Bitcoin rose above $88,000 on the pleasing news as forecasts had been for inflation to continue to run above 3%.
U.S. inflation data for November, expected to show a 3.1% increase in CPI, could influence Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.
Powell’s decisions as Fed chair have continued to have a massive impact on bitcoin and the wider cryptocurrency markets.
Gold, traditionally seen as an inflation hedge, also shows inconsistent and often negative correlations with inflation, the data shows.
Bitcoin rose above $110,000 after softer U.S. CPI at 3.0%, while analysts say easing hopes clear policy risk, though options exposure leaves rallies fragile.
According to MEXC’s H1 2025 user survey, nearly half of users now say they turned to crypto to protect against rising prices, and many others are chasing steady returns. Related Reading: Bitcoin Is ‘Digital Capital’ That Outpaces Traditional Assets—Michael Saylor The shift is sharp: 46% of global respondents named inflation protection as their main reason to enter the market, up from nearly 30% in Q1. Inflation Protection On The Rise That move toward defense is strongest in East Asia and the Middle East. In East Asia the share saying they use crypto to hedge inflation jumped to 52%. In the Middle East the figure climbed from 27% to 45%. At the same time, the survey shows fewer very large accounts in East Asia: wallets holding over $20,000 slipped from 39% to 33%. Mid-range holdings, in the $5k–$20k range, are increasing. Those trends indicate some profit-taking as well as regulatory conservatism, whereas more run-of-the-mill investors invested smaller amounts. Latin America Presents A Different Push Reports have revealed a clear trend in Latin America, where the pursuit of income is high. Memecoin ownership grew from 27% to 34% — the largest regional increase — and 63% of new users indicated passive income as their primary reason to join crypto. That points to social and community-driven activity, where token drops, staking, and yield products can draw people in as much as price moves do. Trading And Income Motives Differ By Region South Asia stands out for trading. Spot trading made up 52% of user activity there, and 53% of South Asian users cited financial independence as their goal. Across regions, public chain tokens remain the most held assets: over 65% of users worldwide include them in portfolios. That rises to 74% in Latin America and 70% in Southeast Asia. Stablecoin use held steady at 50%, showing many users want a buffer between volatile bets and cash-like options. Related Reading: Ripple CTO Drops Bombshell: XRP At The Core Of Trillions In Banking Future Products And Forecasts For Q3 Based on the survey, MEXC expects more people to come in for wealth protection in the next quarter, along with a rise in structured trading approaches and broader diversification. Tracy Jin, MEXC’s COO, said the company plans to tailor offerings to where demand is strongest, while aiming to keep its platform trusted across markets. Short-lived hype around memecoins and AI tokens is likely, but core public chain holdings are expected to keep their grip on portfolios. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
CPI surprises to the upside while cracks widen in U.S. labor market; bitcoin climbs as the dollar weakens and bond yields fall.
Initial jobless claims surged to 263,000 last week — the highest in 4 years — signaling weakening growth and bringing stagflation fears to the forefront.
The headline news is sending markets, bitcoin included, lower, but isn't likely to derail the Fed from trimming interest rates next week.
Traders boosted bets that the Fed would cut rates by 50 basis points next week, but bitcoin bulls have plenty of reason for caution.
The U.S. jobs report revealed only 22,000 job additions in August, far below expectations, increasing the likelihood of a Fed rate cut. Still, BTC remains below $112K.
CoinShares says crypto investment products saw $1.4 billion of net outflows last week, the biggest since March, with BTC and ETH funds leading redemptions.
Powell’s Jackson Hole speech showed how the Fed is weighing inflation against jobs. That balance could shape policy in the fourth quarter of 2025 and beyond.
Inflation at wholesale level in the U.S. in July sped up far beyond economist forecasts, calling into question expectations for lower interest rates.
The data was mixed, but nevertheless isn't likely to lessen the case for a September Fed rate cut.
A higher-than-expected CPI could dampen Fed rate cut bets and weigh on risk assets, including bitcoin.
Tuesday's CPI inflation data, followed by PPI report later this week, could make or break bitcoin's momentum, Bitfinex analysts said.
U.S. inflation data, expected to show a rise in core CPI, may affect market volatility but is unlikely to prevent a Fed rate cut.
Institutional flows remained strong. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs logged their ninth consecutive day of net inflows, with $403 million added on Tuesday.
On a steep slide from record highs near $124,000 just over 24 hours ago, bitcoin rose modestly to $117,300 in the minutes following the news.
BTC and ETH traders bet big through onchain and centralized options markets.
