U.S. March CPI Up 3.3% YoY, Below Forecast; Bitcoin Gains 1.63% and Probes $75,000

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said March CPI rose 3.3% year over year, undershooting the 3.4% consensus. Core CPI increased 2.6% from a year earlier, also below the 2.7% forecast. Markets largely viewed the inflation print as already priced in, with expectations for the first rate cuts now pushed out to 2026. Bitcoin climbed 1.63% on the day, testing resistance near $75,000, as geopolitical tensions did little to curb risk appetite. Energy costs had previously lifted inflation expectations. The softer-than-expected CPI suggests investors have largely absorbed those pressures. AI analysis: Below-forecast CPI readings point to easing inflation momentum, reinforcing the view that the Federal Reserve will keep rates higher for longer and delaying anticipated rate cuts. The softer core CPI adds to signals of slowing economic activity, which could shape investor positioning in risk assets. Overall, the inflation release is expected to influence market sentiment, particularly for higher-risk segments such as cryptocurrencies.