Bitcoin Slips to Around ₩104 Million Ahead of FOMC, CLARITY Act Vote

Bitcoin extended its downward trend ahead of two major events: the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting and a vote on cryptocurrency regulation legislation. As of 8:10 a.m. on the 14th, Bitcoin was trading at ₩104.49 million (approximately $78,000) on South Korean exchange Bithumb, down 0.49% from 24 hours earlier. On global market tracker CoinMarketCap, it was moving around the $76,704 level.

Major altcoins declined in tandem. Ethereum fell 0.50%, while Ripple and Solana dropped 0.76% and 0.51%, respectively. The Fear & Greed Index, which gauges market sentiment, stood at 61, indicating "greed" territory. The so-called kimchi premium was 1.17%, meaning domestic prices in South Korea were slightly higher than overseas levels.

The biggest variable for the cryptocurrency market this week is the FOMC meeting scheduled for the 15th–16th (local time). The Federal Reserve will announce its benchmark rate decision and release its Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), including GDP, inflation, and interest rate forecasts, along with the dot plot.

With the recent surge in international oil prices raising concerns about resurgent inflation, market attention is focused on how the Fed will assess inflationary pressures. If the central bank judges that price increases are stronger than expected, it becomes more likely to keep rates elevated or hike further. Conversely, if disinflationary trends are confirmed, easing rate pressures could provide a tailwind for risk assets including Bitcoin.