Bitcoin hovers above $78k as rebound rally loses some steam after U.S. PCE data

Bitcoin's price hovered around $78,000 on Wednesday, pausing its upward momentum following a three-month high, as concerns arose over the U.S. Federal Reserve's stance on inflation. The data published showed the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, remained unchanged in July, with a 0.2% increase from the previous month and 3.7% compared to a year ago.

Core PCE inflation, excluding volatile food and energy costs, also showed a steady 0.2% growth from June and a 3.3% rise from a year earlier, aligning with economists' expectations.

The stable inflation figures added to the uncertainty surrounding interest rate decisions, particularly ahead of the Federal Reserve's September meeting. This dampened the enthusiasm for the "debasement trade," where investors bet on the U.S. Treasury's efforts to control bond yields and potentially weaken the dollar. The resulting outflow from speculative assets like Bitcoin, crypto, and gold slowed the rally.

Meanwhile, optimism surrounding the U.S.-Iran standoff, despite a Russian media report suggesting a potential ceasefire deal, provided a brief boost to Bitcoin's price. Lower oil prices, driven by the ceasefire hopes, and positive statements from Pakistan and resumed Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz added to the risk appetite. However, the steady inflation data and cautious stance from the Fed limited the rally's strength, leaving Bitcoin just 0.2% above its $78,739.7 level by 17:27 ET (21:27 GMT).