A broad retreat swept through digital asset markets as Bitcoin dropped below $77,000, dragging major altcoins lower while traders recalibrated expectations for U.S. monetary policy following hotter-than-anticipated inflation data. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell roughly 2.18% to $2.62 trillion, with forced liquidations of leveraged positions and outflows from spot exchange-traded funds amplifying the downward pressure.

Bitcoin traded near $76,987, a decline of approximately 2% over 24 hours, after failing to hold ground above the $80,000 to $81,000 zone it had briefly reclaimed. Ethereum slipped toward $2,470, while XRP changed hands around $1.38. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index retreated to 68, signaling that risk…