US CPI Today: How Will Crypto Markets React to February Inflation Data?

The US market is on edge as it awaits the second inflation report of 2025, set to be released today. Analysts predict a slight drop in both headline and core inflation—a shift that, if confirmed, would mark the first decline in both indicators since July 2024.

Why does this matter? Inflation trends play a huge role in shaping market sentiment, interest rates, and even cryptocurrency movements. With the Federal Reserve’s next steps hanging in the balance and Trump’s aggressive trade policies adding uncertainty, today’s report could set the tone for the months ahead.

Will inflation finally cool down, or will the numbers deliver an unexpected shock? Investors are watching closely. Here’s what to expect.

Inflation Trends: What to Expect

In January 2025, the core inflation rate rose from 3.2% to 3.3%. Market consensus now suggests it will drop back to 3.2% in February, while TEForecast predicts a sharper decline to 3.1%.

The overall US inflation rate also increased in January, moving from 2.9% to 3%. However, analysts expect it to ease back to 2.9% in February.

If these forecasts hold, it will be the first time both inflation indicators have fallen together since July 2024, when core inflation dipped from 3.3% to 3.2% and overall inflation from 3% to 2.9%.

Understanding Inflation Patterns

Since September 2024, inflation has been rising steadily. The core rate climbed from 3.2% to 3.3% that month and stayed at that level for two months before slipping back to 3.2% in December.

Markets are hopeful that inflation will finally ease. Kalshi traders, who have accurately predicted 6 of the last 8 CPI figures, expect headline CPI to drop to 2.9%. If correct, this could further strengthen market confidence.

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Trump’s Trade Policies Put to the Test

US President Donald Trump Donald Trump Donald Trump is an American former president politician, businessman, and media personality, who served as the 45th president of the U.S. between 2017 to 2021. Trump earned a Bachelor of science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton while losing the popular vote. As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a family separation policy. Trump has remained a prominent figure in the Republican Party and is considered a likely candidate for the 2024 presidential election President recently imposed import tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. His aggressive trade policies have triggered retaliatory tariffs and pushed the global economy to the brink of a disastrous trade war. 

Today’s inflation report will be the first to show how Trump’s trade measures are affecting inflation, making it a crucial economic indicator.

What It Means for Crypto Markets

If inflation drops as expected, it could impact the cryptocurrency market in several ways. Lower inflation increases the chances of the Federal Reserve loosening monetary policy, potentially leading to lower interest rates. This would create a more favorable environment for risk assets like cryptocurrencies, boosting investor sentiment.

However, uncertainty remains. Trump’s trade policies could cause market volatility, as economic instability often pushes investors toward safe-haven assets like gold. On the other hand, if inflation stays high, the Fed may keep monetary policy tight, putting pressure on both traditional and crypto markets.

If the numbers align with expectations, markets could breathe a sigh of relief—but a surprise twist could shake things up.