Even as the government shutdown dragged on, wholesale costs kept climbing—a sign that inflation isn't quietly fading away in the U.S. economy. This persistent price pressure at the wholesale level often signals what consumers might face down the road. For crypto markets, these kinds of macro headwinds matter. When inflation stays sticky, central banks tend to keep rates elevated longer, which can shape asset valuations across the board. Worth paying attention to if you're thinking about where the broader economy is heading.