CPI React: Stocks surge on cool inflation report, Bitcoin nears $18k

US stocks embraced a very cool inflation report that supports the idea that the Fed could be done with hiking rates after the February FOMC meeting. ​ The Fed might not have to take rates to 5.00% or higher and that is surprising news for stock traders. ​ Fed tightening is looking like it will just need a half-point increase tomorrow and a 25bp increase in February. ​

The November inflation report showed inflation continues to ease. Core CPI had the smallest monthly increase in over a year, while food and energy prices cool quickly. ​ The big question remains wages and if the labor market will not weaken quickly enough. ​ If job gains soften towards the 50,000 level, that might be enough to get wage pressures under control. ​

CPI rose 7.1% in November compared to a year ago, which was lower than the 7.3% consensus estimate. ​ Core CPI improved from 6.3% to 6.0%, a tick better than forecasts. ​ On a monthly basis, CPI eased from 0.4% to 0.1%. ​ Inflation slowed across the board with the exception of the CPI core index. ​

Crypto

To the amazement of many crypto watchers, Bitcoin continues to hold the $17,000 region. ​ Today, the focus was going to be on the House Panel probe on the FTX collapse, with Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony. ​ Traders woke up to news that Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas after U.S. files criminal charges.

SBF is expected to be extradited to the US. The founder collapsed crypto exchange FTX is being charged with defrauding customers of $1.8 billion, concealing the relationship of FTX and Alameda Research and of using commingled customer funds. ​

Bitcoin extended its rally after a key pricing report showed the disinflation trend continues. ​ Treasury yields tumbled alongside the dollar, which is great news for cryptos. ​ Bitcoin is getting close to the $18,000 level and that rally could continue if risk appetite remains strong post-Fed.

This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.

A highly experienced financial market analyst with a focus on fundamental analysis, Kenneth Fisher’s daily commentary covers a broad range of markets including forex, equities and commodities. His work has been published in several major online financial publications including Investing.com, Seeking Alpha and FXStreet. Based in Israel, Kenny has been a MarketPulse contributor since 2012.

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