U.S. consumer prices decelerated to 2.7% annually in December, signaling softer inflation momentum as the year wrapped up. This is the kind of data that matters in crypto – when inflation cools, it typically eases pressure on central banks to maintain aggressive rate hikes, which can shift the appetite for alternative assets. The slowdown came after months of volatility in the broader economy. For traders monitoring macroeconomic drivers, this December print suggests the inflation narrative might be shifting into a different phase heading into 2026. Keep an eye on how Fed commentary responds to these numbers – policy pivots often ripple through digital asset markets faster than traditional markets.