Today (December 19, 2025), the key news in the cryptocurrency world primarily revolves around the following points:
1. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate decision is imminent, which may trigger market fluctuations:
The Bank of Japan is expected to announce a 25 basis point interest rate hike today (December 19), raising the benchmark rate to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995. The market is concerned that this may lead to a yen carry unwind, reducing global liquidity and triggering selling pressure on cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin (BTC) and other currencies may face further downside risk, and many analysts believe this will amplify year-end volatility.
2. Bitcoin price remains sluggish, hovering around $86,000:
BTC's current price is around $86,000-87,000, recently down over 30% from the October peak of $126,000. Ethereum (ETH) has fallen to around $2,800, with the overall market cap declining to about $2.9-3.2 trillion. Market sentiment leans towards fear (Fear & Greed Index is low), with altcoins performing weaker.
3. Divergent views among institutions, but long-term optimism:
- Bitwise CIO states that demand for BTC ETF is strong, potentially driving BTC, ETH, and SOL to new all-time highs in 2026.
- Some analysts have lowered the 2025 BTC target to around $100,000 (previous expectations were higher).
- Miners and Asian whales continue to sell, but institutions are quietly buying at lower levels.
4. Other updates:
- Russia reaffirms strict ban on cryptocurrency payments.
- Coinbase launches brand stablecoin issuance tool, promoting USDC usage.
- Prediction markets (like Polymarket) expect limited further easing path from the Federal Reserve, with a focus on cross-central bank signals.
Overall, the crypto market is under short-term pressure, with attention on the immediate reaction following the BOJ decision. Long-term, institutional adoption and ETF inflows are still seen as supportive factors, but thin liquidity at the end of the year may exacerbate volatility.
