🚨 MACRO DATA THAT MOVED MARKETS TODAY — 16/09
Today was an especially important session for financial markets, with several U.S. economic reports and a key decision from the Federal Reserve 🇺🇸.
🛒 U.S. Retail Sales
August retail sales rose +1.2% month-over-month, beating expectations of +0.8% and rebounding from the decline seen in July. Core retail sales also increased by +1.4%.
This shows that the U.S. consumer is still spending strongly, which can keep inflation pressure elevated.
🏦 The Fed raised rates again
The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark rate today by 25 basis points, bringing it to the 3.75%–4.00% range. This was the first rate hike since 2023.
📈 In addition, the Fed’s new projections point to another increase during 2026. According to the projections, 16 of 19 officials are considering another rate hike this year.
🎤 Now all eyes are on Jerome Powell
The post-decision press conference is especially important because markets are looking for clues about what the Fed will do at its upcoming meetings and how long rates could remain elevated.
🛢️ Oil
The IEA crude inventories recorded a change of -0.640 million barrels, another closely watched figure due to its link to energy prices and inflation.
🇬🇧 UK Inflation
August’s annual CPI came in at 3.1%, staying above levels consistent with the Bank of England’s inflation target.
So what does all this mean for Bitcoin?
Today’s data has one thing in common: inflation and interest rates are still the main players.
A U.S. economy that continues to show strength can give the Fed fewer reasons to loosen monetary policy quickly. At the same time, higher rates for longer can increase the volatility of assets considered higher risk—including Bitcoin and altcoins.
Today was an especially important session for financial markets, with several U.S. economic reports and a key decision from the Federal Reserve 🇺🇸.
🛒 U.S. Retail Sales
August retail sales rose +1.2% month-over-month, beating expectations of +0.8% and rebounding from the decline seen in July. Core retail sales also increased by +1.4%.
This shows that the U.S. consumer is still spending strongly, which can keep inflation pressure elevated.
🏦 The Fed raised rates again
The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark rate today by 25 basis points, bringing it to the 3.75%–4.00% range. This was the first rate hike since 2023.
📈 In addition, the Fed’s new projections point to another increase during 2026. According to the projections, 16 of 19 officials are considering another rate hike this year.
🎤 Now all eyes are on Jerome Powell
The post-decision press conference is especially important because markets are looking for clues about what the Fed will do at its upcoming meetings and how long rates could remain elevated.
🛢️ Oil
The IEA crude inventories recorded a change of -0.640 million barrels, another closely watched figure due to its link to energy prices and inflation.
🇬🇧 UK Inflation
August’s annual CPI came in at 3.1%, staying above levels consistent with the Bank of England’s inflation target.
So what does all this mean for Bitcoin?
Today’s data has one thing in common: inflation and interest rates are still the main players.
A U.S. economy that continues to show strength can give the Fed fewer reasons to loosen monetary policy quickly. At the same time, higher rates for longer can increase the volatility of assets considered higher risk—including Bitcoin and altcoins.
