December inflation settled at 2.7%, marking the final reading of a year where consumer price pressures gradually cooled—though unevenly. Throughout 2024, we saw inflation trending downward from earlier peaks, but the erosion wasn't uniform across sectors. Some categories held firm while others softened faster. This matters for the broader market landscape. Softer inflation typically signals the Fed might ease its monetary stance, which historically creates tailwinds for risk assets. Conversely, sticky inflation in specific areas could keep rate cuts constrained. For crypto investors tracking macro cycles, these inflation prints deserve attention—they shape everything from capital flows to asset correlation patterns heading into the next quarter.