Bitcoin Strengthens to 97,000 US Dollars, US Inflation Data Dampens Crypto Market Concerns
JAKARTA - The price of Bitcoin (BTC) has strengthened again and has broken through the level of 97,000 US dollars before correcting slightly to the level of 95,000-96,000 US dollars on Thursday, January 15, after the release of the US inflation data for December 2025 which tends to match market expectations.
Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), US inflation was recorded to rise 0.3 percent on a monthly basis and 2.7 percent on an annual basis, while core inflation (core inflation rate) remained under control at the level of 0.2 percent m/m and 2.6 percent y/y. The rise in inflation was mainly driven by the housing sector (shelter) which rose 0.4 percent m/m. In conditions of relatively stable and controlled inflation, the central bank (The Federal Reserve) generally has room to maintain, or in certain conditions lower, interest rates to support economic growth.
Responding to the data, Vice President of INDODAX, Antony Kusuma, assessed that stable inflation gives room for the crypto market to move more freely after a long consolidation period.
"The December 2022 inflation rate is expected to be in line with expectations, so the market is relatively calm. In this situation, global investors usually start to look at risky assets again, including cryptocurrencies, because monetary policy uncertainty decreases and global liquidity is potentially maintained. For now, market participants will focus on waiting for the direction of the Fed's interest rate policy while paying attention to the next economic data," said Antony.
In addition to macro factors, the strengthening of Bitcoin also occurred amid the purchase of large institutions. Strategy Inc. announced the addition of Bitcoin holdings worth more than 1 billion US dollars in early 2026, which was its largest purchase since mid-2025. This step strengthens its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder and also gives a boost to market sentiment, although global retail demand is still likely to be limited.
According to Antony, the consistency of accumulation by large institutions reinforces the view that Bitcoin is increasingly seen as an asset with strong fundamentals.
"Institutions are not entering because of a momentary momentum. The accumulation that is carried out continuously reflects long-term confidence in Bitcoin, despite the short-term volatility that is still occurring," he said.
In addition to Bitcoin, a number of other major crypto assets also recorded strengthening in the same period. Ethereum, Solana, and several major altcoins are moving more aggressively, reflecting the increasing interest of investors in risky assets after the macro pressure eased. INDODAX also urges market participants to continue to prioritize disciplined risk management and conduct independent research or Do Your Own Research (DYOR), given that volatility is still the main character in the crypto asset market.