Live updates: Bitcoin rises past $64,000 after soft inflation data, Warsh testimony

Summary

Bitcoin remained near $62,600 on Tuesday, showing a slight 0.3% decline over the past 24 hours and little change over the week. Despite this surface-level stability, the broader macroeconomic environment is shifting. The recent reinstatement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, along with a 20% tariff on other cargo in the region, has revived geopolitical tensions that had appeared resolved by a peace deal earlier in June. This escalation has contributed to a rise in Brent crude oil prices, which increased by up to 2.8% to about $85 a barrel, marking the second consecutive day of gains.

The rising oil prices and renewed geopolitical risks are increasing inflationary pressures, which in turn heighten expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. This dynamic is significant for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, as the relief from inflation fears that supported Bitcoin’s recovery from lows near $58,000 in late June may now be reversing. The market has been range-bound between roughly $59,000 and $66,000 for a month, while other major cryptocurrencies show mixed performance: Ether is holding near $1,783 and has gained on the week, whereas Solana, XRP, and Hyperliquid are down 5% or more over the same period.

Why it matters

Looking ahead, the upcoming June Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report will be a critical indicator. A softer inflation number could alleviate the renewed hawkish sentiment triggered by the Iran news, potentially stabilizing or boosting crypto prices. Conversely, a stronger inflation reading, especially amid rising oil prices, would reinforce expectations for more aggressive Fed rate hikes. This outcome would likely exert further downward pressure on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies just two weeks before the Fed's policy meeting scheduled for July 28 and 29.