A Fed rate increase would be a mistake, some observers say as bitcoin, gold, stocks fall

A Fed rate hike this week would be a mistake, observers warn, as bitcoin slides below $27,000, gold dips to $1,925 an ounce and equities tumble, prompting concerns that tighter policy could throttle recovery. They argue higher rates would deepen liquidity strains, likely pushing risk assets lower and reinforcing a cautious market outlook.