NewsTradingSentimentCalendarCommunityBriefing
Markets

Fed Hike Odds Reach 87.3% as Banks Raise Inflation Forecasts

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-12 · 2 min read
A digital coin resting on a stack of paper currency
Illustration: Tradingbird

Market pricing for a September rate hike has surged to 87.3%. This shift follows upward revisions to US core PCE inflation forecasts by major Wall Street banks.

The probability of a 25 basis point Federal Reserve rate hike in September stands at 87.3%. This figure comes from the CME FedWatch Tool. The rise in odds reflects a coordinated shift in economic outlooks among major lenders. Traders are positioning their portfolios against a more restrictive monetary policy environment.

Institutional forecasts for August core Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation have moved higher. These revisions occurred after recent Consumer Price Index data met market expectations. The core PCE index excludes volatile food and energy prices. It serves as the primary inflation gauge for the central bank's policy decisions.

Banks Revise Inflation Estimates Upward

Barclays increased its monthly core PCE forecast to 0.25%. The previous estimate was 0.22%. Goldman Sachs raised its projection to 0.26%. Its prior forecast stood at 0.24%. Nomura lifted its estimate from 0.245% to 0.278%. These adjustments signal expectations of persistent price pressures.

Bank of America now expects a 0.30% monthly increase. This is up from 0.26%. TD Securities has a higher estimate at 0.32%. Its prior forecast was 0.24%. Mizuho projects a wider range based on different calculation methods. The consensus points to sticky inflation despite earlier cooling signs.

Macro Data Drives Risk Asset Caution

Higher policy rates create tougher conditions for risk assets. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies face additional volatility under this scenario. The European Central Bank recently hiked rates by 25 basis points. This move added to the pressure on crypto market traders. A recent US Producer Price Index reading also exceeded forecasts.

According to GN markets/crypto (en-US), analysts note a broader shift among financial institutions. Major banks now expect a September rate hike. This includes institutions such as Citigroup and Deutsche Bank. Traders are staying on the sidelines amid this uncertainty. The market is treading cautiously ahead of the Fed's next gathering.

Prediction Markets Track Rate Outcomes

Prediction markets data show September hike odds at 80%. This aligns with the broader institutional shift. Retail traders are using on-chain contracts to trade these outcomes. These platforms allow users to bet on interest rate decisions. The activity reflects a demand for direct exposure to macroeconomic events.

The focus remains on the Fed's next week gathering. Market participants are evaluating the central bank's stance. The data suggests a hawkish bias is likely. This could limit liquidity in digital asset markets. Investors are monitoring these developments closely for directional cues.

Based on reporting by CoinGape, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

More from the Markets desk

All desk stories
  • A tangled ball of copper wire intertwined with a digital padlock
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    Malone Lam Convicted in $245 Million Crypto Heist

    A 22-year-old mastermind has been convicted for orchestrating a $245 million cryptocurrency theft ring. The operation utilized social engineering and complex laundering methods.

    2026-09-12
  • A modern government ministry building facade with clean lines and large glass windows
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    Morocco 2027 GDP Growth Forecast at 4.1 Percent

    Morocco projects a 4.1 percent GDP expansion for 2027, driven by strong non-agricultural output and sustained government investment.

    2026-09-12
  • Two interlocking gears made of polished metal, symbolizing the synchronization of financial systems
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    India and Russia Advance Digital Currency Trade Settlement

    Sberbank CEO Herman Gref confirmed that India and Russia are developing a digital currency settlement mechanism to streamline bilateral trade, addressing the over $50 billion trade imbalance. He noted that Russian firms have successfully utilized accumulated rupees, partly through investments in Indian government securities, while the BRICS summit in New Delhi continues to focus on reducing reliance on Western-dominated payment networks.

    2026-09-12