U.S. PPI Rises 0.7% in February 2026 as Bitcoin and Crypto Slide Before Fed Call

On 18 March 2026, U.S. Producer Price Index data showed a 0.7% month‑on‑month jump for February, well above the 0.3% forecast and alongside a 3.4% annual gain. With the Federal Reserve expected to keep rates at 3.5%–3.75%, traders pushed risk assets lower, sending Bitcoin, Ethereum and major altcoins into the red and trimming the total crypto market value.