ETH ADA XRP lead gains as Bitcoin edges higher on Fed cut bets
Asian risk assets started the week on a positive note as investors increasingly priced in a potential 25-basis-point rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve in its upcoming December meeting. This shift in sentiment supported broader market confidence, giving regional equities and currencies a firmer tone during early trading hours.
The crypto market followed the same optimistic trend, with Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and XRP leading the day’s advances. Bitcoin also moved slightly higher, hovering in the low-$91,000 range during Asian trading. While major altcoins delivered a mixed performance overall, most still managed to post modest gains, reflecting improving risk appetite across digital assets.
Market snapshot
Bitcoin added roughly 2% over 24 hours and more than 6% week to date, extending last week’s rebound yet struggling near the $94,000–$100,000 band that capped prior attempts. Ether outperformed around the $3,100 level, while top-cap peers including BNB and Solana saw incremental gains. Broader risk appetite reflected Asia equities’ modest rise and softer U.S. dollar futures into the Fed decision window.
Macro driver.
Futures-implied odds favored a quarter-point cut going into the December policy meeting, with several houses shifting to the dovish side in recent days. Regional equity benchmarks were marginally higher, while traders awaited guidance on the pace of any 2026 policy path.
ETH ADA XRP lead gains as Bitcoin edges higher
Spot BTC’s advance faces supply pockets near ~$94k and a heavier zone toward $98k $100k cited by analysts. A firm break could reset momentum into year-end; failure keeps price action rotational. Intraday liquidity remains thin relative to prior upswings.
Sentiment watch.
On-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant reported its Bitcoin “Bull Score” fell to 0 in early November, a level historically associated with either macro bottoms or late-cycle distribution phases underscoring the need for new demand to sustain rallies. Cryptoquant+1
Development focus: Ethereum’s Fusaka hard fork
Ethereum’s Fusaka mainnet upgrade finalized last week, introducing PeerDAS and higher blob capacity as part of a twice-a-year hard fork cadence aimed at scaling rollups and lowering L2 costs. ETH modestly outperformed on the day.
Medium-term flows.
K33 Research flagged potential medium-term U.S. retirement-plan access as a structural tailwind by early 2026, if forthcoming 401(k) guideline updates allow limited crypto allocations—opening a new cohort of incremental buyers. Timelines and scope remain subject to rulemaking.
Context & Analysis
The setup resembles prior cycle pullbacks where BTC absorbed multi-week drawdowns before reattempting highs. But with the Bull Score at zero and liquidity softer, conviction hinges on policy clarity and fresh inflows (institutional or retail). If 401(k) access materializes in 2026, it could offset cyclical fatigue; meanwhile, Ethereum’s throughput upgrades may continue shifting activity toward L2s.
Conclusion
Heading into the Federal Reserve meeting, crypto markets remain cautiously constructive. A 25-basis-point cut paired with balanced guidance could keep risk sentiment supported, while any surprise or hawkish tone may extend the current consolidation below the $94k–$100k zone. Traders are positioning carefully as volatility expectations stay muted.
Beyond the immediate policy decision, the medium-term outlook is shaped by broader structural forces. Growing retirement-account participation, improved institutional access, and ongoing progress in Ethereum scaling continue to influence long-range sentiment. These factors are helping frame the next phase of market development even as short-term price action remains sensitive to the Fed.
FAQs
Q : What’s driving today’s crypto move?
A : Rate-cut expectations ahead of the Fed meeting and a firmer Asia open.
Q : Where is key resistance for Bitcoin now?
A : The $94k–$100k zone remains a heavy resistance area that capped recent rebounds.
Q : Did Ethereum have a network upgrade?
A : Yes. The Fusaka hard fork went live, adding PeerDAS and higher blob capacity.
Q : Is sentiment supportive?
A : Mixed. CryptoQuant’s Bull Score hit 0 in November, a historically fragile signal.
Q : Could retirement accounts buy bitcoin soon?
A : K33 Research sees potential 401(k) access in early 2026, pending guidelines.
Q : How do Asian equities relate to crypto?
A : They often move together on macro catalysts; both moved higher into the Fed meeting.
Q : Does the article include the topic “ETH ADA XRP lead gains as Bitcoin edges higher”?
A : Yes, the piece explains why ETH, ADA, and XRP are leading gains while Bitcoin edges higher today.
Facts
Event
Crypto edges higher into Fed week; altcoins outperform at the marginDate/Time
2025-12-08T10:40:00+05:00Entities
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), XRP; U.S. Federal Reserve; CryptoQuant; K33 Research; Ethereum developersFigures
BTC ~$91.7k intraday; expected Fed cut 25 bps; ETH ~$3.1k (approx.)Quotes:
Sources
CoinDesk “ETH, ADA, XRP Lead Gains as Bitcoin Edges Higher on Fed Rate Cut Expectations” (coindesk.com); Reuters “Global markets cautiously hopeful Fed will deliver” (reuters.com)