On January 23, against a backdrop of heightened volatility in global financial markets, Japan's monetary policy movements are becoming a "barometer" influencing the trajectory of digital assets. NCE Forex indicated that although Japan's December headline inflation data unexpectedly fell to 2.1%, suggesting a superficial easing of price pressures, the Bank of Japan has not relaxed its vigilance as a result.
In its latest policy decision, the central bank kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.75%, while simultaneously raising its growth and inflation forecasts for the next two years. This "hawkish hold" stance sent a strong signal. NCE Forex believes that the Bank of Japan's upward revision of its macroeconomic expectations is essentially paving the way for future policy normalization, and this shift in expectations is placing noticeable downward pressure on Bitcoin's valuation.
The marginal tightening of macro liquidity is delivering a sustained blow to risk assets. NCE Forex stated that as the yield on the 10-year Japanese Government Bond climbed to 1.12%, risk-free rates globally have received varying degrees of support. This change in the financing environment has directly led to a decline in buying interest for Bitcoin around the $90,000 level.
The interconnected logic between assets was vividly displayed during this period of volatility. NCE Forex noted that Bitcoin and the Japanese Yen currently maintain an exceptionally high correlation coefficient of 0.84. This tight synchronicity means that any minor stir in the foreign exchange market is rapidly reflected in cryptocurrency price movements.
As the Yen exchange rate continues to face pressure around the 158.70 level, Bitcoin's safe-haven attributes appear to be overshadowed by its characteristics as a risk asset. NCE Forex suggests that, given persistent expectations for fiscal expansion ahead of the February elections, unusual movements in Japanese bond yields have become one of the most unstable variables in the current market.
From a technical chart perspective, after finding a bottom and rebounding from around $88,000, Bitcoin is currently in a critical phase of confidence recovery. NCE Forex stated that although headline inflation has retreated, core inflation excluding energy remains high at 2.9%, which dictates that the Bank of Japan is unlikely to adopt a dovish stance in the short term. NCE Forex believes that as long as underlying price pressures persist, expectations for interest rate hikes will act like a "Sword of Damocles," suppressing the premium for risk assets. During this unique cycle of resonance between the Yen and Bitcoin, maintaining a sharp insight into cross-market risks is paramount.
Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the potential impact of the global macro environment on support levels for both the Yen and Bitcoin. NCE Forex will assist clients in formulating more defensive investment strategies amidst the intricate interplay of exchange rates and cryptocurrencies, ensuring they can seize the initiative when market inflection points emerge.
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