Bitcoin is currently hovering in the mid‑$60,000s—specifically around $66,000, offering a picture of cautious stability as investors await the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026 . In short: BTC is holding steady near $66K amid growing anticipation of how U.S. inflation data will sway market sentiment.
Market Snapshot: Bitcoin’s Recent Trajectory
Bitcoin recently rebounded sharply to approximately $67,120, pushing upward from a low near $65,000, in response to surprisingly strong U.S. jobs data, which dampened expectations of early rate cuts by the Federal Reserve . Yet, by today (February 13), Bitcoin’s price has settled into a consolidation range near $66,000, as wider market risk-off sentiment tempers more bullish moves .
Headlines and Expectations for CPI
The forthcoming U.S. CPI data is expected to show a 2.5% year-over-year increase in January, down from December’s 2.7%—the lowest inflation reading since May. Core CPI (excluding food and energy) is also forecast to ease to 2.5%, the lowest since 2021 . These figures could be pivotal in shaping investor expectations about Fed policy and BTC’s short-term trajectory.
Why Bitcoin Reacts to Inflation Data: A Quick Primer
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin tend to be sensitive to macroeconomic data, especially inflation metrics. A few key connections play out here:
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Inflation data influences Fed interest-rate expectations. Higher-than-expected CPI readings can push rate-cut hopes further out, usually weighing on risk assets. Conversely, cooler inflation nudges rates downward, often providing a tailwind for BTC and similar assets.
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Bitcoin is seen as a risk asset. In a higher-rate environment, it loses appeal compared to yield-bearing instruments; when rates look likely to drop, risk appetite returns.
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Market volatility often spikes around CPI releases—this increases speculative flows and creates directional swings in crypto prices.
Historically, such patterns have repeated: BTC fell sharply after hotter-than-expected CPI in February 2025 , and rallied after softer readings later in the year .
What Traders Are Watching Now
February 13, 2026: CPI and Bitcoin’s Tightrope
The CPI report is due today after being delayed due to a recent federal shutdown . If inflation cools as expected to 2.5%, markets may interpret that as a green light for Fed easing later in the year, potentially boosting Bitcoin. But if inflation resists and stays higher, the opposite is likely.
Trendline Pressure and Consolidation
- Resistance near $67K–$67.5K: Bitcoin may face headwinds around this recent highs area.
- Support around $65K–$66K: These levels have held steady during consolidation.
- Investors are watching whether BTC breaks higher toward $68K or drops back to mid-$60Ks depending on the tone of the CPI print.
Broader Market Mood
Risk-off sentiment in equities and other markets could curb any sharp bullish moves—even if CPI softens—while easing inflation could embolden traders to push higher.
Expert Corner: What Analysts Say
“A softer U.S. CPI reading today could renew interest in risk assets like Bitcoin, especially amid growing doubts about early Fed rate cuts. But upside may remain capped unless supported by a broader risk-on environment.”
This sums up the prevailing analyst view: BTC’s fate is tied not just to inflation numbers, but also to how markets interpret rate path changes.
Conclusion
Bitcoin is trading in a cautious range near $66,000 as markets brace for today’s U.S. CPI report. If inflation matches expectations and eases, BTC may see some relief rally. But if it surprises to the upside, this could stall momentum or spark a retreat toward the lower end of its current range.
FAQs
What price is Bitcoin trading at now?
Bitcoin is currently hovering around $66,000, having rebounded from near $65K .
Why does Bitcoin care about U.S. CPI data?
Bitcoin responds to CPI because inflation readings shape expectations about Federal Reserve rate policy, which influences risk appetite and asset valuation.
What is the CPI forecast today?
Economists expect 2.5% year-over-year CPI for January and 2.5% core CPI, both lows not seen in years .
How has BTC reacted in past CPI events?
In February 2025, Bitcoin dropped sharply after hotter-than-expected CPI . It later jumped after softer reports, like in March 2025 .
What should traders watch right now?
Key levels are $65K–$66K (support) and $67K–$67.5K (resistance). Price action around these zones—and how market tone shifts on inflation cues—will be decisive.
This snapshot aims to put today’s Bitcoin price action into context—highlighting how macroeconomic signals like CPI shape crypto markets and why $66K is the current battleground.