Global Central Bank Policy Week Approaching: Yen Appreciates, Bitcoin Under Pressure, Multi-Asset Faces Rebalancing

The Bank of Japan’s Rate Hike Imminent, Yen Exchange Rate Continues to Rise

Market focus shifts to the Bank of Japan. The policy decision on December 19 is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points, pushing the benchmark rate to 0.75%, a thirty-year high. As rate hike expectations intensify, the yen continues to strengthen, with the USD/JPY falling over 0.50%, trading at 154.93, approaching the 155 level. In terms of conversion, the value of 23,000 yen in USD is steadily increasing under rate hike expectations. If the Bank of Japan signals a more hawkish stance in its policy statement, the yen could further appreciate.

Precious Metals Rise Collectively, Platinum Breaks Eight-Year High

Safe-haven funds flood into the precious metals market. Gold has risen for five consecutive days, currently quoted at $4,348 per ounce, up 1.13%; silver surged over 3%, at $63.71 per ounce; platinum performed the best, breaking above $1,800 per ounce for the first time since 2008, reaching a new high. UBS analysts pointed out that the market underestimates the probability of the Federal Reserve cutting rates in January. The upcoming non-farm payrolls and CPI reports this week will be key variables in pricing.

Crypto Market Under Pressure, Bitcoin Falls Below $90,000

Crypto assets face multiple pressures. Bitcoin has fallen below the $90,000 mark, with the latest price at $89,878. Following the Fed’s 25 bps rate cut, market demand has rapidly receded, and liquidity at year-end has significantly shrunk. The rate hike expectations from the Bank of Japan also negatively impact Bitcoin—if the decision statement shows a hawkish tone, it could further trigger a sell-off in the crypto market.

US Stock Futures Rise Early, Robot Concept Stocks Plunge

US stock futures generally rose before the opening on December 15. Dow futures increased by 0.41%, S&P 500 futures by 0.46%, and Nasdaq 100 futures by 0.46%. Tech giant NVIDIA (NVDA) rose 1.17% pre-market, and Tesla (TSLA) increased by 1.23%. However, robot concept stock iRobot (IRBT) suffered a major setback, plunging 83.23% pre-market after filing for bankruptcy protection in court.

Central Bank Decision Week Schedule, Global Markets in Focus

The upcoming week will see a series of central bank decisions worldwide. On December 16, the US will release the non-farm payroll report; on December 18, CPI data will be published, followed by simultaneous rate decisions from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England; on December 19, the Bank of Japan will be the absolute focus of global markets. This intensive policy period will profoundly influence the future trends of Bitcoin, the yen exchange rate, precious metals, and global stock markets.