Crypto Market Plunges as US Inflation Fuels FED Rate Hike Fears – What’s Next for Bitcoin Price Rally?

Bitcoin fell below $73,000 as a hotter-than-expected US inflation print revived expectations of further Federal Reserve rate hikes, dragging major altcoins lower alongside it. More than $723 million in derivatives positions were liquidated over the past 24 hours, amplifying the selloff. Continued outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs added to concerns about weakening institutional demand. The combination matters because it signals that macro rate expectations, not crypto-native catalysts, are currently driving price action across major tokens. Traders will watch the next US inflation and Fed commentary for direction, along with whether ETF flows stabilize or extend their bleed.