Fed Minutes Revive Rate Hike Risk in 2026 as Bitcoin Faces Liquidity Headwinds

Minutes from the Federal Reserve's January 2026 meeting indicate officials would consider raising rates again if inflation remains above target, challenging earlier expectations for steady cuts. The Fed held the policy rate at 3.5%–3.75% after three reductions in late 2025, a stance that could weigh on Bitcoin and broader crypto markets as higher-for-longer rates threaten liquidity and ETF inflows.