Bitcoin is entering a pivotal week, with the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, US inflation and GDP figures, and results from major technology companies due as the cryptocurrency struggles to remain above $80,000.
The Fed will announce its latest policy decision on Wednesday, October 28, after a two-day meeting. September personal income and outlays, including the central bank’s preferred Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, and the advance estimate of third-quarter GDP will follow on Thursday, October 29.
Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Intel are also scheduled to report earnings, with about 20% of S&P 500 companies expected to publish results during the week beginning October 26.
Bitcoin has fallen from around $85,000 and reached approximately $79,100 over the weekend, its lowest level in five weeks. Traders are assessing whether the forthcoming economic and corporate announcements can support a recovery or increase pressure on an already fragile market.
Fed decision puts $80,000 level under scrutiny
At its September meeting, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. The central bank pointed to persistent inflation, despite solid economic activity and resilient domestic spending.
Markets currently expect interest rates to remain unchanged. However, September inflation figures have revived uncertainty over whether policymakers could consider another increase in December.
The Fed’s wording may be as important as the decision itself. Investors will examine its assessment of inflation, economic growth and the circumstances that could lead to further rate changes.
A cautious statement that keeps the possibility of another increase open could put further pressure on Bitcoin. Conversely, an indication that policymakers are prepared to wait for more evidence could improve market sentiment.
Inflation and GDP data due on Thursday
The Bureau of Economic Analysis is due to release the September personal income and outlays report, together with the advance third-quarter GDP estimate, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on October 29.
The timing means the PCE inflation figures will be published one day after the Fed’s policy announcement. Elevated inflation combined with resilient GDP growth could lead investors to believe borrowing costs will remain restrictive for longer.
Conversely, weaker growth or cooler inflation could cause traders to reassess the expected path of interest rates, although neither outcome would guarantee a Bitcoin recovery.
The Census Bureau will publish September new home sales on Tuesday, October 27, providing another indication of consumer demand in an interest-rate-sensitive part of the economy.
Big Tech results add to volatility risk
Microsoft and Alphabet will report on Wednesday, followed by Amazon and Intel on Thursday. Investors are expected to focus on cloud revenue, artificial intelligence spending, operating margins and company forecasts amid renewed concerns over technology valuations and the cost of AI infrastructure.
Microsoft’s results are due after the US stock market closes on Wednesday, while Alphabet’s earnings conference call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Technology shares have faced selling pressure in the past week, with AI spending concerns contributing to weaker equity sentiment.
Bitcoin’s immediate reference point is $80,000, while the $84,000–$85,000 area remains resistance after its failed recovery. A sustained move below approximately $79,100 could expose the cryptocurrency to further selling, while reclaiming the resistance zone would require renewed buying interest.
The minutes of the Fed’s October 27–28 meeting are scheduled for November 18, before its final policy meeting of 2026 on December 8–9.
This article is not investment advice. Its content and materials are for educational purposes only.
