The Fed chair's stance typically shifts markedly following major inflation readings. Recent CPI data tends to reshape market expectations around rate trajectories and liquidity conditions—factors that ripple across both traditional markets and digital assets. When headline numbers surprise, Powell's commentary becomes a key barometer for understanding whether monetary policy might turn more accommodative or remain restrictive. For traders monitoring bitcoin, ethereum, and altcoins, these inflation prints and subsequent Fed guidance often signal broader shifts in risk appetite and capital flow patterns. The interplay between actual CPI figures and central bank messaging creates turning points that sophisticated investors watch closely.