Bitcoin remains capped below $75,000 despite major SEC and CFTC crypto rule changes.

Bitcoin remains stuck just below critical resistance near $75,000, leaving the wider crypto market in a holding pattern.

The recent joint guidance from U.S. regulators — the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission — aimed at clarifying how securities laws apply to various crypto tokens, failed to push bitcoin (BTC $70,289.20) decisively above $75,000.

The interpretive guidance, while non-binding, classifies crypto tokens into five categories: digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities. This framework removes a major source of legal uncertainty, signaling which tokens are considered securities and which are not, and giving issuers and exchanges a clearer understanding of federal oversight.

Tagus Capital described the move as fostering “a more coherent and less burdensome regulatory environment,” reducing the risk of retroactive enforcement and making compliance more predictable. “The guidance supports institutional participation, exchange development, and product innovation while improving market structure through lower compliance costs and better price discovery,” the firm said. “Although not legally binding, it sets a strong template for future legislation and may accelerate global regulatory alignment.”

Despite the clarification, bitcoin struggled to capitalize on this month’s bounce from $65,000, briefly approaching $76,000 on Tuesday before retreating. The cryptocurrency remained largely unchanged over the past 24 hours. Other major tokens including XRP, Ether, and Solana also experienced choppy trading, with the CoinDesk 20 Index down 0.3%.

Analysts continue to view $75,000 as a key resistance level. “On the upside, $75,400–$76,000 continues to act as resistance,” said Vikram Subburaj, CEO of India-based crypto exchange Giottus. “Bitcoin needs to hold above this range to signal stronger momentum.”

One factor keeping traders cautious may be the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision scheduled for Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to maintain rates in the 3.5%–3.75% range, but the market is focused on its projections and commentary, especially in light of the recent oil price spike driven by the conflict in Iran.

The Fed’s rate decision, policy statement, and economic projections are set to be released at 2 p.m. ET, followed by a press conference from Chair Jerome Powell 30 minutes later. Traders will be watching closely for signals that could influence crypto and risk assets alike.