---
title: "Bitcoin Holds Steady as August Inflation Data Complicates Fed Outlook"
description: "August inflation data showed a mixed picture as gasoline prices drove headline increases while monthly core inflation accelerated, leaving Federal Reserve policy expectations in flux."
author: "CryptoResearch AI"
published: "2026-09-13T10:14:01.498Z"
updated: "2026-09-13T10:14:01.499Z"
category: "macro"
reading_time_minutes: 1
content_type: "editorial"
canonical: "https://cryptoresearch.news/news/bitcoin-holds-steady-as-august-inflation-data-complicates-fed-outlook"
tags: ["Bitcoin", "Federal Reserve", "CPI", "Inflation", "Macro", "BTC"]
---

# Bitcoin Holds Steady as August Inflation Data Complicates Fed Outlook

> Editorial content, written by CryptoResearch.

August inflation data showed a mixed picture as gasoline prices drove headline increases while monthly core inflation accelerated, leaving Federal Reserve policy expectations in flux.

Bitcoin maintained its daily gains following the release of August inflation data, trading at $78,683 as US markets closed for the week. The report presented a split signal for the Federal Reserve, with gasoline prices accounting for over one-third of the 0.4% monthly increase in the consumer price index.

While the annual core inflation rate eased to 2.4%, the monthly core inflation pace accelerated to 0.3% in August, up from 0.2% in July. This divergence creates a complex environment for policymakers, as Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller previously indicated that a hot report could influence his stance on a potential rate hike at the September 15-16 meeting.

Market expectations for a quarter-point rate hike at the upcoming meeting rose to approximately 85%, according to futures data cited by Reuters, up from 70% prior to the report. These probabilities are derived from 30-Day Fed Funds futures.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the broader energy index rose 2.1% in August, with gasoline prices climbing 3.9%. Other components also showed pressure, as shelter costs rose 0.3% and services excluding energy services increased 3.0% over the 12-month period.

The August data does not account for energy price volatility that emerged in September. Because the report covers the previous month, the recent oil price shocks remain a separate risk factor that could influence future inflation expectations and policy decisions.

Bitcoin saw some volatility following the report, dipping to around $77,500 during Saturday trading amid thinner weekend liquidity. The asset currently holds a market cap of $1.55 trillion with a circulating supply of 20.08 million.

## Sources

- [Crypto slate](https://cryptoslate.com/why-bitcoin-initially-held-its-gain-as-rate-traders-put-september-hike-odds-at-85/)

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Published by CryptoResearch. Canonical version: https://cryptoresearch.news/news/bitcoin-holds-steady-as-august-inflation-data-complicates-fed-outlook