Bitcoin Breaks Below $80,000, Hits $79,710 as Rate Fears Return

Bitcoin fell below $80,000 and reached $79,710 after Federal Reserve rate concerns returned. The reported 10-2 Fed vote left rates unchanged, while two dissenting voters favored a further 25-basis-point increase. The split vote has renewed expectations that rates could remain higher for longer, a backdrop cited as increasing pressure on leveraged crypto positions. The source also said expectations for another December rate increase had risen to around 80%. BTC's ability to reclaim and hold $80,000 is the immediate level in focus. The source described higher-beta assets including ETH and SOL as more vulnerable in a thinning-liquidity environment, while future changes in rate expectations remain the next macro catalyst.