Bitcoin (BTC): U.S. Inflation Below Expectations Fails to Spark Rally

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on August 13, 2026, its Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July, confirming a slowdown in inflation to 2.9 % year-over-year, below the 3.2 % expected by markets. Despite this positive surprise, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) fell below 63,500 USD , erasing hopes of an immediate rebound. Signals of recovery, such as a potential short squeeze , appear to have dissipated in the face of macroeconomic reality. According to CryptoScore Pro data, Bitcoin maintains a market capitalization of 1,279.07 billion USD and a 24-hour trading volume of 806.43 million USD , confirming its position as the market leader in cryptocurrencies. Volatility remains high, with 73,489 transactions pending in the mempool and network fees around 1.07 sat/vB for confirmation within three blocks. What happened U.S. inflation, measured by the CPI, reached 2.9 % in July 2026, below market forecasts. Yet, this decline was not enough to reignite Bitcoin’s bullish momentum, as its price dropped by 5 % in 24 hours. Scenarios of a short squeeze , highlighted by some analysts, evaporated amid persistent selling pressure. Bitcoin futures carry trades surged to 850 million USD , funneled into Bitcoin ETFs—a historically high level but insufficient to reverse the trend. Ethereum gas fees remain low ( 0.068 gwei in standard mode), reflecting moderate activity on layer-2 networks. Bitcoin’s score according to CryptoScore Pro stands at 84/100 , underscoring its fundamental strength despite the unfavorable macroeconomic backdrop. Why it matters The CPI decline was seen as a potential catalyst for risk assets, including Bitcoin. Controlled inflation could prompt the Federal Reserve (Fed) to ease monetary policy, which typically benefits cryptocurrencies. However, in this case, the market’s reaction suggests other factors—such as liquidity or investor sentiment—are playing a more decisive role. Bitcoin lost 5 % in 24 hours, dipping below 63,500 USD , erasing recent gains. Critical support levels at 62,000 USD and 60,000 USD are now under scrutiny. Bitcoin’s decline triggered a broad correction across the crypto sector, with altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) dropping 4 to 6 % . Stablecoins (USDT, USDC) saw increased trading volumes, signaling a search for liquidity. Bitcoin ETF inflows remain positive, particularly from BlackRock and Fidelity, but insufficient to counter selling pressure. Uncertainty surrounding Fed and European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policies, as well as crypto regulations (MiCA, SEC), could prolong volatility. A breakdown of key support levels could trigger a wave of liquidations. What to watch The next CPI release, scheduled for September 12, 2026 , could revive rate-cut expectations if inflation continues to slow. The Fed’s meeting on September 24, 2026 : a dovish communication could support risk assets, including Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s key support levels: 62,000 USD and 60,000 USD . A break below these thresholds could intensify selling pressure. The evolution of Bitcoin futures carry trades, currently at 850 million USD , which could reverse quickly and amplify volatility. Crypto regulations in Europe (MiCA) and the U.S. (SEC), whose announcements could influence market sentiment.