US Inflation Data Injects Renewed Optimism into Bitcoin and Broader Cryptocurrency Markets

In January, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation—the Federal Reserve's preferred measure—fell to 2.5%, precisely in line with expectations.

US inflation data has injected renewed optimism into the Bitcoin and broader cryptocurrency markets. In January, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation—the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure—fell to 2.5%, precisely in line with expectations. Core PCE inflation was reported at 2.6%, also matching forecasts, marking the first decline in PCE inflation since September 2024.

This confirms steady performance both year-over-year and month-over-month. Headline PCE remained at 2.5% YoY, while core PCE—revised from a previous 2.8% (and even 2.9% in earlier revisions) to 2.6%—represents a 30 basis point improvement. This core headline reading is the lowest YoY since August 2024, and it is notable as the first slowdown in headline PCE YoY in four months. These figures suggest that easing inflationary pressures might be gradually reshaping market sentiment.

Bitcoin And Altcoins See Relief On Inflation Data

Crypto analyst BACH (@CyclesWithBach) was quick to respond on X, emphasizing the bullish nature of the data. He noted that “this core headline number is the lowest reading YoY since August 2024” and pointed to the 30bp revision as a significant improvement. Although he warned of too much optimism, he stated: “This is a BIG difference and is in fact bullish for markets! We may still see some choppy bottoming formation, but this bull ain’t over! – Credit spreads despite all this remain narrow, which is a sign that credit markets see no risk!”

Following the data release, Bitcoin recovered back above $84,000, up 3.5% since the report and about 7.5% from today’s low of $78,258. After a week in which Bitcoin suffered an 18% decline, losing $96,000, the rebound marks a clear recovery.

Altcoins were similarly buoyed; Ethereum climbed 5.8%, XRP gained 9.2%, and Solana surged 16%. Notably, SOL’s rally coincides with news that the CME Group will launch Solana (SOL) futures on March 17, pending CFTC regulatory review.

Crypto analyst Kevin (@Kev_Capital_TA) also weighed in on the implications of the PCE release, remarking that “Fed CME interest rate Futures at the current moment has increased to 53.7% probability of a rate cut in June after the PCE Report. Up from below 50%. That’s solid news. #BTC #Altcoins #Crypto”

Broader Macro Perspective

Beyond the PCE data, broader macroeconomic signals could further support market recovery. Julien Bittel, Head of Macro Research at Global Macro Investor (GMI), shared his perspective on X. He attributes current market volatility, especially in crypto, to the tightening of financial conditions in Q4 of last year, which drained liquidity and slowed economic surprises.

But Bittel suggests that these conditions are now reversing: “Financial conditions have been easing rapidly over the past two months — dollar down, bond yields down, oil down — and that’s setting the stage for a recovery in the data soon.” He further notes that Bitcoin’s price now fully reflects the effects of recent tightening, and with an RSI at 23—the most oversold level since August 2023—he advised, “be greedy when others are fearful.”

At press time, BTC traded at $83,804.