This week, Bitcoin, gold, and silver investors are closely monitoring major signals from the U.S. economy that could shake up market sentiment and asset prices.
With Bitcoin hovering around $88,000, gold nearing $5,000 per ounce, and silver above $100 per ounce as safe-haven demand continues, these events have significant implications.
4 US Economic Data Posts That Will Impact Investor Sentiment This Week
The Fed’s stance on interest rates remains extremely important. Typically, lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold and silver, while increasing risky assets such as Bitcoin.
Conversely, signs of strong economic strength or sustained inflation could support higher interest rates and put pressure on these assets.
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The tech giants’ earnings could also influence broader risk appetite, with spillover implications for crypto and precious metals markets.
As global uncertainty continues and a possible US government shutdown, the following indicators will shape the near-term trajectory of these alternative investments.
Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision (FOMC) and Powell Press Conference
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) interest rate decision on January 28, 2026 and Chairman Jerome Powell’s subsequent press conference is poised to be a major catalyst for Bitcoin, gold, and silver prices.
Current expectations overwhelmingly indicate that the Fed will keep the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%. All 100 economists in a recent Reuters poll expected no change due to strong economic growth.
Against this backdrop, the market expects the probability of this pause to be 97.2%, as the recent rate cuts in the second half of 2025 have stabilized the situation.
JPMorgan expects the Fed to keep interest rates on hold until 2026, with the possibility of raising rates in 2027 if inflation accelerates again.
In the case of Bitcoin, a dovish pause hinting at future rate cuts could spur upside as lower interest rates increase risk appetite and liquidity. Historically, this has boosted cryptocurrencies during easing cycles.
However, given Bitcoin’s sensitivity to monetary tightening, Powell’s hawkish comments on persistent inflation could trigger a sell-off.
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Analyst Mr. Crypto commented: “Markets have fully priced in no rate cuts…Why is this? – Low inflation – Better than expected GDP – Mediocre jobs numbers. Instead, focus on Powell’s speech and guidance for 2026.”
Gold and silver, which are often seen as inflation hedges, typically appreciate when interest rates fall because their opportunity cost decreases. If the hold is maintained, it may stabilize near the record, but if it is confirmed that there is no cut, the rise may be suppressed.
Gold has risen more than 18% since the beginning of the year to around $5,096, and silver has risen 53% to $108, and a stronger dollar could put pressure on these metals if there are signs of an extended period of higher interest rates.
Powell’s comments on housing and growth will be scrutinized as they could amplify volatility across these assets amid market-wide geopolitical tensions.
Number of initial unemployment claims
The number of new jobless claims for the week ending January 24, 2026, released Thursday, will provide new insight into the health of the U.S. labor market. This can directly impact sentiment regarding Bitcoin, gold, and silver.
Forecasts vary, with RBC Economics expecting claims to be 195,000, below last week’s 200,000 claims, while market expectations for platforms such as Calsi are centered on more than 210,000 claims.
Recent data shows that claims for the week ending Jan. 17 remained steady at 200,000, indicating fewer layoffs and the economy’s resilience. The four-week average has fallen and there is a growing sense of stability.
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A lower-than-expected number of applications could strengthen views on the strength of the economy and delay the Fed’s interest rate cuts. This could cause Bitcoin to fall, as rising interest rates will curb risk-taking in cryptocurrencies.
Conversely, a spike could signal weakness, prompting dovish bets and pushing BTC prices higher, as seen in the past when weak labor data fueled the rally.
For gold and silver, strong data confirms the Fed’s hawkish stance and could weigh on prices by increasing opportunity costs. However, if claims increase, these metals could be used as a safe haven amid uncertainty.
With Bitcoin stalling while gold and silver soar, this report could exacerbate volatility, especially if it diverges from the median forecast of 209,000.
Such an outcome could amplify the broader market reaction to the Fed signal earlier in the week.
December PPI and Core PPI
The December 2025 Producer Price Index (PPI) to be released on Friday and the core PPI data to be released on January 30, 2026 will reveal the overall inflation trend. The ripple effect could extend to Bitcoin, gold, and silver as well.
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According to forecasts, headline PPI could rise 0.3% month-on-month, up from 0.2% in November, and reach 3.0% year-on-year. Core PPI is expected to be flat month-over-month, but up 3.5% annually.
The most recent November data showed an annualized increase of 3.0%, while the October core was 2.9%. Analysts expect moderation, but a surprise could change Fed expectations.
If the PPI is higher than expected, inflation may persist, increasing the likelihood that interest rates will remain stable or rise. This could reduce the liquidity appeal of speculative assets and cause Bitcoin to fall.
However, as we have seen with past soft data rallies, a softening in the readings could strengthen bets on easing and send BTC higher. Gold and silver often benefit from inflation signals and act as hedges. Therefore, an increase in PPI could further increase the previous gains.
But if data suggests disinflation, prices could fall amid a strong dollar. This announcement, which follows the FOMC and unemployment claims, is a key barometer of the trajectory of these assets as PPI is cyclical and can cause weekly fluctuations.
Various revenue reports (Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, Apple)
Technology giants Microsoft, Metaplatforms, and Tesla will report their financial results on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Apple is set to follow suit on Thursday, January 29, as market focus on AI and growth prospects increases.
These “Magnificent 7” companies are expected to drive 14.7% S&P earnings growth in 2026, with AI themes at the center of the commentary.
Strong results could boost risk sentiment and push Bitcoin higher as tech optimism spills over into cryptocurrencies, especially given BTC’s correlation with growth stocks during bullish periods.
Weak beats or guidance could trigger a selloff and put downward pressure on BTC amid a broader decline in stock prices.
In the case of gold and silver, strong returns can foster a risk-on environment, diverting capital flows away from safe assets and suppressing prices. Conversely, disappointment can boost them as a hedge against uncertainty.
