The cryptocurrency market experienced sharp volatility on the 18th. Bitcoin (BTC) briefly approached a drop below $85,000 (approximately ¥13.2 million), while altcoins across the board posted significant declines. Although prices have shown a modest recovery at the time of writing, a cautious, wait-and-see sentiment remains strong.
In U.S. markets on the 17th, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller appeared on CNBC and commented that there is “room for further rate cuts,” briefly lifting market sentiment. However, concerns soon resurfaced after uncertainty emerged over discussions surrounding Oracle’s potential investment in AI data centers, triggering a sharp decline in Oracle’s stock. The sell-off spread to other major technology stocks, dragging down key indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, closely tracked movements in U.S. equities throughout the session. As investor sentiment deteriorated and risk-off behavior accelerated, crypto prices followed suit and declined.
Regarding Bitcoin specifically, some analysts point to increased selling by long-term holders, as well as capital outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs—particularly among institutional investors—as signs of weakening demand. In addition, with the Christmas holiday period approaching in Europe and the U.S., market liquidity may decline further in the coming days.
