Bitcoin experienced a significant sell-off, dropping nearly 2.5% within the last 24 hours after Shigeru Ishiba was elected as Japan's new prime minister.
His appointment raised fears of a potential interest rate increase from the Bank of Japan (BOJ).
Following a recent 10% increase in Bitcoin’s value after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points, Ishiba’s views on monetary policy normalization have unsettled investors.
As a result, the yen strengthened significantly, while the Japanese Nikkei index fell by 5%. Bitcoin’s price declined from approximately $65,000 to $63,300 before stabilizing around $64,000.
Ishiba’s perspective aligns with the BOJ’s intention to gradually move away from its low interest rate policy. This shift has reignited concerns in the market, particularly due to memories of a July rate hike that led to significant volatility, causing Bitcoin to plummet from $70,000 to $50,000.
Despite previous assurances from the BOJ that there would be no rate increases in 2024, Ishiba’s election has sparked renewed worries about potential tightening measures, contributing to a broader market downturn.
Bitcoin’s potential for a bull run might depend on the trajectory of the US Dollar Index (DXY), according to prominent crypto trader CarpeNoctom.
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States recorded significant net outflows of nearly $100 million on Thursday, coinciding with a sharp decline in the U.S. stock market.
Crypto analyst Crypto Capo believes that Bitcoin may be on the verge of a significant upward move despite its recent dip.
The cryptocurrency market faced a sudden downturn on Thursday, as unexpected tariff announcements shook investor confidence.