Crypto News: U.S. CPI Eases Slightly, but Fed Rate Cut Still Off the Table as Bitcoin Eyes $80K

Key Takeaways US CPI rose 0.9% MoM, 3.3% YoY, slightly below expectations.Energy surge (gasoline +21%) remains the main inflation driver.Federal Reserve expected to hold rates in April (98.4%).Bitcoin briefly climbed toward $73K, with $80K target still in play. Inflation Cools Slightly but Remains Elevated Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed March CPI rising: +0.9% month-on-month+3.3% year-on-year While the reading came in slightly below expectations, inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, keeping pressure on policymakers. Energy Prices Drive Inflation Spike The increase was largely driven by energy: Energy index surged ~11%Gasoline prices jumped 21.2% These gains reflect the impact of geopolitical tensions involving the US, Iran, and Israel, which continue to influence global oil markets. Fed Still Expected to Hold Rates Despite softer-than-expected CPI, markets see no imminent policy easing. According to CME data: 98.4% probability of no rate change in April0% probability of a rate cut The Federal Reserve remains cautious due to: Persistent inflation risksGeopolitical uncertaintyPotential second-round inflation effects Bitcoin Reacts Positively to CPI Data Bitcoin rose over 1.5%, briefly testing the $73,000 level following the CPI release. The move reflects: Relief over no inflation surpriseContinued expectation of stable monetary policyOngoing institutional demand $80K Remains Key Upside Target Analysts point to the $73K–$75K range as the next resistance zone. If Bitcoin clears this level: Short-term consolidation may followA move toward $80,000 becomes increasingly likely Some projections suggest that favorable regulatory developments could push BTC toward $100K longer-term, though macro conditions remain a key variable. Stable Policy, Volatile Macro Markets are entering a delicate phase: Inflation remains elevated but not accelerating sharplyFed policy is stable but not easingGeopolitical risks continue to drive energy prices For crypto, this means: Short-term support from stable ratesMedium-term uncertainty from macro factors Bitcoin’s next move will likely depend on whether it can break resistance and sustain momentum amid a still-fragile macro environment.