How will inflation, strong jobs data, and rising Treasury yields shape the Fed’s upcoming rate decision?
The Federal Reserve’s Jan. 29 meeting looms large as markets eagerly await clarity on interest rate policy.
With a 97.3% probability that rates will remain steady at 4.25%-4.5%, according to market forecasts, and just a slim 2.7% chance of a 25 bps cut, the Fed’s decision is increasingly tied to incoming data.
Chair Jerome Powell clarified in the December meeting that future rate cuts would hinge on economic indicators—a point reinforced by the central bank’s gradual shift, with three recent rate cuts of 50 bps in September, 25 bps in November, and 25 bps in December.
For the crypto market and Bitcoin (BTC), which is currently trading at $94,840 and down nearly 7% this past week, the Fed’s decision could spark either renewed interest or further pressure.
Let’s explore the key economic data and their potential crypto impact.
Economic indicators: A mixed bag for the Fed
Inflation remains the Fed’s nemesis, but recent numbers suggest the battle is far from over. December’s Consumer Price Index is forecast to rise 2.8% from 2.7% in November, marking its third consecutive monthly increase and the highest since July 2024.
Core CPI—a favored measure by the Fed that excludes volatile food and energy prices—is projected to have risen 0.2%, keeping the annual rate at 3.3%.
Economists from Wells Fargo warn that inflationary pressures may linger due to fading disinflationary tailwinds, such as improved supply chains and falling commodity prices.
Meanwhile, the job market continues to defy expectations. December’s payroll data showed an impressive 256,000 new jobs, surpassing consensus forecasts.
A resilient labor market raises doubts about the Fed’s need for further easing, as employment strength could sustain consumer spending and economic activity. Yet, it also complicates the Fed’s task of balancing inflation control without triggering a sharp slowdown.
Adding to the puzzle, long-term Treasury yields climbed to 4.8%, their highest level since late 2023. Historically, yields nearing 5% have coincided with stock market corrections, as noted by Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer.
The dollar index also surged to levels unseen since November 2022, pushing the euro at parity with the dollar—a sign of tighter financial conditions that may already be doing some of the Fed’s work.
What this means for Bitcoin and the crypto market
Bitcoin’s recent price dip—down 12.5% from its all-time high of $108,268 on December 17, 2024—hints at a broader risk-off sentiment in financial markets.
If the January CPI report confirms sticky inflation or resilient growth, the Fed may hold steady or even signal a longer pause before additional easing. Additionally, a rise in Treasury yields and strong dollar often weighs on global assets, including crypto, as it increases the relative cost of holding non-dollar-denominated investments.
All these outcomes could dampen Bitcoin’s recovery prospects, as the crypto market thrives on expectations of easy monetary policy.
The crypto market’s recent behavior shows a high correlation with risk sentiment on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq dropped 0.4% during the Jan. 13 session, mirroring the cautiousness reflected in Bitcoin’s price sentiment.
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