Business leaders are flagging inflation as a persistent headache. The Fed's recent signals point to December's CPI holding steady near that 3% mark—not exactly a surprise given the current economic backdrop. Here's the thing: while headline inflation has cooled from earlier peaks, this "near-3%" territory matters because it shapes policy expectations. If the Fed stays hawkish longer than anticipated, that ripples through every market—traditional and crypto alike. For traders and portfolio managers tracking macro trends, this data point reinforces why you can't ignore what happens in conventional finance. Sticky inflation keeps central banks cautious, which tends to keep real rates elevated. That dynamic directly influences how capital flows across different asset classes, including digital assets. Bottom line: don't dismiss Fed commentary and economic metrics. They're not just background noise—they're part of the bigger picture shaping market conditions right now.