Main Points :
- U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for January shows inflation slowing to 2.4%, lower than expected.
- The news has led to a rebound in the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin (BTC) reaching near $69,000.
- Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP also saw significant price gains.
- Lower inflation signals increased market optimism, driving investments into risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
- The Federal Reserve’s rate cut expectations rise again, potentially influencing future market behavior.
U.S. January CPI Declines, Bitcoin Price Surges
On February 13, 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released January’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), revealing a 2.4% year-on-year increase. This was lower than the anticipated 2.5% rise, and a decrease from the previous month’s 2.7%. The CPI also recorded a modest 0.2% increase on a month-to-month basis, signaling a slowdown in inflationary pressures.
The drop in inflation has been recognized by the markets, with an uptick in risk asset buying, including in the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, surged to approximately $69,000 (about ¥1,050,000), rebounding from its previous downtrend. Ethereum (ETH) and other major altcoins, including Solana (SOL) and XRP, also experienced significant price recoveries. This market trend highlights the continued growth and investment interest in the crypto space.
CPI Slows to 2.4%, Lower Than Expectations
The CPI for January 2026 came in at a 2.4% increase compared to the same month in 2025, falling below the expected 2.5%. This marked the lowest rate since May 2025. The decrease in energy prices helped bring down overall inflation. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, stood at 2.5%, further supporting the trend of slowing inflation.
As a result, market participants are increasingly speculating that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) may start to lower interest rates. This potential shift in monetary policy has sparked further optimism in the market, especially among investors looking for higher returns in riskier assets, such as cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin Rebounds, Fueling Optimism in Altcoins
After the CPI announcement, Bitcoin surged to the $69,000 mark, showing resilience against a prior downtrend that had started at the end of 2025. Alongside Bitcoin’s recovery, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP showed strong upward momentum, with the entire cryptocurrency market seeing an increase in market capitalization.
Ethereum, in particular, has been facing its own challenges, struggling to break above key resistance levels around $2,100–$2,200. However, with the broader market sentiment improving, ETH and other altcoins found their price support levels, leading to further buying activity.
Inflation Slows, Risk Appetite Grows
The U.S. January CPI’s slower-than-expected growth is seen as a sign that inflationary pressures are easing. This has reduced concerns over aggressive interest rate hikes by the Fed, strengthening the case for risk asset investments. With the CPI below expectations, both stock markets and cryptocurrencies have witnessed inflows of capital.
Bitcoin, in particular, has benefitted from this shift in sentiment. Following the CPI data release, Bitcoin’s price tested its upper resistance near the $70,000 mark, supported by increasing investor confidence in the cryptocurrency sector. Other major altcoins, such as Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, also experienced notable increases in value, contributing to the overall positive market sentiment.
The broader asset markets have also been influenced by this shift, with rising stock prices and declining bond yields, as inflation concerns receded. The easing of inflationary pressures has rippled through various asset classes, creating a favorable environment for higher-risk investments like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Federal Reserve’s Rate Cut Expectations Strengthen
As the inflation data points to a slowing price increase, expectations are rising that the Federal Reserve may soon reduce interest rates. This speculation has contributed to the bullish sentiment in the crypto markets, as lower interest rates would likely make riskier investments, such as Bitcoin, more attractive compared to traditional assets like bonds and stocks.
Investors are closely watching upcoming economic data, including future CPI and PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) reports, to gauge the timing of potential rate cuts. These events will likely play a significant role in shaping market sentiment in the coming months.
Summary: Inflation Easing Boosts Crypto Markets
The recent slowdown in U.S. inflation, as reflected in the January CPI report, has had a profound impact on financial markets, particularly cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s surge to $69,000 is a clear signal of growing investor optimism, as lower inflation and expectations of future rate cuts from the Fed drive capital into riskier assets. Altcoins, including Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, also experienced significant price increases, expanding the overall cryptocurrency market’s valuation.
This shift in market sentiment highlights the importance of macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and interest rates, in shaping cryptocurrency trends. As the market moves forward, investors will continue to monitor the economic indicators and the Federal Reserve’s actions for further signs of potential growth in the crypto space.
