Bitcoin hits $1 trillion market cap again

Bitcoin

The value of all the Bitcoin market capitalization, on Wednesday 14th January 2024 climbed above $1 trillion for the first time since late 2021, according to CoinMarketCap data.

Bitcoin also broke through the 51000 level, marking the first time it has hit this value since December 2021.

The price rise continues a rally that began in January 2023. Bitcoin is up more than 21% in 2024 so far.

One year Bitcoin chart

One year Bitcoin chart from March 2023 to February 2024 – CoinMarketCap

UK inflation holds steady at 4%, lower than expected

UK inflation statistics

The UK’s inflation rate remained at 4% in January 2024, despite the first monthly fall in food prices in two years, ONS figures show.

January U.K. inflation held steady at 4% year-on-year benefitting from easing prices for furniture and household goods, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages fell on a monthly basis by 0.4%, marking the first decrease since September 2021.

The core CPI figure excluding volatile food, energy, alcohol and tobacco prices annual reading was 5.1%, below the 5.2% estimate – but only a micro 0.1% difference.

The latest inflation data is a reflection of what is happening in the labour market: a tight labour supply is sustaining high wage growth and thus underlying inflationary pressure.

Inflation still sits double the BoE target of 2%.