# Key Data Releases to Shape Fed's Decision-Making Process CPI, PPI, and FOMC minutes will determine market direction. - **Source:** [Kraken Blog](https://brifing.si/source/d5b3c3d8-9f4f-4485-9bd1-50ba4c5fe7ae) - **Published:** 2026-08-12 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/91367750-2930-4425-bd36-7fc8c26916b8 ## July CPI Data The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July, released on August 12, will test the rationale behind the three dissenting votes favoring a rate hike at the Fed's July meeting. If inflation runs above recent trends, the likelihood of a September rate hike could increase. Historically, CPI surprises have triggered sharp moves in both traditional and crypto markets. BTC/USD and ETH/USD markets are particularly sensitive to this data. ## July PPI Data The Producer Price Index (PPI) for July, released on August 13, measures price pressures further up the supply chain and feeds into the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, PCE. Coming in the same week as CPI, PPI could either reinforce or complicate the inflation narrative. The alignment or divergence between producer and consumer prices will shape how markets interpret signals ahead of the FOMC minutes. ## Retail Sales Figures July's retail sales data, released on August 14, will reveal consumer resilience under current rate conditions. The weak July jobs report has heightened the importance of this reading. Consumption strength directly impacts GDP nowcasts and could bolster the arguments of Fed members favoring rate hikes. Strong sales might reinforce the 'higher for longer' scenario. ## FOMC July Meeting Minutes The minutes from the July FOMC meeting, published on August 19, will shed light on the 9-3 vote to hold rates steady. The extent to which the three dissenting regional Fed presidents influenced the committee will shape expectations ahead of the September meeting. If the minutes' tone diverges from the post-meeting statement, rate-sensitive assets could see sharp moves. ## Q2 GDP Revision The second estimate of Q2 GDP, released on August 26, will revise the initial 1.5% annualized growth reading. This data, read alongside CPI, PPI, and FOMC minutes, will offer clues about future rate policy. A confirmed slowdown could raise expectations for year-end rate cuts. The revision's magnitude will determine market reaction intensity. ## Nvidia Q2 Earnings Nvidia's Q2 results, due on August 26 alongside the GDP revision, will reflect demand for AI chips. The company's performance serves as a barometer for tech stocks and overall risk appetite. Analysts will closely watch data center revenue growth and forward guidance. ## Market Dynamics This two-week data window will test how seriously markets take the Fed's July hawkish dissent. Consistency or divergence among inflation, consumption, and growth data will shape expectations ahead of the September meeting. The expiration of BTC and ETH options on August 14 and 21 could add volatility to crypto markets. ## Implications and Outlook This data deluge could either reduce or amplify uncertainty about the Fed's policy path. July's weak jobs report has heightened concerns about an economic slowdown. CPI, PPI, and retail sales must show whether this weakness is temporary or persistent. Markets will gauge the hawkish faction's support through these releases. ## Sources covering this story - https://blog.kraken.com/economic-brief/august-12-2026 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._