Bitcoin nosedives below $57,000 to two-month low ahead of U.S. Fed decision

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Bitcoin on Wednesday plunged sharply to its lowest level in over two months amid broader risk-off sentiment in markets, as investors kept an eye on the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision.

The world's top digital currency by market value dropped as low as $56,757.93, falling below $57,000 for the first time since Feb. 28, according to data from CoinGecko.

Bitcoin was last down 6.3% Wednesday to a price of $57,505.24.

Rival cryptocurrencies ether, solana, and XRP fell 4.5%, 5.9%, and 1.4%, respectively.

Crypto market participants are eyeing the upcoming interest rate decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Federal Open Market Committee is due to meet on Wednesday afternoon to discuss its latest policy on interest rates.

Markets have become more shaky lately, as investors fret over the prospect of a longer path toward interest rate cuts. Investors are looking for clues from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on what needs to happen before rates can come down. 

Bitcoin has been known to trade more akin to traditional risk assets, such as stocks. Its backers have described it as a hedge against rising inflation — but the token's track record here has been mixed.

Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered's head of digital asset research, said in a note out on Wednesday that bitcoin's drop below $60,000 «has now re-opened a route to the 50-52k range.»

«The driver seems to be a combination of crypto specific and broader macro,» Kendrick said.

He noted the primary factors impacting the token were five days of consecutive outflows from the U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, as well as a deterioration in the macro backdrop and worsening market liquidity.

Kendrick added that the reaction to the launch of