The total crypto market capitalization shrank to $2.6 trillion during trading on September 15, 2026. The daily downturn, which erased over 2% from the market cap, was led directly by Bitcoin. The largest cryptocurrency fell by more than 3%, dropping below the $76,000 mark and briefly touching near the lower boundary of $75,000.
The root of the asset movement traces back to the economic calendar in Washington. By evening, market probability data for a potential 25-basis-point interest rate hike by the Fed surged past 92%. The shift in odds was rapid, climbing from 69.4% the previous Friday to 86.5% in the morning before finally reaching its peak.
If the central bank executes the tightening, the U.S. benchmark interest rate target range will rise from 3.50%-3.75% to 3.75%-4.00%.
Major Bank Projections
Analysts at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan both project that a 25-basis-point hike is certain to occur in September. Morgan Stanley took a more aggressive stance, projecting two consecutive rate hikes in September and December. The institution attributed its higher interest rate outlook to persistent inflation, elevated global oil prices, and strong capital demand for artificial intelligence investments.
The selloff extended well beyond crypto. U.S. stock markets, including the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices, closed in the red on the same day. The declining stock market reflects an important macro context: investors were actively trimming risk exposure before two major U.S. events take place simultaneously.
Double Blow Ahead of Fed Speech
Liquidity pressure hit the digital asset ecosystem at an inopportune time. News of the rate hike coincided with the failure of the CLARITY Act bill in the Senate. The combination of higher capital costs and regulatory deadlock dealt a double blow to the crypto market.
The official FOMC decision is scheduled for release on September 16, followed immediately by remarks from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. While the final interest rate figure may already be anticipated by the market, Warsh’s statements at the podium will decide the fate of capital flows into risk assets for the upcoming quarter.
Reported by crypto.news.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
