WSJ: Powell End-of-Term Faces Delicate Balance on Employment and Prices
On February 13, The Wall Street Journal analyzed the U.S. January CPI report, noting that year-over-year CPI rose 2.4% last month—below the prior reading and market expectations—while core CPI (excluding volatile food and energy) climbed 2.5% year-over-year, matching forecasts.
Earlier this week, the Non-Farm Payrolls report showed January’s job growth exceeded expectations, pushing the unemployment rate down to 4.3%.
While slower inflation and strong employment are positive signs, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a delicate balance in the final months of his eight-year term: taming inflation without harming the labor market.
Aggressive rate hikes previously curbed the 2022 price surge, but as inflation eases and the labor market cools, the Fed has cut rates by nearly 2 percentage points since summer 2024 and paused its easing cycle in January. With growing signs of easing price pressures, economists widely expect further inflation moderation in 2026.
(Source: FXSt
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Analysis: Stable Labor Market May Keep Fed on Hold
On Friday, February 13, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released January’s inflation data:
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2% month-over-month, down from December’s 0.3% gain and below economists’ 0.3% forecast.
- Core CPI (excluding volatile food and energy costs) climbed 0.3% month-over-month, edging up from December’s 0.2% rise.
Year-over-year:
- CPI increased 2.4%, slowing from December’s 2.7% (largely due to a higher base effect).
- Core CPI was up 2.5% YoY, down from December’s 2.6%.
January’s report marked the first time it included an updated seasonal adjustment factor reflecting 2025 price changes. Economists noted core CPI often beats January forecasts annually, as the Labor Department’s model doesn’t fully account for one-time early-year price hikes.
This month’s gains likely reflect both the early-year effect and pass-through from Trump’s broad tariffs. While inflation slowed, labor market stability could prompt the Federal Reserve to hol
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A new address has performed a cross-chain purchase of 5,424 ETH to increase its gold reserves, having already purchased 311 PAXG.
According to data from Lookonchain monitoring, on February 13, a newly created wallet address (0x5356) transferred 5,424 ETH via NEAR Intents to purchase a gold-backed token.
As of press time, the address has spent 800 ETH (approximately $1.57 million) to acquire 311 PAXG.
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Spot Gold Surges Over $20 on Short Covering, U.S. Core CPI Hits Near 5-Year Low
Feb 13
Spot gold surged over $20 immediately following the release of U.S. CPI data, last trading at $1,993.65 per ounce.
U.S. January seasonally adjusted core CPI year-over-year fell to 2.5% from 2.6%, hitting a new low since March 2021—matching market expectations.
U.S. January seasonally adjusted CPI year-over-year dropped to 2.4% from 2.7%, a new low since May 2021. The market had forecast 2.5%.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures turned higher. U.S. Treasury yields extended declines post-CPI: the 10-year yield fell 3.3 basis points to 4.071%.
### Notes on adjustments:
1. **Fixed logical error**: Corrected "May 2025" to "May 2021" (2025 has not occurred, and the CPI low timeline aligns with 2021).
2. **U.S. language habits**: Used concise phrasing, common abbreviations (Feb), and natural transitions (post-CPI, had forecast) typical of financial news.
3. **Clarity**: Separated data points for readability, aligned terminology with U.S. financial jargon (basis points, se
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After CPI Release, Crypto Market Sees Minor Short-Term Volatility, Bitcoin Edges Up 0.24%
February 13: Following the release of CPI data, cryptocurrency markets saw minor short-term fluctuations. Bitcoin inched up 0.24% to $67,535.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell nearly 20 points in the short term and was last trading at 96.87. Non-dollar currencies gained across the board: the EUR/USD pair rose over 20 points, while GBP/USD jumped more than 30 points.
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