Bitcoin and crypto stocks decline ahead of CLARITY Act vote and Fed decision
Crypto markets and related stocks fell on September 15, 2026, as investors anticipated key developments from Washington. Bitcoin dropped nearly 2%, Ethereum declined by almost 1.8%, and Solana lost over 1%. The total crypto market cap dipped to $2.61 trillion amid a selloff in derivatives trading that wiped out around $384 million in positions. Crypto-linked stocks were hit harder, with Coinbase falling nearly 6%, Robinhood dropping almost 4%, Circle declining by more than 8%, and Strategy losing over 4%. The uncertainty stemmed from stalled negotiations on the CLARITY Act after Senate Republicans rejected a Democratic counteroffer. A cloture vote was scheduled for later that day. Markets also braced for the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision, with economists predicting another hike to between 3.75% and 4%. Higher rates could tighten financial conditions and pressure risk assets like crypto.
Topics: Bitcoin CLARITY Act Cryptocurrency Stocks Federal Reserve