Bitcoin Returns to Pre-Fed Levels After First Rate Hike Since 2023; Zcash Surges

WHY IT MATTERS

When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, it makes borrowing money more expensive across the economy. Think of it like a landlord raising rent — people and businesses have less spare cash to put into riskier investments like stocks or crypto. This was the first rate increase since 2023, which is a big policy shift. Bitcoin's "round-trip" means its price went up or down in response but then came back to where it started, like a rubber band snapping back. Meanwhile, Zcash — a cryptocurrency designed to offer stronger privacy features than Bitcoin — surged significantly. For newcomers, this event shows how decisions made by central banks like the Fed can ripple through crypto markets, even though crypto operates outside the traditional banking system.