is edging closer to the Fed’s long-term 2% target.

That said, not everyone is convinced the trend is fully reliable. Some officials warned that recent data may be distorted, particularly due to temporary factors like the US government shutdown. Because of this uncertainty, policymakers are hesitant to rush into further cuts without sustained confirmation.

Why it matters for Bitcoin 

Bitcoin has spent recent weeks trading in a narrow band between roughly $85,000 and $90,000. Repeated attempts to reclaim higher resistance levels have failed, reflecting fragile sentiment and cautious positioning.

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Trading volumes across the crypto market remain subdued, pointing to a lack of conviction among both retail and institutional participants. December’s pullback appears to have cooled risk appetite, with investors waiting for clearer macro signals before stepping back in.

Labor Market Risks Acknowledged, But Not Enough

While Fed officials flagged rising downside risks to employment, including slower hiring and growing strain on lower-income households, most preferred to wait for more data before adjusting policy again. The December cut itself was described by some as a close call, highlighting how divided the committee remains.

It will be all about Crypto…

For crypto markets, the takeaway is straightforward. Elevated real yields and tight liquidity conditions leave few near-term catalysts for a sustained rally. Bitcoin’s current consolidation reflects this uncertainty, as traders weigh long-term easing expectations against short-term macro headwinds.

Unless inflation shows meaningful improvement or labor conditions deteriorate sharply, crypto prices may continue to struggle for direction in the early months of 2026.

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