Fed Stands Pat, Bitcoin Holds Steady—But a December Rate Hike Is in Play

The central bank of the United States, which sets US interest rates and supervises banks.

Because the dollar is used worldwide, its rate decisions affect borrowing costs and markets in many other countries.

The first and largest cryptocurrency, created in 2009, with a fixed maximum supply and no central issuer.

Its price swings and adoption by funds and companies make it a bellwether for the whole crypto market.