Skip to main content

Bitcoin Dips Below $84,500 After Hot US Inflation Data

\"Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a price correction on March 28, falling over 3% to lows below $84,500 on Bitstamp. This downturn followed the release of unexpectedly high US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, a key inflation indicator. The February PCE Index showed inflation accelerating, raising concerns among market analysts.

\"Bitcoin

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView

Bitcoin’s Reaction to Inflationary Pressures

While initial trading saw BTC/USD briefly touch $85,500 at the Wall Street open, the release of the PCE data triggered a significant price reversal. The core PCE figures, which exclude volatile food and energy prices, were particularly concerning, exceeding market expectations. This renewed inflationary pressure added to existing concerns about the macroeconomic environment.

Analysts like The Kobeissi Letter highlighted the resurgence of core inflation, suggesting it may contribute to stagflation in 2025. The ongoing trade war was also cited as a potential factor influencing future inflation data.

\"US

US PCE % change (screenshot). Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

Market Analysts Offer Diverging Perspectives

Despite the price drop, some market participants viewed the Bitcoin price movement as a temporary correction. Popular trader Daan Crypto Trades expressed the expectation of volatile trading conditions in the wake of the PCE data. However, others remained cautious, questioning the overall strength of the crypto market and suggesting that Bitcoin’s upward trend might be weakening.

Michaël van de Poppe, a well-known trader and analyst, noted a potential further drop below $84,000, leading to a retest of the $78,000-$80,000 support levels. TheKingfisher, another prominent market analyst, suggested the current conditions resemble a typical market cooldown, potentially foreshadowing a seasonal price correction.

“It’s shaking. Drop sub $84K and I think we’ll see a test at $78-80K and perhaps lower before we’ll bounce back up.” – Michaël van de Poppe

\"BTC/USDT

BTC/USDT 12-hour chart with relative strength index (RSI) data. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X

\"BTC/USDT

BTC/USDT 4-hour chart with volume data. Source: TheKingfisher/X

Disclaimer: This article does not provide financial advice. All investment decisions involve risk, and readers should conduct their own research before making any investment choices.