Bitcoin Drops Further Below $80,000 as Fed, Clarity Act Vote Loom — Market Talk

Bitcoin drops in early Asia trade, slipping further below the $80,000 handle as oil prices sharpen rate-hike expectations. The prospect of tighter financial conditions tends to drag on non-yielding assets, while alarm over the continued Middle East conflict and its inflationary impact dulls risk appetite. Traders might be feeling extra cautious ahead of two events that will influence crypto markets: The Federal Reserve's decision and a vote on U.S. crypto legislation. Legislative progress would reduce regulatory uncertainty and brighten Bitcoin's outlook, says Mahmoud Mashal at VT Markets Dubai. A hawkish Fed would create a more challenging backdrop in an environment of already-high yields, he adds, while a more measured tone would have the opposite effect. Bitcoin falls 1.6% to $77,753. ([email protected])