US Recession Chances are Rising, Will Crypto Prices be Hit?

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-09Last updated on 2026-03-09

Abstract

Chances of a US recession by the end of 2026 have increased on prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket, rising from around 22% in early March to approximately 35-39%. This has raised concerns about a potential global recession, which could negatively impact crypto prices as investors may reallocate funds. Current crypto prices remain stable, with BTC at $64,240.50 and ETH at $1,977.45, though fear in the market has increased. Rising oil prices, with crude at $103.22 per barrel, are a major concern and could further escalate if the Middle East conflict continues. Upcoming inflation data on March 11, 2026, is highly anticipated.

The chances for a US recession are rising on Kalshi and Polymarket, with the recent jump coming in early March 2026. Their respective readings are indications for a duration by the end of 2026. Crypto prices are under scrutiny because it could lead to a global recession – forcing investors to divert their allocations. Meanwhile, oil prices have risen considerably.

Chances for US Recession

Kalshi was last seen placing a 34.9% chance for US recession by the end of 2026. Polymarket has pinned its chances to 39%. What’s common between both is the starting point. Kalshi and Polymarket saw a reasonable jump from early March 2026. Chances were as low as 22% according to Polymarket, while Kalshi was at around 21.7%.

Polymarket was highest at the end of October 2025 with 46%; however, it started declining over the next few months. March 2026 saw a step upward movement from 24% to the current point. It only moved down once, but that was from 33% to 31%.

It is important to note that chances for a US recession fluctuate on Kalshi and Polymarket frequently. The values mentioned in the article are true at the time of drafting the piece.

Crypto Prices in Danger?

Crypto prices are affected by multiple factors, but US recession triggering a global recession could end up becoming a prominent component. The February 2026 unemployment data showed a rate of 4.4%, slightly up from 4.3% for January 2026. Moreover, it is speculated that the ongoing Iran conflict could escalate issues if the conflict is prolonged.

For now, crypto prices are hovering within a set range. BTC is trading at $64,240.50, and ETH is trading at $1,977.45. The FGI has shifted to 19 points, a bit down from 20 points but massively down from 41 points from early January 2026.

The inflation data is next on the list, expected to be published on March 11, 2026.

Factors Involved

Oil prices are currently the biggest factor in consideration. Crude Oil is $103.217 per barrel, and Brent is at $108.277 per barrel. This is after a daily surge of 13.50% and 16.89%, according to Trading Economics. Oil prices are estimated to go as high as $150 if the Middle East conflict is not resolved any time soon.

Founder of Schiff Sovereign, Peter Schiff, has said that rising oil prices will not cause inflation, but a recession. He has added that fiscal and monetary policy will follow the rising oil prices, which could result in higher inflation.

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