Crypto Stocks Slide Ahead of Fed Rate Decision as Coinbase, Robinhood, and Strategy Remain in Focus

Crypto-related stocks remained under pressure on Wednesday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated interest rate decision. Shares of major crypto companies, including Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), Robinhood (NASDAQ: HOOD), and Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), reflected weaker risk sentiment as markets awaited clarity on the central bank’s next policy move.

The Federal Reserve’s announcement is expected to be a key catalyst for financial markets, particularly cryptocurrencies and crypto-linked stocks, which often react sharply to changes in monetary policy. JPMorgan analysts expect the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged but believe a hawkish hold remains the most likely outcome. Such a stance could keep the S&P 500 relatively flat or lead to modest declines, while a more dovish outlook may support equities and digital assets.

Goldman Sachs also noted elevated uncertainty surrounding this meeting. According to interest-rate futures, markets are pricing in roughly a 33.7% chance of a surprise 25-basis-point rate hike, with a 66.3% probability that rates remain unchanged, based on CME FedWatch Tool data. A rate increase would likely strengthen the U.S. dollar and weigh on cryptocurrencies, technology shares, and other risk-sensitive assets.

Ahead of the announcement, Coinbase shares fell nearly 2% to $164.69, while Robinhood declined more than 3% to $90.13. Robinhood is also scheduled to release its second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings after the market closes, adding another potential catalyst for the stock. Meanwhile, Strategy traded close to flat at around $96.23, outperforming its crypto-focused peers.

Beyond the interest rate decision, investors will closely analyze the Federal Reserve’s policy statement and Chair's remarks for signals about future monetary policy. With policymakers still divided over inflation risks, the central bank’s guidance could prove just as important as the rate decision itself, shaping the outlook for Bitcoin, the broader cryptocurrency market, and crypto-related stocks in the coming weeks.