📊 U.S. December core CPI inflation came in at 0.2% month-over-month, below market expectations of 0.3% and matching the prior month's reading. This softer-than-expected headline suggests cooling price pressures in the economy. The data carries significant weight for cryptocurrency markets—lower inflation readings typically influence Federal Reserve policy direction and asset valuations across volatile asset classes. Traders are closely monitoring whether this trend signals a shift in monetary conditions and potential rate decisions ahead.