As widely anticipated by experts, the United States Federal Reserve has held its key interest rates steady for the third consecutive meeting in 2026.
Historical patterns indicate that Bitcoin often underperforms during the first week following recent FOMC meetings.
With the announcement released minutes ago, the Fed kept the federal funds rate in the 3.50%–3.75% range. This decision comes in what is expected to be Chair Jerome Powell’s final FOMC meeting.
The vote concluded with eight members in favor of maintaining the current rate and four dissenting. The Fed cited rising costs in certain areas—particularly those affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran—as a key concern behind its decision.
Earlier in April, official data showed a notable rise in March inflation compared with February, driven largely by higher energy prices amid uncertainty surrounding the war. That increase likely informed the Fed’s deliberations.
Analysts had warned ahead of today’s announcement that Bitcoin has tended to dip during the initial trading days following past FOMC meetings since at least July of last year. In line with those warnings, Bitcoin fell below $75,000 shortly after the decision, with most major altcoins moving downward as well.
Just days earlier, BTC had reached roughly $79,500 before being rejected and losing nearly $5,000 to its post-meeting low. Liquidations surged to more than $500 million on the day, including about $200 million in the final hour alone.