Cryptocurrency Struggles Emerge After PPI Data Shocks

A new wave of uncertainty has swept the cryptocurrency market, putting an end to the gains seen in August. This shift follows the unexpected release of the Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which showed a significant increase. Bitcoin, which was trading above $120,000 prior to the data release, has now plunged to $118,000, raising questions about the factors driving this decline.

What Caused the Cryptocurrency Decline?

The PPI report displayed an unexpected 0.9% monthly increase, a crucial component influencing the Federal Reserve’s inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index. This scenario provides Fed Chair Jerome Powell with a rationale to maintain current interest rates, as rising tariffs affect inflation potential.

Despite potential for a positive trajectory, current market conditions suggest a necessity to offload inflated long positions, which could test Bitcoin’s support at $116,000. Ethereum’s struggle to maintain its $4,100 support signifies a troubling resistance breach, though it remains at $4,500.

Will Interest Rates Shift Due to PPI Data?

Before the unexpected data, there was speculation about a 50 basis point interest rate cut. However, this report has cooled those expectations. The Fed’s cautious approach, backed by confidence in robust employment figures, highlights tariff-induced inflation concerns.

In July, the PPI reflected its most pronounced rise since February 2025, with notable surges in food, energy, and trade services. When excluding these sectors, the index saw its highest ascent since March 2022. The processed goods index also marked a meaningful increase, influenced primarily by an 11.8% rise in diesel fuel costs.

The substantial rise in final demand services and goods underscores the tariff impacts. A 1.1% rise in services contributed to over three-quarters of July’s index increment, with machinery and equipment margins climbing by 3.8%.

As global tariffs continue, PPI data impacts will become more discernible. The Federal Reserve is likely to consider these effects in its September meeting. Further PPI hikes could deter interest rate cuts, positioning steady rates as the more cautious choice, potentially troubling risk markets.

“The PPI data significantly exceeding expectations warrants careful assessment of our next monetary policy moves,” stated a Federal Reserve representative.