Harris-Trump Debate and New CPI Data Bring Market Volatility
Last night’s U.S. presidential debate and newly released inflation data have both contributed to recent market volatility.
What's the scoop?
- Debate and Risk-Off Sentiment: Bitcoin fell by 2.6% after Tuesday's presidential debate, dropping from $57.7K to $56.1K before recovering later Wednesday alongside public markets. Analysts called it a "sell-the-news" reaction, with Kamala Harris's strong debate boosting her election odds to 49% on Polymarket, tying with Trump.
- CPI Impact: Alongside election concerns, inflation data released this morning furthered the decline. August's U.S. Core CPI rose 0.3%, higher than anticipated, signaling persistent inflation pressures, though YoY inflation came in as expected. The news added to market uncertainty, with Bitcoin fluctuating to below $56K.
Bankless Take:
The combination of an uncertain U.S. election outcome, what a Harris victory would mean for crypto, and stubborn inflation has created a perfect storm for crypto markets. Bitcoin is particularly sensitive to both political and economic uncertainty, and with no clear frontrunner in the presidential race, markets may continue to experience volatility leading up to November. Additionally, the higher-than-expected CPI figures will likely keep inflation in focus, influencing the Federal Reserve’s decisions on cuts later this month, and further weighing on crypto prices in the near term. Both factors emphasize the fragility of Bitcoin’s current position as risk-off sentiment grows.