Bitcoin slipped below the $115,000 threshold on Tuesday, extending losses from last week’s record-breaking surge. As of 02:21 ET (06:21 GMT), the world’s largest cryptocurrency was down 0.3% at $114,990.7, marking a further pullback from its all-time high above $124,000.
The decline follows hotter-than-expected U.S. producer and import price data, which reignited concerns over tariff-driven inflation. The data dampened enthusiasm for aggressive monetary easing, curbing appetite for risk-sensitive assets like Bitcoin.
Traders say the market has entered a consolidation phase, with momentum slowing after months of steady gains. This pause reflects not only macroeconomic uncertainty but also investor caution amid geopolitical tensions.
Geopolitics Weighs on Risk Appetite
Investor sentiment was tested by a high-profile White House meeting on Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to discuss a potential pathway toward peace. Trump hinted at arranging direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising the possibility of a trilateral summit.
While Zelensky welcomed U.S. security guarantees, no concrete agreement was reached. Ukraine’s forces also reported another large overnight assault by Russia, underscoring the difficulty of securing a ceasefire.
For crypto markets, the uncertainty translated into reduced risk-taking. Historically, digital assets have shown sharp sensitivity to geopolitical developments, especially when tensions cast doubt on global financial stability.
Key pressures on Bitcoin this week:
- Escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions with no ceasefire in sight
- Uncertainty over U.S. security commitments to Ukraine
- Persistent inflationary concerns fueled by tariffs
Fed Symposium in Focus
Traders are now turning their attention to the Federal Reserve’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole. Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak Friday, with markets eager for guidance on the pace of monetary easing.
Current futures pricing suggests an 83% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, a shift from earlier bets on a deeper reduction. The more cautious outlook follows last week’s stronger inflation data, which suggested price pressures remain sticky despite softer labor market signals.
Altcoins mirrored Bitcoin’s subdued trading:
- Ethereum: -0.3% at $4,230.60
- XRP: +1.5% at $3.017
- Solana: -0.9%
- Cardano: +1.2%
- Polygon: +5.6%
- Dogecoin: -2%
- $TRUMP token: +0.2%
With geopolitical and monetary risks unresolved, analysts warn that Bitcoin and its peers may remain rangebound until clearer signals emerge.
