Bitcoin tops $81K, HYPE and ZEC lead rally before Fed rate decision

Bitcoin broke above $81,000 on Wednesday, leading a broad cryptocurrency rally as investors positioned ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Every major token traded in the green, with Hyperliquid’s HYPE and Zcash’s ZEC posting the strongest gains among top assets. The surge reflects renewed risk appetite in digital assets, driven by expectations that the Fed may signal a slower pace of rate hikes or a potential pause. Market participants are closely watching the central bank’s guidance, as looser monetary policy typically boosts demand for high-growth assets like crypto. The rally also follows a period of consolidation, with Bitcoin regaining momentum after weeks of range-bound trading. Analysts note that the move above $81,000 could trigger further upside if the Fed’s tone is dovish, while a hawkish surprise might spark a pullback. For now, the market’s optimism underscores the growing link between macroeconomic policy and crypto valuations. Traders will parse every word from the Fed for clues on the next leg of the rally.