Bitcoin Trades Above $81,500 as the Fed Holds Rates Steady in a 10‑2 Vote

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark federal‑funds rate unchanged at 3.75%‑4% on a 10‑2 vote, with dissent from Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack who favored a 25‑basis‑point hike. The decision was followed by a brief spike in Bitcoin to about $81,700, a dip below $80,500, and a quick recovery toward $81,000. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $110 million on Oct. 26 and $176 million on Oct. 27, indicating institutional interest in buying the dip. Bitcoin remains roughly one‑third below its October 2025 record of $126,000, and the $80,000 level is seen as a key support that could signal further moves if broken. The Fed’s statement removed explicit guidance on a future rate hike, instead noting that more data will inform policy, and futures and the Fed’s dot plot suggest a possible rate increase by December, with odds near 75%.