Bitcoin reclaims $72,000 as March CPI jumps to 3.3% on energy-driven inflation

Bitcoin rose back above $72,000 on April 10 as traders assessed fresh U.S. inflation data and ongoing developments around U.S.-Iran talks. March consumer prices increased 3.3% year over year, while the monthly CPI reading rose 0.9%. Energy costs led the move, with gasoline prices rising sharply during the month. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 2.6% from a year earlier and 0.2% from the previous month.

The market response remained measured, with Bitcoin holding gains while major altcoins also moved higher.

CPI Data Lifts Focus on Inflation and Risk Assets

The latest U.S. inflation report showed that headline CPI accelerated from 2.4% in February to 3.3% in March. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.9%, matching market expectations. The move marked the strongest monthly increase in several years and reflected pressure from higher fuel costs during the period.

Energy prices were the main driver behind the increase. The energy index rose 10.9% in March, while gasoline prices jumped 21.2%. Reports noted that gasoline accounted for nearly three-quarters of the monthly increase in headline inflation. Core CPI rose 0.2% month over month and 2.6% year over year, with both readings coming in slightly below forecasts.

The data kept attention on the gap between headline inflation and underlying price trends, particularly as energy costs began to moderate after the March reporting period. With inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, traders continued to weigh whether the central bank would keep interest rates unchanged for longer.

Bitcoin Price Holds Gains as Traders Weigh Fed Outlook

After the CPI release, Bitcoin traded around $72,000, showing a limited but positive reaction. BTC rose about 1.8% on the day and remained on track for a weekly gain of roughly 5%. The move suggested traders were willing to support risk assets even as inflation increased, helped by the core reading coming in below expectations.

U.S.-Iran Developments Add to Market Uncertainty

Alongside the inflation report, markets tracked updates around U.S.-Iran ceasefire discussions. Reports said talks were expected in Pakistan, although signals from both sides remained mixed. Tehran reportedly disputed earlier claims about the status of its delegation and stated that talks would remain suspended until further assurances were received.

Shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz also remained in focus. Reports indicated limited shipping flows and continued debate over possible transit tolls, adding pressure to energy markets. This backdrop contributed to the March rise in fuel prices and helped explain why energy became the main factor in the latest CPI increase.

Over the past month, the broader conflict had weighed on risk assets, though crypto markets showed relative resilience. Bitcoin’s rebound above $72,000 reflected that resilience as traders continued to monitor the geopolitical backdrop for signs of further disruption in oil and shipping markets.

Altcoins Follow Bitcoin Higher

The broader crypto market also posted gains, though moves were limited. Ethereum rose about 2.5% to $2,219, while XRP added 1.3% to $1.3445. Solana climbed around 3%, while Cardano and BNB traded in a narrower range during the session.

Among meme tokens, Dogecoin gained 1.8%, while $TRUMP fell more than 3%. The mixed performance across sectors indicated traders remained selective even as Bitcoin reclaimed the $72,000 level.