U.S. CPI: +2.9% YEAR-OVER-YEAR (EST. +2.9%); U.S. CORE CPI: +3.2% YEAR-OVER-YEAR (EST. +3.3%)

As of March 21, Coinglass data shows: - If Bitcoin breaks above $73,000, cumulative short liquidation intensity across major centralized exchanges (CEXs) will hit $834 million. - Conversely, a drop below $69,000 will trigger $940 million in cumulative long liquidation intensity across major CEXs. **Note from BlockBeats:** Liquidation charts do not display the exact number of contracts to be liquidated or the precise value of those contracts. Instead, the bars on these charts represent the relative importance of each liquidation cluster compared to adjacent clusters—this is defined as "intensity." In short, the chart indicates how significantly the price will react when it hits a given level. A taller "liquidation bar" means the price will respond more intensely to a liquidity cascade once that level is reached.

March 21 — Bitcoin has rebounded past $71,000, according to HTX market data, currently trading at $71,048 with a 24-hour gain of 1.66%.

On March 21, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper stated in a video that U.S. forces have targeted Iranian coastal facilities threatening passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes hit Iran’s underground sites, anti-ship missiles, plus intelligence support systems and radar equipment. (Source: FXStreet)

On March 21, LookOnChain monitoring shows Trend Research transferred 0.852 ETH (valued at approximately $1,840) to Garrett Jin, an agent affiliated with the "BTC OG Insider Whale."

March 21 – HSBC noted the Federal Reserve held its policy rate steady at 3.50%-3.75% at its March meeting and signaled an on-hold stance. Persistent inflation and escalating geopolitical risks have cast uncertainty over the central bank. HSBC reaffirmed its prior view that the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged through 2026 and 2027. Inflation risks have risen, notably amid surging energy prices, while labor market risks have eased slightly. Energy price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions are expected to continue supporting safe-haven demand and a firmer U.S. dollar. (FXStreet)

March 21 — Per The Times of Israel, Israeli official Katz told military brass during an assessment meeting that Israel and the U.S. will “significantly escalate” strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the coming week. Katz added Israel is “determined to keep leading” military actions against Iran, targeting its command structure and eroding its strategic capabilities until all threats to Israel’s national security and U.S. interests in the region are eliminated. He also stated Israel will not “stop operations” until all war objectives are met.