This Week’s Top 5 Economic Data That Will Impact Crypto Prices

This week, the United States is bracing for several critical economic events that could ripple through traditional and cryptocurrency markets. Key index releases, including the US Core PPI YoY, Core Inflation Rate YoY, Retail Sales MoM, Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, and Housing Starts Index, are on the calendar. Additionally, speeches from four prominent Federal Reserve officials are set to provide insights into future monetary policies.

Let’s break it down. 

Key Index Releases to Watch

US Core Producer Price Index (PPI)

The US Core Producer Price Index (PPI), which tracks average price changes received by domestic producers excluding volatile items like food and energy, is scheduled for release tomorrow. 

• Recent Performance: In October, the PPI rose from 3.2% to 3.4%. November saw no change, holding steady at 3.4%.
• Expectations: Analysts predict a decline back to 3.2% this month.

US Core Inflation Rate

The Core Inflation Rate, measuring price changes for a consumer basket excluding food and energy, is slated for release the day after tomorrow.

• Recent Performance: The index increased slightly from 3.2% to 3.3% in September. However, it remained stagnant across the last three releases.
• Expectations: No change is expected this time either, maintaining its current level of 3.3%.

US Retail Sales MoM

The Retail Sales MoM index, an aggregate measure of monthly retail sales, will be unveiled on Thursday.

• Recent Performance: In November, the index rose from 0.5% to 0.7%.
• Expectations: A drop back to 0.5% is anticipated.

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index

This index measures shifts in business activity within the Philadelphia region and will also be released on Thursday.

Recent Performance: After peaking at 25 points in September 2023, the index fell to 18.8 in December and further to 7.5 points in January 2024.

US Housing Starts Index

This index, which tracks the number of new residential construction projects, is set for release on Friday.

• Recent Performance: In November, housing starts dipped from 1.31 million to 1.29 million.
• Expectations: Analysts foresee a rebound to 1.31 million.

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Insights from Fed Speakers

Four Federal Reserve officials are slated to address the press this week:

• Tuesday: Kansas City Fed President and CEO Jeffrey Schmid.
• Wednesday: Separate speeches by New York Fed President John Williams, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin, and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari.

Their remarks are expected to provide valuable clues about the Fed’s outlook on inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.

What It Means for Cryptocurrencies

These economic developments hold the potential to sway cryptocurrency markets significantly:

• Impact of Inflation Data: A drop in the Core PPI or inflation rates may boost Bitcoin and other crypto assets, as reduced inflation often signals lower interest rates and a more favorable environment for risk assets.
• Retail Sales and Consumer Spending: Retail sales figures could indicate shifts in consumer behavior, influencing crypto adoption trends.
• Fed Speeches and Sentiment: Comments from Federal Reserve officials might hint at future monetary policy, impacting investor sentiment toward cryptocurrencies.
• Traditional Market Signals: Growth in housing starts or manufacturing indices might dampen crypto gains, as traditional markets could appear more stable to investors.

Crypto investors should keep a close eye on these developments, as they may determine the trajectory of Bitcoin and other digital assets in the coming weeks.