The Bitcoin price fell below $80,000 on Monday, October 26, 2026, before recovering some ground in afternoon Asian trading. The decline came alongside broader caution over artificial intelligence investment and ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 27–28 policy meeting.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin fell as much as 1.4% before paring its losses.
- US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $772.4 million of withdrawals over Thursday and Friday.
- Investors were watching the Fed meeting and major technology companies’ earnings.
Table of Contents
- Bitcoin price pares losses as smaller tokens decline
- ETF withdrawals reverse earlier buying
- AI spending concerns frame the wait for the Fed
- Conclusion
Bitcoin price pares losses as smaller tokens decline
Bitcoin traded below $79,300 at its weakest point before returning to around $80,000 in afternoon trading in Asia. Ether, XRP and Solana also declined, extending the weakness beyond the largest cryptocurrency.
The recovery reduced Bitcoin’s intraday loss but did not establish a sustained rebound. Cryptocurrencies were trading alongside a broader market downturn that had carried over from the previous week.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price snapshot | October 26, 2026, afternoon trading in Asia; not a closing price. |
| ETF scope | US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. |
| Equity backdrop | Kospi down 0.2%; Japanese chip-related stocks among Nikkei decliners. |
ETF withdrawals reverse earlier buying
Investors withdrew $772.4 million from US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds across Thursday and Friday, October 22–23. That followed more than $1 billion of net inflows earlier in the week.
The late-week withdrawals marked a reversal in demand, rather than showing that the entire week ended with net outflows. The flow figures also do not establish how much of Monday’s price decline was attributable to ETF activity.
AI spending concerns frame the wait for the Fed
Investors were questioning the scale of AI spending and looking to the week’s earnings from major technology companies for further detail. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% in the cited market snapshot, while chip-related shares were among the biggest decliners in Japan’s Nikkei.
Caroline Mauron, co-founder of Orbit Markets, said Bitcoin had been relatively resilient to AI debt concerns affecting risk assets. She identified the Fed meeting, followed by the US midterm elections, as the market’s focus.
Pratik Kala, portfolio manager at Apollo Crypto, said many systematic funds and algorithmic traders continued to treat Bitcoin as a risk asset, leaving it exposed to deteriorating sentiment. That was his assessment of market positioning, not proof of a single cause for the decline.
The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting calendar lists the policy meeting for October 27–28, 2026. The calendar confirms the timing, but does not indicate the decision policymakers will make.
Conclusion
The next scheduled policy event is the October 27–28 Fed meeting. Technology earnings will also be in focus as investors assess AI spending concerns alongside the recent reversal in Bitcoin ETF flows.
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Disclaimer
This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.
