Crypto News: Why Crypto is Down Today? (12/9/25) Bitcoin Edges Down Toward $90K as Markets Brace for Pivotal Federal Reserve Decision

Bitcoin traded lower on Tuesday as investors remained cautious ahead of a major Federal Reserve policy meeting, where markets overwhelmingly expect a quarter-point rate cut but remain uncertain about the path of easing into 2026.The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped 1.5% to $90,011 at 01:16 ET (06:16 GMT), holding within its recent $90,000–$92,000 range amid fading momentum and thin liquidity.Cautious Trading Ahead of Fed DecisionWith the Fed’s two-day meeting set to begin today, traders avoided taking new directional positions.Futures markets imply an 87% probability of a 25-basis-point cut, driven by:Cooling U.S. labor-market indicatorsModerating, though still persistent, inflationSofter economic data entering year-endHowever, Fed officials remain divided, leaving open the risk of a surprise hold—a scenario that would weigh on risk assets, including crypto.Lower rates typically weaken the U.S. dollar and reduce yields on cash and bonds, supporting assets such as Bitcoin. BTC’s late-2024 resurgence was fueled largely by expectations of a prolonged Fed easing cycle.MicroStrategy Adds 10,624 BTCMicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), the world’s largest Bitcoin-treasury company, revealed it purchased 10,624 BTC between Dec. 1–7 at an average price of $90,615.The firm now holds 660,624 BTC, solidifying its position as a key institutional driver of BTC demand.The purchase comes as MicroStrategy risks potential removal from major equity benchmarks such as MSCI, a move that could trigger outflows from index-tracking funds.Altcoins Trade Soft as Broader Market Stays Risk-OffMost large-cap cryptocurrencies drifted lower:Ether (ETH): −0.8% to $3,104XRP: −1.4% to $2.05Solana (SOL): −2%Polygon (MATIC): −2%Cardano (ADA): flatDogecoin (DOGE) and TRUMP: −1%Across majors, intraday rebounds continue to be sold into, reflecting defensive positioning ahead of the Fed.Why the Crypto Market Is Down TodayAfter a brief rebound, digital assets are trading modestly lower. The prevailing message across trading desks: “steady but fragile.”Key Drivers Behind Today’s Pullback1. Fed uncertaintyWhile a 25 bps cut is priced in, markets lack clarity on:How many cuts will follow in 2026The Fed’s latest view on inflation risksWhether policy will stay dovish into a potential slowdownA less dovish message could weigh sharply on crypto.2. Year-end liquidity + profit-takingSeasonally thin order books mean small sell orders move price more dramatically.After 2024–2025 rallies, many traders used recent bounces to:Lock in profitsReduce leverageLimit exposure into event risk3. Technical range-bound structureBitcoin remains trapped between:Support: mid-$80Ks to high-$80KsResistance: low-$90Ks to mid-$90KsRepeated failures to break above $92–93K have encouraged short-term “fade the bounce” strategies.4. Sentiment remains cautiousThe Crypto Fear & Greed Index at 25 signals persistent fear:Weak risk appetiteRallies sold quicklySignificant cash remains sidelinedTechnical Picture: No Breakout Signals YetBTC continues to oscillate inside a broad multi-week range:Support: $86,000–$88,500Resistance: $92,000–$95,000Until either boundary breaks decisively:Bulls lack convictionBears lack momentumSideways volatility continuesEthereum and other majors show similar patterns—failed breakouts, quick reversals, and low follow-through buying.What to Watch Next1. The Fed’s tone and Dot PlotA surprise “hawkish hold” or slower easing path could hit risk assets.A dovish message could lift BTC back toward $94–95K.2. BTC reaction at $90KBreak below $90K exposes the $88K pocket.Holding above keeps the range intact.3. ETF flowsInflows into BTC and ETH spot ETFs will signal whether institutional demand is returning or stepping back.4. Liquidity conditionsOrder-book depth typically thins sharply into year-end; volatility may increase.5. Sentiment recoveryA shift from fear to neutral often precedes sustainable upside.