Leading crypto exchange Binance witnessed a significant outflow of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) on June 23, with investors pulling out over 4,000 BTC and 61,000 ETH in a single day. This shift comes amid easing geopolitical tensions and declining inflation, fuelling speculation about a renewed rally. Bitcoin Likely To Rally As Global Tensions Simmer According to a recent CryptoQuant Quicktake post by contributor Amr Taha, Bitcoin is likely to resume its upward trajectory, bolstered by a series of recent macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. The analyst highlighted multiple positive signals that could propel the top digital asset closer to its all-time high (ATH). Related Reading: Bitcoin Yearly Trend Suggests Cycle Top Near $205,000 By Year-End, Analyst Says One of the key developments was an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who stated that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Israel and Iran. This deal removes the immediate threat of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil supply. The ceasefire had an immediate and positive effect on global equity markets, with the S&P 500 index surpassing 6,000 for the first time since February 2025. This recovery signals growing investor confidence as geopolitical risks subside. In addition, crude oil prices dropped by 14%, adding to the disinflationary narrative. Lower energy costs help reduce production and transportation expenses, thereby supporting a broader decline in inflationary pressures. Taha concluded: The convergence of significant crypto outflows from Binance, falling oil prices, a bullish breakout in US equities, and the reduction of Middle Eastern tensions presents a striking scenario. With the geopolitical overhang removed, inflation easing, and macro markets stabilizing, Bitcoin is now well-positioned to resume its upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Bitcoin whales – wallets holding large amounts of BTC – appear to be quietly accumulating in anticipation of a breakout. In another CryptoQuant post, contributor Mignolet noted that whale accumulation has been rising steadily since BTC bottomed in April. Mignolet pointed out that whale activity typically increases during periods of low market attention or heightened fear, often foreshadowing bullish reversals. Historical data supports this trend, showing that increased accumulation often precedes significant price surges. Bullish Quarter For BTC In an X post published today, seasoned crypto analyst Titan of Crypto stated that BTC is set to close a bullish monthly candle, reinforcing the long-term uptrend for the flagship cryptocurrency. Several other on-chain and technical indicators also suggest further upside potential. For example, Bitcoin Binary CDD shows that long-term holders are continuing to hold rather than sell, indicating strong conviction in BTC’s long-term value. Related Reading: Bitcoin Forming Inverse Head And Shoulders Pattern – Is $150,000 The Next Target? At the same time, the number of short positions is climbing as BTC consolidates between $100,000 and $110,000. This dynamic raises the probability of a short squeeze, potentially propelling Bitcoin to a new ATH. At press time, BTC trades at $105,408, up 5.2% in the past 24 hours. Featured image from Unsplash, charts from CryptoQuant, X, and TradingView.com
Friday's core PCE release is likely to show price pressures easing, but there is a fix.
The core rate rose just 0.1% as well, far less than the 0.3% forecast.
Asset prices across markets largely shrugged off surging Inflation expectations, with crypto prices consolidating sideways.
The headline year-over-year pace edged down to 2.3% and the core rate was flat at 2.8%.
Stocks related to blockchain and U.S. tech companies may play catch-up while BTC takes a breather before ATH as inflation softens.
Understanding inflation and the need for hedges Bitcoin’s supply-and-demand dynamics, in addition to growing institutional adoption, position it as a potential hedge against inflation in 2025. However, its high volatility and centralization concerns mean it remains a speculative asset rather than a guaranteed safeguard against inflation.What is inflation? Inflation refers to the general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy over time, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money. As prices rise, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Inflation is typically measured by indexes such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the average change in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services.Traditional inflation hedgesTo protect against the eroding effects of inflation, investors have traditionally turned to certain asset classes known to retain value or appreciate during inflationary periods:Gold: Often considered a safe haven, gold has historically maintained its value and is viewed as a store of wealth during periods of high inflation.Real estate: Property values and rental income tend to rise with inflation, making real estate a common hedge.Inflation-indexed bonds: These government or corporate bonds adjust interest payments based on inflation rates, helping preserve purchasing power.These assets are favored because they either have intrinsic value or their returns are linked to inflation rates, offering a buffer against currency devaluation.Bitcoin as digital goldIn recent years, Bitcoin has entered the conversation as a potential modern hedge against inflation, dubbed “digital gold.” Advocates argue that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and fixed supply of 21 million coins make it resistant to inflationary pressures. Unlike fiat currencies — which central banks can issue in unlimited quantities — Bitcoin’s (BTC) predetermined, limited supply creates digital scarcity, similar to precious metals. Its global accessibility and independence from monetary policy have positioned it as an attractive store of value for inflation-conscious investors. Does Bitcoin protect against inflation? Bitcoin’s fixed supply, decentralization and growing institutional adoption position it as a compelling hedge against