Bitcoin’s ‘Unusual Mix’: Report

Finance News — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:42:59 +0000

Bitcoin’s path higher just got harder in the short term, but the setup further out may be improving, according to a new report.

In a Friday note, European asset manager CoinShares’ Head of Research, James Butterfill, said firmer-than-expected core inflation raises the odds of tighter Fed policy and could cap bitcoin below $80,000 for now.

But the longer-term case, he argued, rests on the U.S. Treasury’s bond buyback programme failing to bring down long-end yields — a failure that could ultimately feed the debasement narrative that has supported both bitcoin and gold.

“The result is therefore a somewhat unusual policy mix for Bitcoin,” the report read. “Today’s CPI data is negative at the margin, increasing the probability of tighter monetary policy and potentially limiting the immediate upside.

“But the apparent failure of the Treasury’s current buying programme increases the likelihood of much more substantial intervention further ahead.”

It continued: “If that happens, it could become one of the more powerful medium-term catalysts for Bitcoin.”

Data on Friday revealed that the consumer price index, excluding food and energy, climbed 0.3% in August from a month earlier — higher than expected.

According to CME’s FedWatch tool, traders think there is a 85% chance interest rates will be higher after the Federal Reserve meets next week. Bitcoin has typically performed well in a low interest rate environment.

But the U.S. Treasury’s expanded bond buyback programme has so far failed to materially suppress long-term yields.

If yields stay stubbornly high, Butterfill said, pressure will build on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to escalate to a much larger, “bazooka-style” buying programme aimed at forcing borrowing costs down.

Bitcoin in August had one of its best runs in years after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the department would double the size of its long-dated bond buybacks.

The announcement and subsequent price surge has led some to say the much talked-about debasement trade is back. The so-called debasement trade is when investors buy an asset as a way to hedge against a currency losing value.

Bitcoin and gold have both benefited as part of the trade as the dollar weakens.

Panera Bread releases first-ever value menu with ‘Mix & Match’ deals

Finance News — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:43:33 +0000

A steak sandwich and French onion soup from Panera Bread Co. arranged in the Queens borough of New York, US, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Bing Guan | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Panera Bread is entering the so-called value wars with its new “Mix & Match” deals in a bid to win back price-conscious diners.

The chain, known for its soups, salads and sandwiches, is in the early stages of a turnaround, with a focus on reinvesting in its business and reversing years of traffic declines. Once the top fast-casual brand in the U.S., Panera has fallen to No. 3, ceding the top spots to Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panda Express.

In 2024, Panera’s sales dropped 5% to $6.1 billion, according to Technomic estimates.

A key part of Panera’s comeback strategy is focusing on value.

Across the restaurant industry, executives have reported weaker spending among consumers, who are trying to save money by trading down to fast food or dining out less frequently. Chains like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have leaned into value offerings to try to win back customers.

About 3 out of every 4 diners said that daily specials, discounts or value promotions matter when choosing where to dine or order takeout, according to the National Restaurant Association’s annual State of the Restaurant Industry report.

“[Consumers] are seeking value, and they’re also seeking quality,” Panera CEO Paul Carbone told CNBC. “That’s so, so important.”

Starting Wednesday, Panera customers can choose halved portions of sandwiches and salads, as well as cups of soup, from the Mix & Match menu. Each of the 10 items is priced at $4.99, and diners have to buy at least two items. Seasonal menu items will also rotate through the Mix & Match options.

Each order also comes with the choice of a baguette, chips or an apple.

Panera explored other value offerings, but the Mix & Match menu tested successfully, Carbone said.

“The guest has really, really reacted well to it,” he said, adding the menu is expected to drive incremental visits to the restaurant.

And while Panera is introducing the deal, its popular “You Pick Two” offering is sticking around.

Carbone said that customer research showed that diners view the option to buy two entrees from the menu as an opportunity for variety, rather than a chance to save money. Like Mix & Match, the offer allows customers to choose a half salad, half sandwich or cup of soup or mac and cheese. However, You Pick Two spans the menu, rather than being restricted to just 10 items.

Mix – Finance News Today

Bitcoin’s ‘Unusual Mix’: Report

Panera Bread releases first-ever value menu with ‘Mix & Match’ deals