NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com) — The U.S.’s July low CPI print is fueling optimism in the crypto market, with Zach Pandl, Grayscale’s head of research, suggesting it could drive Bitcoin to challenge its all-time highs. The Consumer Price Index revealed a 2.9% annual increase, the slowest since 2021.
Pandl believes lower inflation could allow the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, potentially weakening the U.S. dollar and boosting Bitcoin.
Pandl argues that rate cuts are necessary for a weaker U.S. dollar, a scenario that historically benefits Bitcoin. He suggests that the July CPI data may signal upcoming rate reductions, which could support Bitcoin’s price increase.
However, the market’s immediate reaction was muted, with Bitcoin experiencing only a brief spike before retreating.
Bitcoin’s Tepid Response Despite Ra-te Cut Hopes
Bitcoin’s response to the low CPI print was tepid. It briefly jumped to nearly $62,000 before dropping by over 3% within an hour.
Recent volatility, including an 18% drop on Aug. 5, may explain the market’s caution. While Bitcoin has mostly recovered, the market’s reaction to the CPI data reveals ongoing uncertainty.
Negentropic anticipates Bitcoin to reach $66,000 before advancing toward $84,000, with altcoins expected to follow strongly.
Another analyst, Titan of Crypto, pointed out that historically, the fourth month after a Bitcoin halving has been bullish, suggesting that September could see Bitcoin trading above $66,000.
Future Rate Cuts and Bitcoin’s Trajectory
The futures market anticipates at least a quarter-percent interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s next meeting in Sept. 2024, with rates currently targeted around 5.5%. The expected monetary easing could drive Bitcoin higher, particularly if the U.S. dollar weakens.
According to CME FedWatch data, the Fed is 68.5% likely to lower the target rate to 500-525 basis points. This expected monetary easing could drive Bitcoin higher, particularly if the U.S. dollar weakens.
