Crypto markets have slid into the red zone, hours before the Federal Reserve’s meeting. Bitcoin fell 2.29% to $92,166 and Ethereum slipped 1.03% to $3,355. XRP dropped 4.95% to $2.06, while Solana and Dogecoin slid 5.58% and 4.77% to $136 and $0.145. BNB also eased 3.29% to around $894. Cardano fell to $0.462.
BlackRock’s $200M Bitcoin Move Raises Eyebrows
Market tension increased after reports that BlackRock sent more than 2,000 BTC, worth over $200 million, to Coinbase, just before the Fed announcement. The unusual timing sparked speculation about the firm’s expectations for the FOMC outcome.
History Shows Bitcoin Often Drops After FOMC
Traders are nervous because Bitcoin has fallen after six of the last seven FOMC meetings. On average, BTC has dropped 0.70% in the 48 hours following each Fed decision this year. The only positive reaction was in May, when BTC briefly jumped 6.1%.
Technical Levels Break Down
Bitcoin failed to hold the important $93,000 support, triggering automated sell orders. Analysts say BTC is now at a major “make or break” level. If the Fed sounds hawkish, volatility could increase fast and Bitcoin could swing sharply in both directions.
Lower Rate-Cut Expectations Add Pressure
Markets have reduced their expectations for 2026, moving from four expected rate cuts to only two. This shift supports a stronger dollar and creates selling pressure on crypto.
XRP Feels the Impact Through RLUSD Declines
Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD saw a 60% drop in adjusted transaction volume to $2.8 billion over the last 30 days. Active addresses also fell 28%. However, the circulating supply grew 23% to $1.3 billion, with most adoption happening on Ethereum rather than the XRP Ledger.
Lower RLUSD activity weakens demand for XRP as a bridge asset, though analysts say users may simply be shifting between chains.
