US CPI Today (Live) Updates

Markets are lining up for a potentially bullish period in crypto. JP Morgan predicts the Fed will end QT at next week’s FOMC meeting, while tomorrow’s CPI report is expected to be tame. Adding fuel, CZ was pardoned by the U.S. government, and bullish earnings reports are due by month-end. With the anticipated Trump–Xi trade deal and gold showing a local top, liquidity is likely to flow into Bitcoin (BTC). Analysts suggest that these combined catalysts could trigger a price discovery breakout, setting the stage for a multi-month or quarterly crypto rally

The U.S. CPI report will be released today at 8:30 a.m. ET, with expectations at 3.1%, up from 2.9% last month. This is the first major economic release since the U.S. government shutdown, making it a key event for markets and the Federal Reserve ahead of next week’s FOMC meeting. October rate cut odds currently stand at 98%, but a CPI print of 3.1% or higher could reduce the likelihood of cuts. Conversely, a lower-than-expected CPI would be seen as bullish, potentially boosting equities, crypto, and other risk-on assets.

The crypto market edged higher ahead of the U.S. inflation data release, with Bitcoin (BTC) up 1.3% in the past 24 hours to $111,000 and Ethereum (ETH) rising 1.6% to $2,890. The Fear & Greed Index currently sits at 32, indicating lingering fear among investors despite the recent price uptick. Markets are now focused on the September CPI report, expected to show a 0.4% monthly increase in inflation, a key indicator that could shape the Federal Reserve’s next policy move and influence short-term crypto volatility.

The U.S. CPI data will be released today at 8:30 a.m. ET, with market expectations at 3.1%, up from 2.9% last month. Rising inflation isn’t an encouraging sign, but with the recent government shutdown, markets are cautiously hoping for a softer print. Any figure below expectations could strengthen the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts, potentially sparking optimism across risk assets like stocks and crypto. Traders should brace for volatility as today’s report could shape the Fed’s tone in the weeks ahead.

Many traders underestimate the impact of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), but it’s one of the most important catalysts in the market. A higher CPI means rising inflation, which typically leads to market drops, while a lower CPI signals easing inflation, often triggering short-term pumps in Bitcoin and stocks. However, it’s crucial to remember that CPI-driven rallies are usually short-lived. A “good” CPI print doesn’t guarantee a multi-month Bitcoin rally or a parabolic Q4 so traders should stay realistic and avoid getting caught in the hype.

While many traders seem uncertain, the current Bitcoin ($BTC) price action appears crystal clear. Two plausible scenarios are unfolding: Scenario 1, BTC pushes higher into the CPI release, experiences a short-term flush, and then continues upward into the FOMC meeting. Scenario 2, BTC rallies into CPI, forms a local top, and then dumps into FOMC. The key lies in reacting to market pivots with precision. As always, disciplined trading and timing are what separate consistent analysts from the crowd and that’s why detailed strategies remain behind closed doors.

With the CPI report due today and the FOMC meeting just days away, traders are bracing for volatility while keeping a data-driven approach. Historically, CPI releases often mark local tops, while FOMC events tend to signal market bottoms. One trader notes a plan to ride a short-term pump following CPI exiting before a possible post-FOMC flush to re-enter at lower levels. While Bitcoin ($BTC) appears stronger in the short term, the broader view remains bullish on altcoins heading into the year’s close.

The crypto market has been losing momentum amid ongoing ETF-related selling pressure, with retail investors facing losses and showing reduced participation. As sentiment remains cautious, traders are eyeing today’s U.S. CPI data release, which is expected to bring heightened volatility. Before taking any new positions, it’s crucial to use proper stop-loss levels and set clear profit targets to navigate potential sharp price swings.

Crypto traders are positioning ahead of a volatile few weeks, with many — including our group — accumulating Bitcoin ($BTC) and select altcoins. Historically, CPI days often trigger a Friday pump, followed by sideways or downward movement in the days leading up to the FOMC meeting. The FOMC day itself tends to bring a relief pump, while the days after usually see a cooling-off period. To top it off, the anticipated Trump–Xi trade deal at month’s end could provide another bullish push across risk assets, adding more fuel to the market narrative.

Gold is showing strong bearish momentum after completing a short-term liquidity grab, with an entry zone between $4,070–$4,074 and a target near $3,955. The overall market bias remains bearish as traders await today’s U.S. CPI report, which is expected to bring high volatility. Prices may retest the entry zone before continuing lower, so patience and confirmation are key. If the CPI data comes in strong for the U.S. dollar, gold could extend its decline toward the $3,955 target zone.

Ethereum ($ETH) has major liquidity clusters above the $4,200 level, making it a prime candidate for a short squeeze. Today’s U.S. CPI data and next week’s FOMC meeting are key events that could move markets, while the expected U.S.-China trade deal as Trump meets Xi adds another potential catalyst. Market sentiment has shifted from bullish in early October to largely bearish now, which could ironically increase upward pressure if these events spark fresh buying in Ethereum. Traders should watch $ETH closely in the coming days.

The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September will be released today at 8:30 a.m. ET, with market expectations at 3.1%, up from last month’s 2.9%. If CPI exceeds 3.1%, it could be bearish for markets, marking the highest inflation since June 2024. A CPI in line at 3.1% would still be somewhat bearish, as the 0.2% monthly increase (2.4% annualized) is above the Fed’s 2% target, potentially prompting a hawkish stance from Powell. On the other hand, a CPI below 3.1% would be ideal for risk-on assets, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts and driving liquidity into stocks, crypto, and other riskier investments, making tomorrow’s report a key market mover.