Following Kamala Harris’s commanding performance in the debate, Trump’s poll numbers have declined while Bitcoin $93,876 has fallen below $57,000. The August inflation data was released ahead of next week’s interest rate decision. The impact of macroeconomic developments on cryptocurrencies remains significant. But what do the latest data indicate?
U.S. Inflation Data
The Federal Reserve is likely to make a 25 basis point cut next week, confident in its path toward the 2% inflation target. However, labor data and bankruptcy figures are heightening concerns of an economic slowdown. Rising inflation amid poor labor data is one of the worst scenarios we could see these days. Therefore, everyone was focused on today’s inflation figures.
Next week, Powell might signal that the Fed can take easing steps using various tools to reassure the markets if required. However, economists broadly believe that he will avoid steep cuts, and are not optimistic about a short-term recovery in risk markets. Historical data also remind us that declines during rate cuts are significant, and it is too early to breathe easy.
The U.S. markets will open in an hour, and we have become accustomed to seeing drops in crypto at market open recently. The inflation figures are as follows:
- U.S. Annual Inflation Announced: 2.5% (Expected: 2.5%, Previous: 2.9%)
- U.S. Annual Core Inflation Announced: 3.2% (Expected and Previous: 3.2%)
Monthly core inflation came in at 0.3% against an expectation of 0.2%, but there appears to be no other major issues. Since the monthly headline inflation is also in line with expectations, we can consider the data quite positive for cryptocurrency investors. The Fed is now closer to its 2% inflation target.