Bitcoin, Ethereum Hold Lower as China Summit and Iran-Driven Inflation Weigh on Crypto

Bitcoin and ether opened lower on May 13, 2026, as investors assessed the May 12 Consumer Price Index report and monitored President Donald Trump’s summit in China for potential trade and geopolitical developments. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $80,473.98, down 1.5% from May 12, before rising to $80,611.27 as of 7:08 a.m. ET. Ether (ETH-USD) opened at $2,274.41, down 2.8%, and later traded at $2,299.60. The CPI report showed higher energy costs tied to the war in Iran, adding pressure to inflation expectations. Crypto investors are watching whether talks in China produce improved trade terms or progress toward easing the Middle East conflict, both of which could influence risk appetite across digital assets.