Bitcoin (BTC) is edging closer to the $70,000 milestone after retesting $66,000 on Friday. This comes after a softer-than-expected reading from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure—the Core PCE Index (Personal Consumption Expenditures).
Bitcoin (BTC) price is nearing the $70,000 milestone after retesting the $66,000 support on Friday. This follows a softer-than-expected reading on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the Core PCE Index (Personal Consumption Expenditures). This index tracks inflation while excluding the more volatile components, such as food and energy prices.
The August Core PCE index showed a 2.6% year-on-year increase, slightly below the anticipated 2.7%. This lower-than-expected inflation figure lifted market sentiment, with speculators factoring in the possibility of a 50 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Federal Reserve in November.
According to QCP Capital, a trading firm, the labor market updates will be crucial in determining the market’s direction. In a weekend report from 28 September, QCP highlighted the upcoming labor market indicators, including JOLTs, ADP, and the U.S. unemployment rate.
The most anticipated updates are the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTs), and the U.S. employment report, scheduled for release on 1 and 4 November, respectively. QCP projects that strong labor metrics could strengthen the case for a 50bps rate cut in November, which would likely boost risk assets.
If this pans out, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory toward $70,000, especially after reclaiming its 200-day moving average (MA).
When analyzing Ethereum, it is first critical to compare its performance to Bitcoin (ETH/BTC). The ETH/BTC pair has fallen below the 0.04 barrier, indicating a shift in viewpoint. Historically, when ETH/BTC falls, it tends to bottom within 8-10 weeks.
However, market analyst Benjamin Cowen warns of conflicting signals. For example, ETH/BTC previously bottomed when the Federal Reserve shifted from quantitative tightening (QT) to quantitative easing (QE), a move that has yet to occur.
Despite these mixed signals, the market rally could also benefit Ethereum (ETH), which has outperformed Bitcoin since the Fed’s policy shift. A further macroeconomic tailwind could extend ETH’s strong recovery. Market analyst Benjamin Cowen suggests ETH could reach the $3,000 psychological level. Presently, Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,677 after a substantial 10% rally over the past week.
Meanwhile, U.S. investors have shown renewed interest in top digital assets. BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw $1.11 billion in inflows this week, the largest since 19 July. ETH ETFs also attracted $84.6 million, marking the highest weekly inflows since 9 August. If this trend persists, the $70,000 BTC and $3,000 ETH price targets could be within reach.