Bitcoin News Today: Crypto Markets in Suspense as CPI Delays and Geopolitical Tensions Collide

Bitcoin (BTC) and broader cryptocurrency markets faced heightened volatility in late October 2025 as traders braced for the delayed release of U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. The asset class swung between optimism and caution, with BTC briefly reversing a 3.5% rally before settling near $107,000–$108,000 support levels, according to a CryptoNews article. The CPI report, originally delayed by the U.S. government shutdown, was scheduled for October 24, with consensus forecasts predicting 3.1% annual inflation. However, six consecutive months of rising readings had investors bracing for potential surprises that could unsettle risk markets, the CryptoNews piece noted.

The uncertainty extended beyond macroeconomic data. U.S.-China trade tensions flared anew, with reports of potential software export restrictions from the Trump administration adding to market jitters, according to a crypto.news report. Those geopolitical risks exacerbated crypto market declines, as the report added that the Crypto Fear and Greed Index plummeted to 29—a level indicating extreme fear—while altcoins suffered double-digit losses in 24 hours. The Altcoin Season Index also crashed, with many tokens plunging over 50% from September highs, underscoring a shift in risk appetite toward cash and short-term safety.

Despite the bearish sentiment, institutional activity provided a partial counterbalance. Bitcoin ETFs saw a $20 million inflow in the week leading up to the CPI release, while Ethereum (ETH) faced $127 million in outflows despite forming a potential "triple bottom" technical pattern near $3,750–$3,800, according to a CryptoNews report. On-chain data suggested accumulation by large holders, with metrics like realized price and MVRV Z-Score indicating Bitcoin remained in a mid-cycle phase rather than approaching a peak, as noted in a Coinotag post. PlanB, creator of the Stock-to-Flow model, argued that Bitcoin's on-chain fundamentals—such as a realized price of $55,200—left ample room for growth even as spot prices approached $111,000.

Regional adoption trends highlighted crypto's evolving role in global finance. South Asia led global adoption surges in 2025, with India and Pakistan recording an 80% increase in usage, while Australia's crypto adoption rate hit 31%, outpacing the U.S., according to a TRM Labs analysis and a separate Yahoo Finance piece. TRM Labs also noted that stablecoins, which now power $46 trillion in annual transactions, became a key driver of retail adoption, particularly in markets with macroeconomic instability. Meanwhile, Binance maintained a 35% global trading volume share in Q3 2025, underscoring the exchange's dominance amid broader market recovery, according to a Crypto Basic article.

The market's near-term trajectory remained tied to the CPI outcome. If inflation exceeded expectations, the Federal Reserve's rate-cut timeline could face delays, further pressuring risk assets. Conversely, a softer reading might reinforce the case for continued institutional inflows and a broader crypto rebound. As traders awaited clarity, the interplay between macroeconomic data, geopolitical tensions, and on-chain fundamentals underscored the sector's inherent volatility—and its potential for resilience.