[LIVE] Crypto Market Update: Japan Raises Rates by 25 bps; Crypto Markets Extend Slide as BTC Breaks Below $86K

Follow up to the hour updates on what is happening in crypto today, December 19. Market movements, crypto news, and more!

Author

Jai Pratap

Author

Jai PratapVerified

Part of the Team Since

Jun 2023

About Author

Jai serves as the Asia Desk Editor for Cryptonews.com, where he leads a diverse team of international reporters. Jai has over five years of experience covering the web3 industry.

Last updated: 

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

Crypto Market Update

The Bank of Japan raised its short-term policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, highest level in the last 30 years, a unanimous move aligned with market expectations, while signaling that overall monetary conditions remain accommodative. Policymakers reiterated that real rates will stay at exceptionally low levels and further hikes will depend on improving inflation and economic trends. Despite the modest tightening, crypto markets continued their decline, with Bitcoin briefly slipping below the $86,000 mark and Ethereum hovering near $2,800. Sector-wise, the AI token complex led losses with a 5.34 percent drop, while heavy declines were also recorded across CeFi, Layer 1, DeFi, PayFi, Layer 2, and Meme segments. A handful of tokens bucked the trend, including Zcash, Beldex, and Bitcoin Cash.

But what else is happening in crypto news today? Follow our up-to-date live coverage below.


Follow us on Google News

More Articles

Jai serves as the Asia Desk Editor for Cryptonews.com, where he leads a diverse team of international reporters. Jai has over five years of experience covering the web3 industry.

Crypto News
in numbers

editors

2M+

Active Monthly Users Around the World

250+

Guides and Reviews Articles

70

International Team Authors

Get dialed in every Tuesday & Friday with quick updates on the world of crypto

Enter your email for our free Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Read More
Tami Guillemette

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business