Bitcoin Extends Rebound as Soft PPI Data Buoys Sentiment

Gains in Bitcoin and broader crypto markets were driven chiefly by softer-than-expected producer price index inflation data on Tuesday.

Bitcoin price rose on Wednesday, extending an overnight rebound as risk sentiment improved amid increasing bets on a deeper U.S. interest rate cut, with focus turning to upcoming inflation data.

The Bitcoin price rose 3% to $61,024.7 by 01:19 ET (05:19 GMT), having now fully recouped its steep losses logged during a market rout last week.

But further gains in Bitcoin were still limited as institutional inflows into the token remained largely constrained, while uncertainty over crypto’s regulatory outlook in the U.S. also weighed.

Bitcoin extends rebound as soft PPI data buoys sentiment

Gains in Bitcoin and broader crypto markets were driven chiefly by softer-than-expected producer price index inflation data on Tuesday.

The reading largely raised hopes that consumer price index data, due on Wednesday, will ease as expected. Softer inflation gives the Federal Reserve more headroom to begin cutting interest rates.

Bets on a 50 basis point cut edged higher after Tuesday’s PPI reading, although traders were still pricing in the possibility of a 25 bps reduction.

Lower interest rates bode well for crypto markets, given that they increase liquidity that can be directed towards speculative markets, such as crypto.

But despite this week’s rebound, Bitcoin still remained close to a trading range seen for most of this year, as it struggled to make new highs after a rally in March. The token has also largely lagged a rally in stock markets in recent sessions.

Underperformance in crypto came amid renewed regulatory uncertainty over the U.S., as polls showed a close presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Trump has maintained a pro-crypto stance, while Harris has not addressed the industry.

Mt Gox distributions continue

Also largely stemming Bitcoin’s recovery were reports that a wallet that had received $2 billion in Bitcoin from defunct crypto exchange Mt Gox had initiated a test transaction on Tuesday.

It is unclear just how much Bitcoin the exchange holds, although the exchange is expected to increase selling pressure on Bitcoin as it returns tokens stolen from clients during a 2014 hack.

Crypto price today: Altcoin gains tepid

Broader cryptocurrency prices rose on Wednesday, tracking strength in Bitcoin. But gains across most major altcoins were largely tepid.

World no.2 token Ether rose 2.6% to $2,720.45, while XRP and ADA rose 1.8% and 0.6%, respectively. SOL fell 1%.

Among meme tokens, DOGE rose 0.4%.