This week's Fed decision could be the catalyst everyone's been waiting for. With the Federal Reserve's rate announcement just around the corner, traders are buzzing about whether we'll finally see that year-end Santa Claus rally materialize.

The crypto markets have been consolidating for weeks now. Bitcoin's been stuck in a frustrating range while altcoins bleed slowly. But monetary policy shifts have historically triggered significant price movements across digital assets.

Here's what makes this week different: inflation data's been cooling, yet the job market remains surprisingly resilient. That puts the central bank in a tricky spot. Will they hold rates steady? Signal future cuts? The market's pricing in various scenarios, and volatility's already creeping up.

Some veteran traders are positioning for a breakout. Others remain skeptical, pointing to traditional markets' sluggish performance and weak holiday volume. The Santa rally narrative sounds great until you remember we're still dealing with macro headwinds that don't just vanish because December hits the calendar.

One thing's certain though—whatever decision drops this week will set the tone for crypto heading into year-end. Risk appetite either reignites or we grind sideways through the holidays.