Биткоин на уровне $86 700: перспектива новых изменений в ФРС на фоне ожиданий инвесторов Headline: Bitcoin Holding at $86,700: Prospects for New Changes at the Fed Amid Investor Expectations

The value of the leading cryptocurrency has stabilized around $86,700 in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to appoint a new head of the Federal Reserve who will support a significant decrease in interest rates, according to Reuters.

On December 17, the asset’s price briefly reached $90,000. As of this writing, Bitcoin is trading at $86,828, with a daily increase of 0.03%. The fluctuations in price are attributed to low liquidity amidst macroeconomic uncertainty.

During a press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the regulator may not lower rates in January. Market participants assess the likelihood of maintaining the current range (3.50–3.75%) at 73.4%.

The situation could change in May following a leadership transition. Trump aims to reduce the target rate to 1%.

The President has already conducted an interview with Christopher Waller, who is favorable to the crypto industry. Other candidates for the regulatory head include former Fed governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council head Kevin Hassett.

LVRG Research Director Nick Rack has linked the instability in the crypto segment to a global decline in risk appetite. Additional pressures are coming from a slowdown in inflows into ETFs, deleveraging in the derivatives market, and a high correlation with the stock market. The expert noted that investors tend to reevaluate their portfolios at year-end, while expectations for a “Santa Claus rally” are dwindling.

Vincent Liu, CIO of Kronos Research, views current developments as a fundamental revaluation of assets rather than a temporary seasonal factor.

«The market has shed leverage and is waiting for a real catalyst. Until fresh liquidity arrives, we will see sideways movement,» the specialist stated.

Liu does not regard the current correction as the onset of a “crypto winter.” According to him, the risk of a prolonged decline will only increase if the $81,000 level is lost, which he considers the «true average» value of the market.

The Federal Reserve has rescinded a 2023 directive that restricted the activities of some banks in the crypto sector. The regulator explained this decision as a result of the «evolution of views on risks.»

Previously, state-registered financial institutions operated under an effective «presumption of prohibition.” They were not allowed to engage in «new types of activities» (including crypto services) unless it was permissible for national banks.

The Fed noted that since the publication of the old rules, the financial system and understanding of innovative products have evolved.

The regulator’s approach has now become more flexible:

The 2023 policy did not impose a complete ban but practically prevented banks from holding Bitcoin or Ethereum on their balance sheets and from issuing stablecoins.

The decision was not unanimous. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr opposed it, stating that uniform rules prevent regulatory arbitrage. He reminded that restrictions in 2023 were adopted with full support from the board.

Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett pointed out the connection between these changes and the Custodia Bank case. The repealed rules were the reason for Caitlin Long’s bank being denied access to the Fed’s master accounts.

Custodia operates as an uninsured institution with 100% reserve backing. The bank can now seek approval for operations that were previously unavailable to it.

Lastly, Bitwise and Grayscale have projected a new price record for Bitcoin in 2026.