December rate cut just collapsed after stronger-than-expected U.S. retail data and hawkish Fed remarks.

$BTC slipped below $ 106,000, $ETH fell near $ 3,600, and altcoins followed as traders priced in tighter liquidity through year-end. Stablecoin inflows into exchanges also dropped 12%, signaling weaker dip-buying appetite.

Macro traders now see a 70% chance the Fed holds rates steady into Q1 2026 — a scenario that could pressure risk assets but strengthen long-term conviction in Bitcoin’s “hard money” narrative.

So what’s next — consolidation before the next breakout, or a deeper flush if December brings no cut?