The December Core CPI reading just came in at 2.6% year-over-year, matching the previous month's print and coming in cooler than the 2.7% consensus estimate. This data matters for crypto because inflation figures heavily influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.

When inflation holds below expectations, it typically signals the Fed might have more flexibility with interest rate decisions—something that historically boosts risk assets including Bitcoin and altcoins. The fact that we're holding steady at 2.6% rather than accelerating suggests price pressures remain contained, at least for core inflation metrics.

For traders monitoring macro conditions, this kind of data point becomes part of the broader puzzle on whether the Fed can eventually pivot to rate cuts or maintain current policy. Keep an eye on how traditional markets react to this print—equity and bond markets often move first, and crypto tends to follow the broader risk-on or risk-off narrative.