Bitcoin hovered near $64,000 on Friday after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its July meeting. But three hawkish dissents on the rate-setting committee kept the door open for a September increase, tempering any relief rally.
The Fed's decision
The Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain the federal funds rate at its current level, as widely expected. However, the three dissenting votes — all favoring a quarter-point hike — signaled internal pressure to tighten further. The split decision leaves the central bank's next move uncertain.
Bitcoin's muted response
Bitcoin barely budged on the news, trading in a tight range around $64,000. The lack of a clear direction reflects the market's mixed reading of the outcome: steady rates are supportive, but the hawkish undercurrent suggests higher borrowing costs could still arrive as soon as September.
All eyes now turn to the Fed's September meeting. With three dissents already on record, another strong inflation print could tip the balance toward a hike. For crypto markets, the prolonged uncertainty means volatility may stay low until the next decision.
