• Bitcoin slipped below $76,000 after the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged.
• Ethereum dropped near $2,251 while most altcoins moved lower.
• Hawkish Fed messaging increased caution across crypto markets.

Bitcoin traded below $76,000 on Thursday after extending losses for a second straight day following the latest U.S. Federal Reserve decision.

The central bank left interest rates unchanged, which matched market expectations. However, investor sentiment weakened after Chair Jerome Powell signaled that inflation risks remain and policy easing may take longer.

Bitcoin Price Breaks Lower After Fed Decision

Bitcoin traded near $75,521, down 2.18% over the last 24 hours. During the session, BTC touched an intraday low of $75,348.

The decline pushed Bitcoin below its 21-day simple moving average near $75,664, a level many traders had viewed as short-term support.

Losing that support may encourage cautious positioning until buyers regain control.

JUST IN: Bitcoin falls under $76,000 pic.twitter.com/VfwEUZHRYd

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) April 28, 2026

Ethereum and Altcoins Join the Pullback

Ethereum fell 3.81% and traded around $2,251.

Other major altcoins including XRP, BNB, Solana, Hyperliquid, and Cardano posted losses of up to 1%.

Not all tokens moved lower. Tron rose 0.6%, while Dogecoin gained 5%, outperforming the broader market.

Why Hawkish Fed Policy Hurts Crypto

Higher interest rates often reduce appetite for risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

When investors believe rates may stay elevated for longer, many shift capital toward bonds, cash, or defensive sectors.

Powell’s cautious tone likely reinforced that view and pressured short-term crypto demand.

Where Are Crypto Prices Headed Next?

Bitcoin now faces immediate resistance near $76,000. If BTC reclaims that level, traders may look toward $78,000.

On the downside, support sits near $75,000. A break lower could open room for deeper weakness.

Ethereum traders will likely watch whether ETH can defend the $2,200 zone.

Bitcoin’s move below $76,000 shows that macroeconomic policy remains a major force in crypto pricing.

The next direction may depend on upcoming inflation data, Fed expectations, and whether Bitcoin can quickly recover lost technical support

FAQs

1. Why did Bitcoin fall below $76,000?

Bitcoin declined after the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged and signaled continued caution on inflation.

2. What does hawkish Fed policy mean?

It means the Fed remains focused on controlling inflation and may delay future rate cuts.

3. Why does Fed policy affect crypto?

Higher rates can reduce demand for risk assets such as Bitcoin and altcoins.

4. How much did Ethereum fall?

Ethereum dropped 3.81% and traded near $2,251.

5. Which coins gained today?

Dogecoin rose about 5%, while Tron gained 0.6%.

6. What support level should Bitcoin traders watch?

The $75,000 zone is a key near-term support area.

7. Can Bitcoin recover soon?

If BTC moves back above $76,000, traders may target higher resistance levels.

8. What may move crypto next?

Inflation data, Fed expectations, ETF flows, and broader market sentiment could drive the next move.