Major altcoins followed the decline, with Ethereum falling 19%, XRP dropping 17%, BNB losing 17%, Solana declining 21%, and Dogecoin sliding over 18%.
BTC has now lost nearly 27% of its value since reaching its record high of $126K last month.
After months of record-breaking gains, Bitcoin’s rally
has come to a halt. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped below $100,000
on Tuesday for the first time since June, as investors retreated from digital
assets amid renewed uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
From its record high of $126,182 on October 6, Bitcoin has now shed nearly 27% of its value over 29 trading days. Analysts attribute the correction to tightening liquidity conditions and cautious signals from the Fed as the primary catalysts.
Bitcoin’s momentum has long been sensitive to shifts
in monetary policy. During the pandemic, the token’s value surged as interest
rates fell. Conversely, when the Fed tightened policy in 2018, Bitcoin crashed
from $20,000 to $3,000.
Source: TradingView
This pattern appears to be repeating. Last week, the
central bank trimmed rates by a quarter-point, but Chair Jerome Powell hinted
that another cut in December was not guaranteed. Fed Governor Lisa Cook echoed that uncertainty on Monday, saying she remained undecided about further easing.
October Marks Bitcoin’s Worst Month in a Decade
According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s 3.7% slide in
October marked its weakest monthly performance since 2018. The broader crypto
market capitalization fell from $4.32 trillion in early October to $3.3
trillion this week.
Market observers note that investors are shifting
capital toward safer assets such as gold and government bonds, anticipating
that the Fed’s cautious stance could dampen risk appetite.
BTCUSD Source: TradingView
Earlier this year, optimism surrounding pro-crypto
legislation under the Trump administration fueled a rapid climb in digital
asset prices. Bitcoin surged past $110,000 and $120,000 as major
firms—including Trump Media and Technology Group—announced plans to hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets.
The U.S. government’s own holdings, estimated between
$15 billion and $20 billion, added to the perception of institutional
confidence. However, as monetary policy again dominates market sentiment, those
bullish headlines have failed to halt the decline.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
Technical charts indicate that Bitcoin is now testing support around $99,044, with the next downside targets located near $97,839 and $94,049. A
sustained break below those levels could invite further selling pressure.
For now, traders are watching the Fed’s next meeting
closely. Any sign of hesitation on rate cuts could prolong Bitcoin’s downward
momentum and keep risk appetite subdued heading into year-end.
After months of record-breaking gains, Bitcoin’s rally
has come to a halt. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped below $100,000
on Tuesday for the first time since June, as investors retreated from digital
assets amid renewed uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
From its record high of $126,182 on October 6, Bitcoin has now shed nearly 27% of its value over 29 trading days. Analysts attribute the correction to tightening liquidity conditions and cautious signals from the Fed as the primary catalysts.
Bitcoin’s momentum has long been sensitive to shifts
in monetary policy. During the pandemic, the token’s value surged as interest
rates fell. Conversely, when the Fed tightened policy in 2018, Bitcoin crashed
from $20,000 to $3,000.
Source: TradingView
This pattern appears to be repeating. Last week, the
central bank trimmed rates by a quarter-point, but Chair Jerome Powell hinted
that another cut in December was not guaranteed. Fed Governor Lisa Cook echoed that uncertainty on Monday, saying she remained undecided about further easing.
October Marks Bitcoin’s Worst Month in a Decade
According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s 3.7% slide in
October marked its weakest monthly performance since 2018. The broader crypto
market capitalization fell from $4.32 trillion in early October to $3.3
trillion this week.
Market observers note that investors are shifting
capital toward safer assets such as gold and government bonds, anticipating
that the Fed’s cautious stance could dampen risk appetite.
BTCUSD Source: TradingView
Earlier this year, optimism surrounding pro-crypto
legislation under the Trump administration fueled a rapid climb in digital
asset prices. Bitcoin surged past $110,000 and $120,000 as major
firms—including Trump Media and Technology Group—announced plans to hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets.
The U.S. government’s own holdings, estimated between
$15 billion and $20 billion, added to the perception of institutional
confidence. However, as monetary policy again dominates market sentiment, those
bullish headlines have failed to halt the decline.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
Technical charts indicate that Bitcoin is now testing support around $99,044, with the next downside targets located near $97,839 and $94,049. A
sustained break below those levels could invite further selling pressure.
For now, traders are watching the Fed’s next meeting
closely. Any sign of hesitation on rate cuts could prolong Bitcoin’s downward
momentum and keep risk appetite subdued heading into year-end.
Jared Kirui is an Editor at Finance Magnates with more than five years of experience in financial journalism. He covers online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto industries with a focus on companies, regulation and compliance, executive moves, trading technology, and market analysis.
His work has been featured in other media outlets, including Benzinga, ZyCrypto, The Distributed, and The Daily Hodl.
Education:
Bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance option), University of Nairobi
Why Is Silver Rising Today? Inverted Head and Shoulders Pattern Activates $120 ATH Price Target
Featured Videos
FM Daily Brief - 20 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 20 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 20 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 20 May 2026
Today’s lead: CFD brokers show a wide divergence in per-account trading activity. Also ahead, a deep dive into IG Group and XTB’s latest numbers. It's Wednesday, 20 May 2026. You're listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: CFD brokers show a wide divergence in per-account trading activity. Also ahead, a deep dive into IG Group and XTB’s latest numbers. It's Wednesday, 20 May 2026. You're listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: CFD brokers show a wide divergence in per-account trading activity. Also ahead, a deep dive into IG Group and XTB’s latest numbers. It's Wednesday, 20 May 2026. You're listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: CFD brokers show a wide divergence in per-account trading activity. Also ahead, a deep dive into IG Group and XTB’s latest numbers. It's Wednesday, 20 May 2026. You're listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today's lead: IG Group has lifted its full-year revenue outlook after a strong quarter. Also ahead, Swissquote sets a date for its one-to-ten share split. And CMC Markets’ UK head says neobanks are becoming trading distributors. It’s Tuesday, 19 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 18 May 2026
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Cyprus authorities detain suspects in a forex-linked criminal probe. Also ahead: Kraken’s IPO timeline slips further, and CMC Markets expands its Spectre product to retail clients. It’s Monday, 18 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 15 May 2026
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: The US Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act, moving US lawmakers closer to a full Senate vote. Also ahead, AI agents plug into cTrader trading workflows, and OANDA Japan ends MT4 and MT5 web access. It’s Friday, 15 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
FM Daily Brief - 14 May 2026
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.
Today’s lead: Washington moves closer to reshaping crypto markets as the CLARITY Act advances through the US Senate, with the Senate Banking Committee holding its markup and vote on the bill today. Also ahead: record revenue at Rakuten Securities, losses narrow at Valutrades, Pepperstone expands its crypto infrastructure push, and a dormant Bitcoin wallet resurfaces after more than 11 years following an AI-assisted recovery. It’s Thursday, 14 May 2026. You’re listening to the Finance Magnates Daily Brief.