This article is about when does US CPI data usually come out. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the CPI data monthly. The next release of CPI data is scheduled for September 13. 2023 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time.
When Does US CPI Data Usually Come Out?
CPI stands for Consumer Price Index, and it is a measure of the changes in the prices of goods and services that consumers buy in the US. The CPI is one of the most important indicators of inflation, which affects the value of money, interest rates, and economic growth.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the agency that calculates and publishes the CPI data every month. The BLS releases two main types of CPI data: the CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which covers about 93% of the US population, and the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which covers about 29% of the US population. The BLS also publishes various sub-indexes and special aggregates of the CPI, such as the core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices.
The BLS usually releases the CPI data for a given month in the following month, around the middle of the month. For example, the CPI data for January 2023 was released on February 16. 2023. The BLS publishes a schedule of release dates for the CPI data on its website, which you can find here: https://www.bls.gov/schedule/news_release/cpi.htm
The BLS releases the CPI data at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the scheduled date. The data is available on the BLS website, as well as through various media outlets and online platforms. The BLS also provides historical data and analysis of the CPI trends and components on its website.
How Does US CPI Data Affect Crypto?
While CPI primarily reflects inflation in traditional financial markets, it can indirectly affect the cryptocurrency market and here's how:
1. Inflation Hedge: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are often referred to as "digital gold" and are seen as a store of value. When traditional fiat currencies experience high inflation, investors may turn to cryptocurrencies as a hedge against currency devaluation. Therefore, a rising CPI, indicating higher inflation, can lead to increased interest in cryptocurrencies as an inflation-resistant asset.
2. Currency Devaluation: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of fiat currencies. When the CPI shows rising inflation, it can lead to concerns about the depreciation of the U.S. dollar and other fiat currencies. Investors seeking to protect their wealth may allocate funds to cryptocurrencies, which are not subject to central bank policies that can devalue fiat currencies.
3. Risk-on vs. Risk-off: The CPI can influence overall market sentiment. If inflation is moderate and the central bank's policies are seen as stable, traditional investors may continue to favor traditional assets (stocks, bonds). However, if CPI data indicates surging inflation, it could lead to a "risk-off" sentiment in traditional markets, causing investors to seek refuge in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies.
4. Central Bank Actions: The response of central banks to CPI data can also affect cryptocurrencies. If central banks decide to raise interest rates to combat inflation, it can have a cooling effect on both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. Investors might choose to allocate funds to interest-bearing assets rather than cryptocurrencies, which do not provide yield.
5. Market Sentiment: Cryptocurrency markets are influenced by sentiment, and inflation-related news can sway sentiment. If the CPI data surprises by showing unexpected inflation, it can lead to heightened volatility in cryptocurrency prices, as traders react to the news.
Bottom Line
In this article, we have discussed when does US CPI data usually come out. Knowing when the US CPI data usually comes out can help you stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of inflation on your financial situation and goals.
