Investing.com– Bitcoin edged slightly higher on Tuesday but remained rangebound below the $90,000 mark, hovering not far from one-month lows, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and showed limited appetite for risk assets.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency last traded 0.4% higher at $88,296.5 as of 01:33 ET (06:33 GMT).
Bitcoin has struggled to regain momentum after sharp losses last week and is up only about 1% so far in 2026, underperforming other assets despite a softer U.S. dollar.
Bitcoin struggles ahead of Fed decision
Bitcoin has failed to benefit from macro conditions that have traditionally supported digital assets.
The subdued price action comes even as gold and silver surged to consecutive record highs, underscoring strong safe-haven demand amid geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over global growth.
Market focus has now shifted to the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which begins later on Tuesday and is widely expected to conclude with policymakers keeping interest rates unchanged on Wednesday.
While a pause is largely priced in, traders are looking closely at the Fed’s statement and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for clues on the timing of potential rate cuts and the central bank’s inflation outlook.
Any shift in tone from Powell could influence broader risk sentiment and liquidity conditions, both key drivers for cryptocurrencies.
Markets are also awaiting news on President Donald Trump’s appointment of a new Fed chair, a decision that could influence the central bank’s policy direction and longer-term expectations.
Japan could see first crypto ETFs as early as 2028, Nikkei reports
Japan’s first exchange-traded funds investing in cryptocurrencies could list as early as 2028, the Nikkei reported on Monday, potentially easing retail access to Bitcoin and other digital assets.
The Financial Services Agency plans to add cryptocurrencies to the list of eligible ETF assets while strengthening investor safeguards, the report said.
Nomura Holdings (TYO:8604) and SBI Holdings (TYO:8473) are among firms poised to launch products, subject to Tokyo Stock Exchange approval, the report added.
Crypto price today: altcoins rise in rangebound session
Most altcoins also rose modestly but remained rangebound.
World no.2 crypto Ethereum rose 1.5% to $2,935.92.
World no. 3 crypto XRP gained 1.1% to $1.90.
Solana and Cardano gained 1.5% each, while Polygon slipped over 3%.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin gained 0.6%, while $TRUMP declined 1.1%.
