The Consumer Price Index released today is not good news for the crypto market. The CPI data points to an 8.3% YoY inflation, instead of the expected 8.1%. The core CPI is also worse than expected. As a result of this bad inflation data, a one percentage point interest rate hike is now likely, which is not good for the crypto market.
The CME Fed Watch Tool tracks information about the next FOMC meeting. It showed the possibility of either a 50 bps interest rate hike or a 75 bps hike. However, after the bad CPI data, it is now showing a 20% chance of a 100 bps or one percentage point hike.
Why Interest Rate Hike Matters To Crypto
The Federal Open Market Committee is responsible for monetary policymaking to control inflation. Due to soaring inflation levels, the Fed has engaged in qualitative tightening. The FOMC has consistently raised interest rates to curb inflation. In the FOMC meetings of June and July, the Fed raised the interest rates by 75 bps.
The interest rate hike In June led to a bloodbath in the crypto market. However, the next interest rate hike did not have the same effect as it was likely already priced in. Similarly, experts believed that another 75 bps interest rate hike should be expected.
However, if the Fed does raise the interest rates by 100 bps, it is very likely that it will have the same harrowing outcome as in June. Every Fed official has taken an aggressive stance against inflation and the bad CPI data will only further strengthen their commitment.
Opinions Divided On The Next Fed Hike
The next FOMC meeting will take place on the 21st of September. Jim Crammer, the popular CNBC analyst, reveals that he is not worried about the Fed overdoing the hike. However, other experts disagree.
Todd “Bubba” Horowitz of Bubba Trading told Kitco News that he fully expects the Fed to raise the interest rates by 100 basis points.
