Bitcoin eyes $80,000 as March CPI prints 3.3%, markets price in policy moves

The March CPI print landed with inflation rising to 3.3%, slightly below the 3.4% forecast, while core CPI eased to 2.6% versus expectations of 2.7%. Despite the “softer-than-expected” readings, the data marked inflation at its highest level since May 2024.

Market pricing moved quickly after the release, pushing rate-cut expectations for 2026 further out. Bitcoin, however, closed the day up 1.63% and continued testing the $75,000 resistance level, suggesting risk appetite remained intact even amid geopolitical pressure.

Cause: Energy-driven inflation pressures already in the market

Macro context indicates the CPI move was not unexpected. In early March, escalating tensions in West Asia triggered an oil supply shock. Oil prices rose above $112 per barrel, feeding directly into energy-driven inflation pressures and lifting CPI expectations ahead of the release.

In this framework, the softer-than-expected CPI readings appear to reflect markets already pricing in the energy-driven inflation impulse rather than reacting to new information.

Development: Bitcoin shows resilience after CPI

Technically, Bitcoin’s price action did not show a meaningful post-CPI shock. The article points to liquidity dynamics ahead of the release: Coinglass data shows Bitcoin’s 24-hour liquidations totaled $52.52 million, with 80.63% attributed to short positions being squeezed.

This liquidation pattern is presented as consistent with the idea that the CPI outcome was largely priced in, with the majority of the impact falling on bears rather than producing a fresh directional move.

Data and positioning: Liquidations and gold-vs-Bitcoin rotation

Beyond Bitcoin’s own trading, the article highlights a relative-strength shift between gold and Bitcoin. It notes that XAU/BTC is down 7.41% so far this week, which it says helps explain why Bitcoin held firm despite rising inflation.

Impact and outlook: Upside scenario toward $80k

The article cites commentary from Matt Mena, Senior Crypto Research Strategist at 21Shares, who said the current price structure supports upside continuation. He identified the $73,000–$75,000 zone as the next key target, adding that if Bitcoin breaks above it, a short consolidation could precede a move toward $80,000.

He also referenced a potential extension of the setup if the Clarity Act passes, including a scenario of $100,000 BTC and a $3–$3.2 trillion total crypto market cap by the end of Q2—described as roughly 30%–35% upside from current levels.

Supporting factors mentioned include strong ETF inflows, Clarity Act approval odds on Polymarket near 60%, and continued Bitcoin accumulation through Strategy’s STRC demand, which the article says enables buying at roughly six times the daily mining supply.

Summary

March CPI came in largely in line with expectations, and Bitcoin showed no real post-print shock. Rotation from gold into Bitcoin, alongside strong ETF inflows and a bullish technical structure, is presented as reinforcing the case for continued BTC upside toward $80,000.