Four High-Impact US Economic Events Set to Influence Bitcoin Sentiment This Week

As Bitcoin bulls defend the $90,000 psychological level even amid geopolitical-induced volatility, traders are eyeing a packed US economic calendar that could sway crypto sentiment.

With Federal Reserve (Fed) rate-cut expectations in flux, key data releases and high-profile speeches may trigger sharp moves in BTC and altcoins.

4 US Economic Events to Watch This Week

Here’s a breakdown of the four pivotal events, each poised to ripple through crypto markets this week.

President Trump Speaks

President Donald Trump’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21 at 1:30 PM ET is expected to be a market mover. Expectations are high given his history of unscripted remarks on trade, tariffs, and geopolitics.

As the largest US delegation ever attends Davos, Trump’s comments could address ongoing tariff disputes, potential military actions, or economic policies, directly impacting USD strength and global risk appetite.

Crypto markets, highly sensitive to macro shifts, may see volatility if Trump signals hawkish trade stances, potentially strengthening the dollar and weighing on Bitcoin prices.

Conversely, pro-growth or crypto-friendly hints could spark a rally.

Initial Jobless Claims

Thursday’s Initial Jobless Claims report, due January 22 at 1:30 PM ET, provides a timely snapshot of the US labor market health. It shows the number of US citizens who filed for unemployment insurance for the first-time last week.

Economists surveyed by Trading Economics forecast initial jobless claims at 203,000 for the week ended January 15, up from 198,000 the week before that.

This high-impact release comes amid a resilient jobs picture, as previous data surprised at 198,000, below the expected 215,000. It signals a strong economy and boosts the dollar.

For Bitcoin, lower claims (indicating fewer layoffs) could reinforce hawkish Fed expectations, raising yields and pressuring risk-on assets like crypto.

Recent trends show claims near all-time lows adjusted for labor force size, with no recession signs evident.

“In fact, adjusting for the labor force size, jobless claims are near *all-time lows* going back to 1965,” wrote crypto mortgage firm Milo.

If claims beat forecasts again, BTC sentiment might sour, extending pullbacks from $90,000 highs amid fears of delayed rate cuts.

Softer data, however, could revive easing hopes, supporting a crypto rebound. This event aligns with broader macro scrutiny, as analysts correlate labor strength with crypto movements.

With Bitcoin’s correlation with equities high, deviations from expectations could spark volatility, especially after the Trump speech.

Core PCE Price Index

Also, on January 22 at 1:30 PM ET, the Core PCE Price Index m/m, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, is forecast at 0.2%, up from the previous 0.1%.

This November data release, alongside October’s 0.2%, will shape rate-cut probabilities for 2026, with hotter inflation potentially delaying easing and bolstering the USD.

For Bitcoin, persistent inflation above targets could erode risk sentiment, as higher yields attract capital away from crypto.

Meanwhile, recent web analyses note increasing ties between PCE and crypto volatility, with moderate rises expected but surprises possible amid tariff talks.

If PCE exceeds forecasts, BTC might face downward pressure, but cooler readings could boost sentiment.

Consumer Sentiment

Wrapping up the week for US economic events with crypto implications is the consumer sentiment report.

On January 23 at 3:00 PM ET, the Revised University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for January is expected at 54.0, flat from the preliminary 54.0, marking historically low levels not seen in 75 years.

This gauge reflects Main Street’s economic mood, crucial for retail-driven crypto adoption. Low sentiment signals squeezed consumers amid high costs and uncertainty. This could dampen Bitcoin enthusiasm as institutions dominate, but retail fuels rallies.

If the revision beats expectations, it could lift BTC sentiment, signaling recovery. Conversely, misses might extend caution, pressuring prices.

As of this writing, Bitcoin was trading for $92,663, down by nearly 3% in the last 24 hours.