Bitcoin Slips Below $83,000 After Hotter-Than-Expected US Inflation Data
Bitcoin drops on warmer US inflation numbers
Bitcoin fell on Wednesday after US government data showed that consumer prices rose more than expected in September. The biggest cryptocurrency was trading near $82,827, down almost 1% over 24 hours. At one point, bitcoin dropped to nearly $82,331 in New York morning trading.
The decline came after the Labor Department reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 0.6% in September, up from 0.4% in August. Over the past 12 months through September, the CPI advanced 3.7%, compared with 3.4% in August.
What the data shows
- Bitcoin fell below $83,000 after hotter-than-expected US inflation data released Wednesday.
- The CPI rose 0.6% in September, higher than August's 0.4% increase.
- Year-over-year inflation climbed to 3.7%, up from 3.4% in August.
- Bitcoin has dropped more than 1% over the past seven days.
- The central bank raised interest rates in September, saying fighting inflation remains its top priority.
- Fed funds futures were pricing a 47% chance of another rate hike at the October meeting, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool.
Why higher inflation affects crypto
High US prices — partly driven by the Trump administration's military action against Iran alongside Israel this year — have led the Federal Reserve to signal it may keep interest rates higher for longer. Bitcoin and other risk assets like stocks tend to struggle when borrowing costs rise, because higher rates reduce the amount of money flowing through the financial system.
Despite this sensitivity, bitcoin's price actually rose in September even as the Fed talked tough on inflation. The central bank's next interest rate decision is scheduled for October 28.
Recent price context
Bitcoin had its best quarter in years after rallying through August and September, leading some analysts to declare that the cryptocurrency had exited a bear market. However, the latest inflation figures are putting short-term pressure on the price again.
What is confirmed
The CPI data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a confirmed fact. Bitcoin's price around $82,827 and the 47% rate-hike probability from CME Group's FedWatch tool are also confirmed. The claim that inflation was "hotter than expected" is presented as reported analysis in the source article.
What is still unclear
It is unclear how long the inflation data will weigh on bitcoin's price or whether the cryptocurrency can resume its September rally. The source does not provide analyst forecasts beyond noting the short-term pressure.
What happens next
The Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision on October 28. Markets are currently pricing in about a 47% chance of another rate hike at that meeting.