Bitcoin Rallies on CPI Data
The Bitcoin price increase was part of a larger trend with major equities also seeing major moves
May 15, 2024 05:25 PM
Reading time: 1 minute, 49 seconds
TL;DR Bitcoin rallied 3% in the past 24 hours, trading at $63,751. The surge coincides with the release of cooler U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for April. Stock futures also climbed, showing broader market optimism.
Bitcoin Price Surge Amid CPI Data Release
Bitcoin (BTC) made a significant move on Wednesday, surging by an impressive 3% in just 24 hours, and reaching a trading value of $63,751 as of 9:20 a.m. ET.
The surge in Bitcoin's price was not an isolated event. It was part of a larger trend, with major equities also making significant moves, all of which were driven by the latest U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a trusted source of economic data, released the April CPI report on Wednesday morning. The report indicated a year-over-year gain of 3.4%, slightly lower than March's 3.5% increase. This cooler-than-expected inflation data provided a positive signal for the cryptocurrency and broader financial markets.
Broader markets are processing the latest U.S. CPI report, which suggests inflation eased in April.
Stock Futures React Positively
Following the release of the CPI data, stock futures climbed. That move indicates an easing of inflation that aligned with economists' expectations.
In pre-market trading, the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.81%, while the NYSE Composite increased by 0.48%. This optimistic sentiment highlights the interconnected nature of traditional financial markets and digital assets.
Implications for Federal Reserve Decisions
The CPI report, which provides a key measure of inflation, could significantly influence the Federal Reserve's approach to interest rate adjustments. This is because the Federal Reserve often uses inflation data to guide its monetary policy decisions.
According to the CME's FedWatch tool, interest rate traders are now betting that the Fed will hold rates steady in June before possibly making its first cut in September.
The FedWatch forecast indicates a 91.6% chance of rates remaining steady in June and a 65.1% chance in July. However, traders give a 51.4% chance of a rate cut in September.
Broader Cryptocurrency Market Trends
The positive sentiment extended to the broader cryptocurrency market. The GM 30 Index, representing a selection of the top 30 cryptocurrencies, increased by 1.92% to 130.16 in the past 24 hours. That indicates a broader trend of optimism and growth in the digital asset space.
As inflation data continues to impact market sentiment, traditional and digital assets are likely to experience fluctuations. Investors will watch for future CPI reports and Federal Reserve decisions to gauge the economic landscape.