At 11 PM tonight, a single number could shake up the entire market—the inflation data is about to be released.

First, let’s talk about the scenario where it’s higher than 2.9%. Is inflation still burning? In that case, the Fed is unlikely to rush into rate cuts and might even keep high rates in place for longer. The result? Corporate financing costs continue to climb, profit forecasts get slashed, and capital starts flowing into bonds. Growth stocks and tech stocks—those “high-valuation players”—could take a hard hit. The crypto market won’t be spared either; when liquidity tightens, all risk assets suffer.

But what if it’s below 2.9%? The picture flips instantly. With inflation pressure easing, the market immediately starts fantasizing about a rate-cut timeline. As liquidity expectations heat up, risk appetite returns—borrowing costs drop, corporate profits have room to grow, and valuations can rise. The first to rally? Growth stocks, tech stocks, and cryptocurrencies $BTC —these interest rate–sensitive assets could take off right away.

One data point, two possible destinies. Which side are you on?