Bitcoin Price Today at 1:56 (18.12.2025): BTC Holds Near $86K After Soft CPI Surprise, ETF Inflows, and Central Bank Crosswinds
Bitcoin traded near $86,000 at 1:56 p.m. ET Thursday after an early rally toward $90,000 faded, with prices ranging from $85,355 to $89,230, according to CoinDesk and MEXC. The move followed U.S. inflation data showing CPI rose 2.7% in November, below forecasts, fueling rate-cut bets. Traders remained cautious as uncertainty lingered over data quality and market direction.