The inflation numbers were bad for speculative assets because they imply higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve than otherwise.

Temperatures have cooled somewhat in the "crypto summer" we've been experiencing. However, don't bet on a full-blown change of seasons. There could still be plenty of room for the top cryptocurrencies to run.

There was a time not long ago when cryptocurrencies were considered anti-establishment and viewed disdainfully by the mainstream financial

Bitcoin was edging higher on Wednesday, but other cryptocurrencies were having a tougher time of it ahead of a fresh batch of inflation data that could determine if the Federal Reserve will be able to cut interest rates in 2025.

Forever is a long time to hold a coin. XRP might eventually be supplanted by other payment processors. Bitcoin will probably continue to become scarcer and more valuable. So which of these giants is ripe for a place in your portfolio for the rest of your investing career?