Bitcoin rally is stalling as Japanese inflation adds to Iran war–driven market jitters

Crypto markets weaken amid rising Japan inflation, Iran war oil disruptions, and expectations of a hawkish Bank of Japan. What to know : Bitcoin and ether slipped alongside broader crypto markets as traders reacted to rising geopolitical tensions from the Iran war and fresh inflation data from Japan. Japanese inflation ticked higher in March, stoking expectations that the Bank of Japan may soon signal rate hikes, which could strengthen the yen and unsettle global risk assets. The Iran conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, raising energy costs and inflation risks worldwide and potentially complicating efforts by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.