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Crypto Market Today, Oct. 26: Bitcoin Slips Below $80,000 as Fed Decision Looms
As of early evening on Oct. 26, the broader cryptocurrency market extended its losing streak amid fading risk appetite. Notably, Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) fell 0.28% to $79,817.06, Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) fell 0.58% to $2,313.61, and Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) fell 0.94% to $100.30.
What's driving crypto markets
The recent selling across crypto markets appears to be driven by two main factors.
First, traders are reducing their exposure ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision on Oct. 28. Investors often become more cautious leading up to major economic announcements, particularly when the outcome could influence interest rates and broader market sentiment.
Second, the crypto market is coming off a strong finish to the third quarter, with several cryptocurrencies posting double-digit rebounds from their summer lows. Some profit-taking after a rally of that magnitude is hardly surprising, particularly as investors weigh the potential impact of the Fed's upcoming decision.
Crypto ETF snapshot
When looking at crypto ETF's, they experienced a similar wave of selling. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:IBIT) fell 1.61%, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (NYSEMKT:FBTC) fell 1.66%, and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (NASDAQ:ETHA) fell 3.22%.
What this means for investors
Continued weakness in crypto markets heading into Wednesday's Federal Reserve meeting remains a likely possibility as investors take a cautious approach. Although the market is pricing in just an 8% probability of a rate hike, uncertainty surrounding the Fed's decision and subsequent commentary could keep volatility elevated.
For crypto to regain its footing in the near term, investors should watch whether Bitcoin can defend the $80,000 zone and whether major altcoins begin showing signs of renewed strength. Stabilization across these assets could signal improving risk appetite, while further declines would suggest sellers remain in control.
Top 10 crypto performance
| # | Name | Price | 24h | 7d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitcoin (BTC) | $79,817.06 | -0.3% | -2.4% |
| 2 | Ethereum (ETH) | $2,313.61 | -0.6% | -3.5% |
| 3 | Tether (USDT) | $0.9986 | -0.0% | -0.1% |
| 4 | BNB (BNB) | $741.88 | +0.1% | +2.2% |
| 5 | XRP (XRP) | $1.29 | -0.5% | -0.6% |
| 6 | USDC (USDC) | $0.9993 | -0.0% | -0.1% |
| 7 | Solana (SOL) | $100.30 | -0.9% | -3.4% |
| 8 | TRON (TRX) | $0.3299 | -0.2% | -0.4% |
| 9 | Figure Heloc (FIGR_HELOC) | $1.04 | n/a | +1.8% |
| 10 | Zcash (ZEC) | $1,222.90 | +0.3% | +8.8% |
Ranked by market cap. Price and 24-hour change for BTC, ETH and SOL: FMP, the same figures used in the text above. All other figures: CoinGecko, as of October 26, 2026 20:17 UTC.
RJ Fulton has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and iShares Bitcoin Trust. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and iShares Bitcoin Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.