Markets
Bitcoin and Ether pause below their highs awaiting the Fed's next signals
On October 7, 2026, bitcoin and ether are consolidating below major technical resistances as markets scrutinize the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, in a context of still-restrictive monetary policy. This combination of factors increases cryptocurrencies' sensitivity to forthcoming macroeconomic signals.
On October 7, 2026, bitcoin closed around 74 634 € (83 821 $) on Coinbase Pro, down about 2% for the day, according to daily data compiled by Investing.com. This pullback comes after a broadly bullish start to October that brought the asset closer to its recent highs. As a reference, the market places bitcoin around 74 972 € (84 201 $), illustrating a consolidation phase rather than a clear trend reversal at this stage.
According to BusinessToday, the bitcoin market is currently hitting a resistance zone near 77 500 € (87 000 $), identified as a technical ceiling limiting the continuation of the rally that began in early October 2026. As long as this level is not breached with convincing volumes, the momentum remains fragile and exposed to macroeconomic news. This stalling occurs while many traders adjust their short-term positions, in an environment of monetary policy more restrictive than in previous cycles.
Ether also declined on October 7, 2026, in a market where participants favor cautious waiting. As a market reference, ether is trading around 2 329 € (2 615 $), far from the euphoria seen during previous speculative phases. BusinessToday points out that investors remain focused on signals from the Federal Reserve, which limits risk-taking across the crypto segment, despite the absence to date of any specific fundamental deterioration in the Ethereum ecosystem.
According to Kiplinger, the Fed raised its policy rate on September 16, 2026, and markets do not expect another hike at the next meeting on October 28, while pricing in the prospect of a persistently restrictive monetary policy. This framework mechanically reduces appetite for assets perceived as riskier, including cryptocurrencies, while increasing these markets' dependence on central bank announcements. At the same time, WEEX notes that the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted new highs, a sign of continued risk appetite in equities.
This divergence between U.S. equity indices at highs and major cryptocurrencies in a pause highlights increased investor selectivity. Bitcoin, stuck below 77 500 € (87 000 $), and ether, in retreat, appear more sensitive to anticipated changes in the cost of capital. In this context, every Fed communication through the end of October could act as either a bullish or bearish catalyst. Market participants therefore favor a gradual approach, attentive to both technical levels and the macroeconomic calendar.