Bitcoin kicked off the new year stuck in a tight trading range between $85,000 and $90,000, as the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes poured cold water on hopes for quick interest rate relief. The Fed’s December meeting summary has solidified a narrative, delaying expectations for cuts and squeezing liquidity for risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Decoding the FOMC Minutes: A Pause on Rate Cuts

The FOMC, the Federal Reserve’s key policymaking body, released minutes from its December meeting that paint a cautious picture. Despite implementing a 25-basis-point rate cut last month—the third in a series of easing moves—policymakers signaled they’re in no rush to do more. Officials emphasized the need to assess the…