The largest cryptocurrency is now pressing into a key resistance zone between $95,000 and $97,000, an area that has capped upside attempts since late November.What to know:Bitcoin rose more than 3.5% in the past 24 hours, climbing above $95,000 as cooling inflation data and political uncertainty renewed demand for macro hedges.Lower CPI data strengthened expectations of additional Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year, reinforcing the “soft landing” narrative.BTC is now testing a critical resistance band that could determine whether prices break toward $100,000 or consolidate further.Bitcoin pushed higher during Tuesday’s session, extending gains to trade above $95,000, after rebounding from weekend lows near $91,000. The move followed the release of U.S. inflation data showing headline CPI holding steady at 2.7%, while core CPI came in below expectations, easing concerns about renewed price pressures.The rally unfolded as broader risk sentiment improved, even as U.S. equities traded modestly lower on the day.Altcoins and broader marketsMajor altcoins followed Bitcoin higher:Ether (ETH) rose about 1.9% to around $3,200BNB gained roughly 1.6% to trade near $910The broader crypto market, tracked by the CoinDesk 20 Index, advanced approximately 1.5%Meanwhile, gold extended its rally, climbing above $4,650 per ounce, underscoring continued demand for inflation and geopolitical hedges. U.S. equity indexes, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, were modestly lower by about 0.2%, highlighting a degree of divergence between traditional risk assets and crypto.Inflation data reshapes rate expectations“This CPI print finally clears much of the macro uncertainty that lingered into the end of 2025,” said Matt Mena, crypto strategist at digital asset investment firm 21Shares.“Core inflation coming in lower than expected reinforces the Fed’s soft-landing narrative and meaningfully increases the probability of additional rate cuts this year, even as political tensions add noise around monetary policy.”Lower interest rates typically reduce the appeal of cash and fixed-income instruments, supporting demand for alternative and risk assets such as cryptocurrencies. Market-based expectations for an immediate rate cut remain low, but traders increasingly price in easing later in the year.Bitcoin eyes $100,000 as resistance comes into focusDespite the strong rebound, analysts note that Bitcoin is entering a technically important zone.The $95,000–$97,000 region has repeatedly capped upside over the past two months, making it a decisive level for near-term direction.“If upcoming retail sales and housing data confirm continued consumer resilience, we expect Bitcoin to decisively clear this resistance,” Mena said. “That would set the stage for a move toward $100,000 before month-end and open the door to fresh all-time highs later this quarter.”Additional catalysts aheadSeveral near-term events could inject further volatility into crypto markets:Progress on U.S. digital asset market structure legislation, which could provide regulatory clarity for institutionsA pending Supreme Court ruling on federal tariff authority, with implications for the dollar and inflation expectationsOngoing political tensions surrounding the Federal Reserve’s independenceFor now, Bitcoin’s ability to hold above $95,000 and attract follow-through buying will be the key signal traders are watching.Bottom line: Cooling inflation and shifting rate expectations have reignited momentum in crypto markets. Whether Bitcoin can turn this rally into a sustained push toward $100,000 now hinges on macro data and its ability to break through a long-standing resistance zone.
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