Bitcoin advanced 1.2 percent to $118,650 and Ethereum rose 1.7 percent following softer US inflation readings that encouraged risk-on positioning across digital assets. Aggregate 24-hour liquidations reached $197 million, dominated by leveraged short positions. Market watchers said the move reflected renewed optimism toward near-term Federal Reserve easing. Ethereum’s dominance edged up to 20.5 percent as traders rotated capital into smart-contract networks. Despite the rise, volumes remained contained, suggesting cautious conviction until confirmation of macro policy direction in upcoming data releases.