Cryptocurrency Crunch: Why Inflation Could Lead to a Rebound

Cryptocurrency shares are down, but some investors have seen it for the opportunity it is, especially as inflation and U.S. interest rates come into play.

happy new year 2022

Image source: Getty Images

The cryptocurrency market hasn’t been immune to today’s market pullback on the TSX. Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) is down 45% since all-time highs, and Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) similarly lost about half its value.

However, there has been some very positive movement in the last day or two. In fact, both Ethereum and Bitcoin are up about 10% from the previous day as of writing. Why? One answer could be inflation and news of interest rates rising from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Interest rates rise coming

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet starting on Tuesday, with the big discussion being interest rate increases. Every analyst out there expects an increase in interest rates, with the U.S. Federal Reserve trying to hold back inflation.

In Canada, last month we saw a 4.8% increase in inflation, according to Statistics Canada. In the U.S., inflation rose a whopping 7%. For Canada, that’s the highest since 1991, and in the U.S. the highest since 1982! As for interest rates, it’s the first time the Fed will likely raise them since 2018, and there are multiple increases expected this year.

One way to protect yourself? Taking advantage of today’s drop in cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency as long-term defense

Right now there are so many stocks on sale. But Bitcoin and Ethereum are some of the best ways to protect yourself in the decades to come from times like these. While the U.S. dollar is strong now, some analysts argue that may no longer be the case in the coming decades. That is why cryptocurrency offers a strong alternative.

Having a coin that can be used anywhere in the world offers you a chance to use today’s fall in price to bulk up. As the market rebounds, and companies invest in cryptocurrency once more, you can use these coins decades from now no matter what happens in the future.

What about stable coins?

One argument I’ve seen is that stable coins could also provide protection. These are coins that are directly tied to a currency, such as the USD. And granted, this could be a strong year for the USD as the market rebounds. Therefore you would get some increase in demand for stable coins pegged to the USD.

But the flip side is that this is not a long-term solution. The USD is losing steam compared to other countries, and indeed other monetary assets such as cryptocurrency. So if you’re looking for defence on a long-term basis, then stable coins no longer off that protection. Instead, they could rise this year, but fall over time should the USD no longer be the world’s dominant currency. After all, no one can see the future.

Foolish takeaway

See today’s market pullback as an opportunity to get in on the strongest in the cryptocurrency world. Buying up Bitcoin or Ethereum, some of the biggest names in the game, could still have you reach all-time highs even this year. But long-term, they could offer you substantial protection from another market crash like this, no matter what country you live in.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum.

More on Investing

gift is bigger than the other
Investing

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy With $5,000

These Canadian companies have solid growth prospects and the ability to deliver profitable growth even at a large scale.

Read more »

woman looks out at horizon
Stocks for Beginners

3 Beginner-Friendly Stocks Perfect for Canadians Starting Out in November

Are you looking for some of the best beginner-friendly stocks to line your portfolio? Here's a trio of picks to…

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Fortis has increased its dividend annually for the past five decades.

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

Here are three top dividend stocks long-term investors won't want to ignore during this part of the market cycle.

Read more »

analyze data
Energy Stocks

Buy 8,850 Shares of This Top Dividend Stock for $2,000/Month in Passive Income

Let's do the math on what it would take to generate $2,000 a month in passive income from Enbridge (TSX:ENB)…

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Generate $175/Month in Passive Income With a $30,000 Investment

Dividend aristocrats offer reliability, and many of them also offer generous yields. With sizable enough discounts, these yields can become…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Canadian Investors

These three stocks would be excellent additions to your portfolios, given their solid underlying businesses, consistent dividend growth, and healthy…

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Investing

A Few Years From Now, You’ll Wish You’d Bought This Undervalued Stock

A modestly undervalued stock with decent growth momentum may not be compelling to some investors. However, its business model and…

Read more »