Bitcoin slips below $79,000 as XRP leads crypto losses

Bitcoin fell below $79,000 as cryptocurrency markets weakened over the past 24 hours, according to CoinDesk. XRP recorded the sharpest decline among major tokens, while traders began pricing in expectations of a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike. Most leading digital assets were flat or lower during the period. Solana and BNB were the exceptions, posting gains while the broader market remained under pressure. Despite the short-term pullback, bitcoin was still up 14% over the previous week. XRP also retained a 28% weekly gain, even after leading the latest losses. The moves highlight a split between strong recent weekly performance and softer daily trading across major crypto assets. Market participants are watching how changing expectations for U.S. monetary policy affect digital-asset demand, with the prospect of higher rates weighing on sentiment. CoinDesk reported the market moves as traders reassessed the outlook for the Federal Reserve.