inflation, especially during times of fiat currency instability.There are a few arguments to suggest so. Supply dynamics and market impactBitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins, along with the halving event that occurs every four years, are often cited as reasons for its inflation-resistant properties. But the real strength lies in how that scarcity interacts with market demand.When demand increases — whether driven by institutional interest or macroeconomic instability — the fixed supply can drive sharp price appreciation. This dynamic can make Bitcoin appealing during inflationary periods, as investors seek alternatives to devaluing fiat currencies.Decentralization and monetary policy independenceBitcoin is not subject to the policies of any central bank. Its monetary rules are hardcoded and transparent, reducing the risk of unexpected changes like quantitative easing or interest rate manipulation. This predictability appeals to investors looking for protection from inflation caused by government policies.Portability and accessibilityBeing entirely digital, Bitcoin can be transferred across borders instantly without relying on banks or intermediaries. This portability makes it particularly valuable in countries facing hyperinflation or capital controls, where citizens may need to move wealth quickly and securely.Market perception and institutional adoptionBitcoin’s legitimacy has grown with increasing institutional interest. Companies like Strategy and Tesla have added Bitcoin to their balance sheets, helping frame it as a viable long-term investment. As institutional adoption increases, so too does Bitcoin’s potential to serve as an inflation hedge in the eyes of mainstream investors.Did you know? Bitcoin’s performance has shown a notable correlation with global money supply growth. Analysts suggest that Bitcoin may serve as a barometer for global monetary dilution, offering insights into inflationary trends across economies. Bitcoin vs. inflation: The institutional adoption effect It’s not just retail investors getting involved with Bitcoin — institutions have been watching from the sidelines and are now stepping in with serious capital, providing Bitcoin investment products and developing state-of-the-art market infrastructure.Corporate Bitcoin pioneers: Strategy and MetaplanetIn 2025, institutional Bitcoin adoption has surged, led by companies like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and Metaplanet.Strategy: Under Michael Saylor’s leadership, Strategy has accumulated around 538,200 BTC — valued at almost $47 billion as of April 2025;Metaplanet: Nicknamed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” Metaplanet holds almost $430 million in Bitcoin (April 2025) and aims to reach 21,000 BTC by 2026. Did you know? In 2025, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first US state pension fund to invest directly in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), allocating approximately $160 million — about 0.1% of its total assets. Expansion of Bitcoin investment productsThe launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has dramatically increased retail and institutional access. In the US, Bitcoin ETFs are projected to attract up to $3 billion in inflows in Q2 2025 alone.Major asset managers such as BlackRock now include Bitcoin in model portfolios, further embedding it in the traditional financial ecosystem.Advancements in market infrastructureBitcoin markets have matured thanks to a series of infrastructure upgrades:New custody solutions and insurance products have alleviated concerns about asset theft or loss.Clearer legal frameworks have made it easier for institutions to invest with confidence.Institutional-grade exchanges have improved liquidity and execution for large trades.Together, these changes have deepened market confidence and expanded institutional participation. Is Bitcoin really an inflation hedge? Counterarguments and limitations Bitcoin has a lot going for it — limited supply, decentralization and borderless utility — but several challenges complicate its role as an inflation hedge.It’s still wildly volatileEven in 2025, Bitcoin’s price can be erratic. It surged past $109,000 in March, then fell below $75,000 just weeks later. As of April, it’s hovering around $88,000 — a more than 20% drop.By contrast, traditional hedges like gold or treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) rarely move more than a few percent in a bad month. That kind of stability matters when trying to preserve purchasing power.Did you know? Despite their substantial Bitcoin acquisitions, companies like Strategy and Metaplanet have faced significant unrealized losses due to market volatility. In Q1 2025, Strategy reported a staggering $5.91 billion in unrealized losses on its Bitcoin holdings. Similarly, Metaplanet disclosed a net loss of $2.1 million for the nine-month period ending in 2025.Decentralized? Sort ofBitcoin is decentralized in principle, but real-world control is more concentrated:Five mining pools control over 67% of network hash power, raising concerns about potential 51% attacks.Just 2% of wallets hold 95% of all circulating BTC.This centralization undermines the idea of Bitcoin as a universally safe and democratic asset.People don’t really use it — They speculateDespite all the hype, Bitcoin still isn’t used much for everyday transactions:Network fees are often $5–$15.The Lightning Network was supposed to help but remains difficult to use and underfunded.Instead, stablecoins like Tether’s USDt (USDT) and USDC (USDC) now power over 60% of all crypto transactions — especially in emerging markets.Does Bitcoin protect against inflation?Bitcoin can serve as a hedge — but it’s a high-risk, high-volatility option. It behaves more like a speculative tech stock than a traditional inflation shield like gold or TIPS. If you’re looking for protection from inflation, Bitcoin might help — or it might drop 30% in a week. Either way, it’s not a guaranteed safety net.
Gold soared to a new record high as the selloff in the U.S. dollar and long-term Treasuries continued in force on Friday.
Inflation breakevens head south amid the Trump trade war.