Altcoins Extend Losses as Rate Uncertainty Weighs on Markets

Altcoins continued their downward slide for a second consecutive week on Tuesday, while bitcoin and ether held relatively steady amid mounting macroeconomic uncertainty.

The sell-off intensified ahead of key economic events, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision scheduled for Wednesday.

Among the hardest hit were XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA), each dropping more than 3% over the past 24 hours. Dogecoin (DOGE), Avalanche (AVAX), and Sui (SUI) suffered even deeper losses, falling over 5%.

The broader correction has now pushed XRP and SOL down roughly 13% over the past seven days, while DOGE has plunged around 18% during the same period.

Bitcoin (BTC), by contrast, was little changed on the day, trading near $117,312—broadly flat over the 24-hour window.

Altcoins have remained under pressure since last week as speculative leveraged positions met rising uncertainty. The buildup to a busy slate of economic data and policy decisions has added to the volatility in both crypto and traditional markets.

The Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting began Tuesday, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell expected to hold rates steady. However, political pressure has mounted, with President Donald Trump publicly urging a rate cut.

Investors are also bracing for Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls report and several upcoming tariff decisions from the Trump administration, which could further impact market sentiment.

U.S. equity markets gave up early gains, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both turning modestly lower by session end.