Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) prices came into focus after the release of the first US CPI data since the start of the US-Iran war. US inflation rose in March to 3.3%, in line with expectations, reflecting an increase in the cost of living due to the Middle East war. Amid the hot inflation reading, expectations for Bitcoin and Ethereum price movement point to a potential rise in volatility.
The United States releases its first consumer price index data since the start of the war between the United States and Iran
The US-Iran war began on February 28, which means… March 2026 Consumer Price Index It is the first inflation report to reflect the extent to which the American economy was affected by the war. While inflation rose to the highest level in nearly two years, the market was already anticipating a significant rise as the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum remained flat at press time. BTC traded at $72,233 with a 1.24% gain on the day, while ETH rose 1.8% to trade at $2,220.
However, the US economy is not the only economy suffering from high inflation due to the war with Iran. Japan’s producer price index reached its highest level in four months After the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the rise in crude oil prices. According to analysts, despite rising inflation, Japan may not raise interest rates, as that may add more pressure to the economy already affected by the war.
In the US, investors have already priced in interest rate cuts to zero, with data from CME’s FedWatch tool showing 98% odds that the Fed will hold interest rates between 3.50% and 3.75%.
With US inflation at its highest levels in several months, and above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, Bitcoin could see a surge in demand as markets turn to Bitcoin as an inflation hedge. As a result, the price of Ethereum could also rise.
Bitcoin Price Forecast as Bull Flag Points to $77K Breakout
Bitcoin price has established a bullish mark on the 4-hour chart, supporting the bullish outlook. The model flag column appeared earlier this week as the price rose from around $68,000 to $72,000. After this rally, Bitcoin has strengthened and may be ready for the next move higher.
If the price breaks the parallel channel and retests the upper border as support, a 6.8% rally could occur. This could push Bitcoin towards $77,564, its highest level since early February.
Technical indicators support this upward trend Long-term Bitcoin price prediction. The rising ADX line indicates that the uptrend in Bitcoin price is strong. Likewise, an RSI of 67 indicates upward momentum.
Ethereum price forecast amid bullish breakout
The four-hour chart of Ethereum also shows a similar bull flag, but in the case of ETH, the breakout has been confirmed. ETH broke out of this pattern on April 10, after a 1.95% gain during the day. However, it will confirm a bullish reversal if the resistance level continues as support.
Following this breakout, a 9.46% rally is on the horizon for Ethereum, which could push the price above $2,400. The Ethereum price forecast is further supported by a bullish Relative Strength Index (RSI) crossover after the RSI line crossed the signal line. This indicates that bullish momentum is strengthening.
The 50-day and 150-day simple moving averages also made a bullish crossover, which is another sign that ETH price may continue with a sustained recovery.
