Hot CPI weighs on crypto US inflation came in at 3.7% in September, above forecasts. Core inflation rose to 2.6%, and higher gasoline prices caused about half of the increase. The Fed already raised rates in September, its first hike since 2023, and officials signalled another one could come by year-end. A hotter core reading keeps that risk on the table. Higher rates for longer put pressure on risk assets, and crypto usually reacts first. Short term this is bearish, but the bigger picture is still intact. Medium- and long-term trends on the major coins are still Up, so this is a pullback inside an uptrend, not a reversal yet. BTC is holding up better than the altcoins, which is typical when risk appetite drops. What to watch: - Macro data is driving price now, not coin-specific news. Expect more volatility. - High-beta altcoins tend to fall further than BTC in a risk-off move. Check your exposure. - Key support levels matter more than usual this week. A daily close below support is a different signal from an intraday wick. - The Fed meeting on October 27–28 and Fed speakers before then. Use the altFINS Screener to find coins whose short-term trend is still Up during this dip. They are often the first to rebound. Stay disciplined. Size positions for higher volatility and set your stop losses in advance.