#FedRateWatch

If the interest rate is raised, Bitcoin’s initial reaction is typically negative, as the price faces selling pressure and a wave of sharp volatility immediately after the decision is released.

Direct mechanisms affecting price

​Reduced appetite for risk (Risk-Off): Higher interest rates boost returns on risk-free assets such as Treasury bonds and the U.S. dollar, prompting investors to pull liquidity from high-risk assets like Bitcoin and stocks and move toward guaranteed returns.

​Liquidation of leveraged positions (Long Liquidations): The sudden increase in interest rates puts pressure on leveraged futures traders, leading to cascading forced liquidations that amplify the downward move.

​Rising U.S. Dollar Index (DXY): Bitcoin is often inversely correlated with the dollar; raising rates strengthens the U.S. currency, which puts direct pressure on dollar-denominated assets.

Impact of the decision based on market expectations

​If the decision is expected and already priced in: The drop may be limited, and could be followed by a quick rebound or a sideways move, because investment funds and investors have adjusted their portfolios in advance.

​If the decision is a surprise hike (Surprise Hike): A sharp, fast decline occurs that breaks below nearby technical support levels due to panic from sell-off momentum and a liquidity shortfall shock.
The closest scenario is either raising interest rates or keeping them as they are.