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Bitcoin traders were ready for a hot CPI report, but BTC bears are still in control

Bitcoin traders were ready for a hot CPI report, but BTC bears are still in control

Cryptocurrency traders were caught by surprise after the Oct. 13 consumer price index report showed inflation in the United States rising by 0.6% in September versus the previous month. The slightly higher-than-expected number caused Bitcoin (BTC) to face a 4.4% price correction from $19,000 to $18,175 in less than three hours. 

The abrupt movement caused $55 million in Bitcoin futures liquidations at derivatives exchanges, the largest amount in three weeks. The $18,200 level was the lowest since Sept. 21 and marks an 8.3% weekly correction.

Bitcoin/USD 1-hour price. Source: TradingView

It is worth highlighting that the dip under $18,600 on Sept. 21 lasted less than 5 hours. Bears were likely disappointed as a 6.3% rally took place on Sept. 22, causing Bitcoin to test the $19,500 resistance. A similar trend is happening on Oct. 13 as BTC currently trades near $19,000.

The stock market also reacted negatively as the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index moved down 3% after the inflation data was released. After the initial panic selling, Nasdaq adjusted to a 2% daily loss as analysts reaffirmed their expectations toward a 0.75% interest rate increase by the U.S. Federal Reserve Committee in November.

Investors became even more bearish after BlackRock Inc (BLK) reported a 16% drop in profit versus the previous year. Meanwhile, financial heavyweights JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Morgan Stanley (MS) are set to report on Friday.

Contrary to U.S. President Joe Biden’s appeal, Saudi Arabia’s ministry of foreign affairs put out a rare statement on Oct. 13 defending the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ production cut. The White House wanted to delay the decision until after the midterms. Nevertheless, the oil producer group decided to decrease the supply target by 2 million barrels per day beginning in November.

All of these developments are increasing investors’ bearish emotions and to get a better gauge on what is happening in the crypto sector traders should look at derivatives data to see if investors were taken by surprise after the 4.4% dip below $18,200.

Futures markets were bearish for the past month

Retail traders usually avoid quarterly futures due to their price difference from spot markets. They are, however, professional traders’ preferred instruments because they prevent the fluctuation of funding rates that often occurs in a perpetual futures contract.

Bitcoin 3-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas

The indicator should trade at a…

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