March 18 shapes up as a high-volatility session for crypto. U.S. PPI data, the FOMC rate decision, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech are all due within hours, putting Bitcoin and the broader altcoin market on alert for sharp price swings.
PPI arrives first with 2.9% and 3.7% in view
The first major release is the U.S. Producer Price Index. Market expectations stand at 2.9% for headline PPI and 3.7% for Core PPI. The report is expected to give traders a fresh look at inflation pressure at the producer level.
A reading above expectations could reinforce concerns that inflation remains sticky. A softer print could ease some near-term pressure and support risk appetite. The source article notes that short-term inflation expectations have already been pushed higher by geopolitical tension, which raises the stakes for this release.
Rate decision at 2:00 PM ET, Powell follows at 2:30 PM ET
The FOMC decision is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET, with Powell set to speak at 2:30 PM ET. Markets are assigning a 99% probability to no change in rates, so attention has shifted to updated projections and the dot plot, especially as earlier forecasts may no longer reflect recent global developments.
The article’s reaction guide is simple: if rates come in below 3.75%, markets could rally hard; at 3.75%, the response may stay muted; above 3.75%, risk assets could face heavy selling. Inflation expectations tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict remain part of the backdrop. A stricter tone from Powell could pressure markets, while language framing inflation as temporary may support rate-cut expectations.
Bitcoin trades near $74,000 with support clustered below
Bitcoin is trading near $74,000, still below the $75,000 to $76,000 resistance band. According to the source, long positioning has been building between $74,000 and $76,000.
If price slips below roughly $73,900, those longs could come under pressure and increase the risk of a sharper downside move. Support is seen near $73,400. A break below $73,500 could expose $71,000, with the move possibly extending toward $70,000. On the upside, a push above $74,450 may send Bitcoin back toward $75,700 to $76,000. A confirmed break over $76,000 would open the path to $79,000 to $80,000.
Ethereum shows relative strength as major altcoins test resistance
Ethereum is showing firmer relative strength. After a recent breakout attempt, it moved toward the $2,340 to $2,350 area before pulling back slightly. Support is placed between $2,150 and $2,200. A move above $2,380 to $2,400 could allow for more upside, while a drop under $2,290 may bring selling pressure back.
The altcoin market remains mixed, though the article describes a slight bullish bias. BNB is trying to break out near $665. XRP continues to hold above $1.50 while testing resistance that could shape its next move. Solana is nearing a key breakout zone around $97 to $98, while Cardano and Dogecoin are still consolidating and waiting for a clearer directional trigger.