Bitcoin Falls To 918k As CPI Data And Fed Uncertainty Weigh Sentiment Today

TLDR

Table of Contents

Bitcoin slipped near $91.8k in Asian trade as investors awaited December US CPI data.
Markets priced headline US inflation near 2.7%, with core CPI expected to edge higher.
Fed policy uncertainty increased after Jerome Powell cited pressure tied to rate decisions.
Major altcoins declined alongside Bitcoin as geopolitical risks reduced risk appetite.

Bitcoin traded lower on Tuesday as markets paused ahead of key U.S. inflation data. Prices slipped near $91,800 during Asian hours. Traders stayed cautious despite gains in equities. Attention remained on December CPI data and Federal Reserve policy signals. Ongoing geopolitical tensions also reduced demand for risk assets. Together, these factors kept Bitcoin range-bound as investors waited for clearer macro direction.

Bitcoin Price Slips as CPI Data Looms

Bitcoin edged lower in early Asian trade on Tuesday. The largest cryptocurrency fell about 0.2% to $91,894. Prices struggled to find momentum after weeks of narrow movement. Market participants reduced exposure ahead of the U.S. CPI release.

The December CPI report is expected later in the day. Economists forecast headline inflation near 2.7% year over year. Core inflation is seen rising slightly. These figures are closely watched by traders across asset classes.

Any upside surprise could slow expectations for rate cuts. Lower rate cut odds often pressure speculative assets. Bitcoin has shown sensitivity to these shifts in recent months. As a result, traders preferred to wait for confirmed data.

Federal Reserve Uncertainty Weighs on Sentiment

Federal Reserve policy remained a source of concern for markets. Chair Jerome Powell said he had faced threats of legal action. He linked the issue to renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. Powell suggested the pressure aimed to influence rate decisions.

“Monetary policy decisions must remain independent,” Powell said earlier this week. His comments raised questions about central bank autonomy. These concerns emerged as political scrutiny over interest rates increased.

President Donald Trump is expected to name Powell’s successor. Trump has repeatedly called for lower interest rates. His criticism of the Fed has added to market uncertainty. Bitcoin traders often react to such policy-related risks.

Global Tensions Push Investors Toward Safe Assets

Geopolitical risks also affected crypto markets. Public unrest in Iran has intensified in recent days. Investors also watched for signs of possible U.S. involvement. These developments supported higher oil prices.

In Asia, tensions between China and Japan persisted. Diplomatic talks showed limited progress. Such risks encouraged flows into safe-haven assets. Gold prices remained firm during the session.

This environment reduced appetite for volatile assets. Bitcoin often faces pressure during risk-off periods. Equity markets gained on technology optimism, yet crypto lagged. Artificial intelligence stocks continued to draw investor interest.

Altcoins Track Bitcoin as Market Caution Persists

Major altcoins moved lower alongside Bitcoin. Ether fell about 0.7% to near $3,137. XRP declined by a similar margin. Solana dropped over 2%, while Cardano slipped around 1.4%.

BNB showed mild strength with a small gain. Meme tokens also weakened during the session. Dogecoin fell more than 1%. The $TRUMP token declined about 1.5%.

The broader market reflected reduced speculative demand. Capital has shifted toward technology stocks over the past year. AI-related equities outperformed most crypto assets in 2025. This trend has continued into early 2026.

Bitcoin’s price action remained restrained as CPI data approached. Traders focused on inflation signals and Fed policy direction. Until clarity emerges, volatility may stay limited. Markets continue to assess macro risks and global developments.