US December average hourly earnings came in stronger than expected—up 3.8% year-over-year, beating the 3.6% forecast and the 3.6% reading from prior month. This faster wage growth keeps inflation dynamics in focus and could influence Fed policy considerations ahead. For crypto markets, sustained wage pressures matter: they shape real yields, borrowing costs, and the macro backdrop that affects risk asset demand. Worth monitoring how this data feeds into the next inflation cycle and market repricing.