Bitcoin falls to $72,300 as Middle East tensions escalate coupled with US inflation data exceeding expectations

BTC-0,3%
ETH-0,08%
SOL0,97%
XRP0,34%

Gate News: On March 18, Bitcoin price retreated to $72,300, down approximately 2% over 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP declined by nearly 3%.

On the geopolitical front, U.S. President Trump issued a tough stance against Iran, calling it the “number one supporter of terrorism” and hinting that the situation may escalate further. Meanwhile, Iran’s South Pars gas field was attacked, Israel was reported to have killed Iran’s intelligence minister, and the U.S. used heavy bombs near the Strait of Hormuz to strike missile facilities. As a result, WTI crude oil prices rose from about $92 to nearly $96.

In macroeconomic data, the U.S. February PPI increased by 0.7% month-over-month, exceeding the expected 0.3%; core PPI rose by 0.5%, also above expectations. This inflation data has not yet factored in the recent rise in oil prices.

The crypto market, along with U.S. stock futures, weakened simultaneously, with the three major stock index futures turning from gains to losses of about 0.4%. Investors are focusing on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision and Chairman Powell’s comments. Trump has again publicly called for rate cuts. (CoinDesk)

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