empty
28.02.2025 10:34 AM
The Risk of U.S. Economic Stagflation Resurfaces (Potential Decline in Bitcoin and Rise in #USDX)

Earlier reports indicated that the U.S. president had decided to delay the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico from March 4 to April 2, providing a temporary sense of relief to global financial markets. However, yesterday's news once again sent shockwaves through the markets.

On Thursday, Donald Trump reaffirmed his plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, which will take effect on March 4 without further delay, alongside an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. This announcement caused a sharp reversal in the U.S. dollar, which gained strong support against a basket of major currencies on the Forex market. Meanwhile, gold prices and stock indices accelerated their declines, along with cryptocurrency assets, which suffered further losses.

Are Tariffs the Only Reason for the Market's Downturn?

Unfortunately, no. In addition to the escalation of trade wars, U.S. economic data has also weighed heavily on market sentiment. The latest reports on core durable goods orders and total orders volume were mixed, failing to instill confidence in a stronger economic recovery.

Revised Q4 GDP figures confirmed a slowdown in economic growth from 3.1% to 2.3%, aligning with forecasts. However, the most concerning data came from the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index for Q4 2024, which surged from 2.2% to 2.7%, exceeding the 2.5% forecast. The headline PCE also rose from 1.5% to 2.4%, surpassing expectations of 2.3%. While the monthly figure remained flat at 0.0%, compared to a forecasted increase of 0.25% from 0.1%, the overall inflationary trend left a negative impression on investors.

Essentially, these figures suggest that inflation is rising despite an economic slowdown, reinforcing fears of stagflation—a scenario that could be detrimental to the import-dependent U.S. economy.

Key Focus: Upcoming U.S. PCE Inflation Data

Today, market attention will turn to the annual and monthly PCE price index readings from the U.S., which are closely watched indicators of inflation. These figures are typically more relevant than quarterly data due to their freshness and immediate impact on monetary policy expectations.

Consensus forecasts suggest:

  • Annual PCE Inflation is expected to decline to 2.6% from 2.8%.
  • Monthly PCE Inflation is projected to increase from 0.2% to 0.3% in January.

Market Expectations

If the PCE data meets or exceeds expectations, market sentiment will likely remain negative, reinforcing trends in favor of:

  • A stronger U.S. dollar
  • Increased demand for U.S. Treasuries as a safe-haven asset amid concerns over a potential stagflationary downturn in the U.S. economy.

Daily Forecasts

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

Bitcoin (BTC/USD)

The sharp decline in Bitcoin continues amid widespread market negativity. The next downward target is $73,485, with further losses possible if PCE data signals rising U.S. inflation.

U.S. Dollar Index (#USDX)

The Dollar Index is testing key resistance at 107.35. Given overall market sentiment, the upward trend is likely to persist. A break above resistance could push USDX towards 108.40 early next week.

Pati Gani,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 27: The British Pound Stalls

On Wednesday, the GBP/USD currency pair openly traded in a flat range. Volatility remains low, with no trending movements even within the day. In other words, the market is simply

Paolo Greco 03:06 2025-03-27 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 27: Donald Trump Steps Back

On Wednesday, the EUR/USD currency pair continued trading with minimal volatility and a slight downward bias. Trading volumes were absent, which is unsurprising—there has been very little news this week

Paolo Greco 03:06 2025-03-27 UTC+2

GBP/USD. A Rough Patch for the Pound

The UK inflation report failed to support the pound—all components of the release came in below expectations. On the one hand, this report is unlikely to influence the outcome

Irina Manzenko 23:41 2025-03-26 UTC+2

The Dollar Will Loosen Its Grip

The euro is retreating cautiously, worried about a potential trade war between the European Union and the United States, while the dollar is on track for its worst month

Marek Petkovich 23:41 2025-03-26 UTC+2

Donald Trump sows confusion again with tariff remarks

United States President Donald Trump once again stirred confusion on Tuesday by announcing plans to introduce a series of exemptions to his sweeping tariff proposal. The announcement served

Jakub Novak 11:36 2025-03-26 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold continues to show a positive tone today, but conviction behind the upward movement remains weak. Market uncertainty, driven by the tariffs announced by Donald Trump—set to take effect

Irina Yanina 10:54 2025-03-26 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The Japanese yen remains under pressure today due to weak domestic economic data. In February, Japan's leading inflation indicator in the services sector rose by 3.0% year-over-year, slightly below

Irina Yanina 10:42 2025-03-26 UTC+2

Looks Like It's Time to Focus on the Euro and Yen (EUR/USD May Fall, USD/JPY May Rise)

Since mid-month, financial markets have been trying to recover while frantically analyzing all possible developments surrounding the trade war the U.S. launched against its largest trading partners. Investor sentiment continues

Pati Gani 08:52 2025-03-26 UTC+2

Markets Won't Rush Headfirst into the Fire

Donald Trump has dealt such a heavy blow to globalization that conditions and outlooks for the future have changed—now divided along territorial lines. While European banks believe the S&P 500's

Marek Petkovich 07:00 2025-03-26 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on March 26? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday, and only one important report is expected. The UK will release what may seem like a significant inflation report. Inflation remains

Paolo Greco 06:03 2025-03-26 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.