Crypto Market Sentiment Report: CPI Below Expectations, Fed Holds Rates Steady

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The crypto market experienced a rollercoaster week as macroeconomic data and central bank decisions reshaped investor sentiment. A surprise drop in U.S. inflation data briefly lifted Bitcoin above $70,000, only for gains to reverse after the Federal Reserve signaled patience on rate cuts. This report dives into the technical, emotional, and macro-driven forces shaping the current market landscape.

Key Market Events: CPI and FOMC Drive Volatility

On June 12 at 8:30 PM Beijing time, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in below expectations — a development that initially sparked optimism across financial markets. Bitcoin responded swiftly, climbing from $68,000 to $70,000 within minutes — a 3% surge. The rally reflected hopes that cooling inflation could pave the way for future interest rate cuts.

However, just hours later, on June 13 at 2:00 AM Beijing time, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced it would hold interest rates steady. In his press conference, Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations, stating that rate cuts in the near term are “not appropriate”. He emphasized that the Fed needs to see more consistent progress toward its 2% inflation target before considering policy easing.

As a result, Bitcoin reversed course, dropping from $70,000 to $67,000 — a decline of 4.3% — erasing earlier gains. Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, reflecting tight correlation between major digital assets during macro-driven events.

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With the next FOMC meeting scheduled for August 1, 2025, investors have approximately 45 days to monitor incoming economic data for clues about the Fed’s next move.

Technical Analysis: Price Action and Volume Trends

Price Performance

Over the past week:

Both assets showed heightened volatility around key news events but ultimately ended lower, indicating underlying bearish pressure despite short-term rallies.

Support and Resistance: Breaking Below Key Zones

BTC and ETH both broke below their previous zones of high trading volume, entering a period of consolidation at lower levels. This downward breakout suggests weakening bullish momentum and potential retesting of lower support levels.

Volume and Open Interest

Trading volume spiked on June 7, coinciding with an initial market downturn. A secondary volume peak occurred on June 12, aligned with the CPI release and FOMC decision — highlighting strong trader engagement during macro events.

Despite increased activity, open interest for both BTC and ETH declined over the week, signaling a net reduction in leveraged positions. This contraction often precedes periods of consolidation or extended sideways movement.

Interpreting Candlestick Color Coding:

Volatility Metrics

Yellow line = Historical volatility | Blue line = Implied volatility | Red dot = 7-day average

Lower implied volatility may indicate waning demand for options protection — a sign of cooling fear or complacency ahead of the next major catalyst.

Market Sentiment Indicators

Momentum Comparison Across Asset Classes

Among major asset classes over the past week:

This highlights a rotation back toward traditional tech equities when macro risks emerge, underscoring crypto’s still-speculative status in broader portfolios.

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Lending Rates: Rising Short-Term USD Yield

The average annualized USD lending rate stood at 10.4%, with short-term rates climbing to around 11.2%. Higher borrowing costs reflect increased demand for stablecoin leverage or hedging activity during volatile periods.

Funding Rates and Derivatives Sentiment

Stable funding rates suggest no extreme long or short positioning — derivatives markets are not overheated, reducing risk of a violent squeeze.

Market Correlation: High Uniformity Across Altcoins

Correlation among a basket of 129 major cryptocurrencies rose to approximately 0.9, indicating highly synchronized price movements. When correlations approach 1.0, individual coin fundamentals matter less than broad market direction — a hallmark of risk-on or risk-off environments.

High correlation means diversification benefits diminish; traders should focus on overall market trend rather than isolated altcoin plays.

Market Breadth: Bearish Signal Across the Board

Key breadth metrics reveal weak underlying health:

These figures point to a market in retreat — most assets are in downtrends, with limited signs of recovery or leadership.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why did Bitcoin drop after the Fed held rates steady despite lower CPI?
A: While lower inflation is positive, the Fed’s cautious stance signaled that rate cuts aren’t imminent. Markets had priced in earlier easing, so Powell’s comments triggered profit-taking and risk-off behavior.

Q: What does declining open interest mean for crypto prices?
A: Falling open interest during price declines often indicates deleveraging. Traders are closing positions, which can lead to reduced volatility but also weaker upward momentum until new capital enters.

Q: How reliable are funding rates as sentiment indicators?
A: Funding rates are highly effective short-term gauges. Positive rates suggest long dominance; negative rates signal short dominance. Extreme values often precede reversals.

Q: Why is high market correlation important?
A: When correlations are high, most coins move together regardless of fundamentals. It becomes harder to "pick winners," and sector rotation strategies lose effectiveness.

Q: What should traders watch ahead of the August FOMC meeting?
A: Upcoming employment reports, PCE inflation data, and geopolitical developments will influence Fed policy expectations. Crypto markets will likely remain sensitive to any shifts in monetary outlook.

Q: Can crypto decouple from traditional markets?
A: Occasionally — such as during major on-chain upgrades or regulatory clarity — but structural dependence on liquidity conditions keeps crypto tightly linked to macro trends for now.


Conclusion: Cautious Sentiment Amid Macro Uncertainty

The past week underscored how deeply cryptocurrency markets remain tied to macroeconomic forces. While cooler inflation data briefly reignited bullish hopes, the Fed’s commitment to data-dependent policy cooled enthusiasm.

Technically, BTC and ETH face resistance near $70,000, with declining breadth and open interest suggesting limited upside without fresh catalysts. High inter-market correlation reinforces the need for macro awareness over isolated technical plays.

As we head toward the August FOMC meeting in 2025, traders should monitor inflation prints, employment trends, and shifts in funding dynamics. In this environment, risk management and sentiment tracking are just as critical as chart analysis.

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