Journalist
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This cycle, Japan’s shaping up as a solid benchmark for digital assets.
Macro-wise, between the recent BOJ rate hike, treasury yields hitting record highs, and the JPY losing 6% this quarter, Japan’s economic situation has served as a useful reference point for U.S. investors.
That said, the latest CPI report has cooled some worries. For context, Tokyo’s December CPI came in at 2%, below the 2.7% expected and down from 3% previously, showing a clear slowdown in inflation.
Source: TradingEconomics
Naturally, this development looks bullish for the crypto market.
From a technical perspective, the slowdown could encourage the BOJ to either keep rates unchanged at the upcoming late-January meeting or even consider a rate cut in order to inject additional liquidity into the system.
However, the question remains: Will this be enough to attract investors toward digital assets, particularly Bitcoin [BTC]? Given the way 2025 has unfolded for U.S. investors, the likelihood appears increasingly slim.
Japan CPI eases, gold shines: Is Bitcoin left on the sidelines?
2025 has been a one-way street for investors.
Gold is up +72% YTD, adding $13.2 trillion in market cap. Silver has shot up +155% YTD, now the world’s 3rd largest asset. Meanwhile, platinum is up +159%, on track for its biggest annual percentage gain ever.
In essence, even with three back-to-back Fed rate cuts in the second half of 2025, investors kept piling into metals over digital assets. That suggests Japan’s falling CPI may not trigger the same move for crypto this time.
Source: TradingView (Gold/USD)
However, on a macro level, this isn’t just about liquidity.
Instead, it signals a shrinking “risk appetite” among U.S. investors. Normally, macro stability would have lifted Bitcoin’s Coinbase Premium Index (CPI) back into the green, but it’s currently at a month-low.
Against this setup, betting bullish purely on macro data could be risky.
According to AMBCrypto, this highlights a clear divergence in market fundamentals. Even though Japan’s CPI looks solid, it may not spark a rally, as Bitcoin’s “hedge” narrative seems to be losing momentum.
Final Thoughts
- Despite a slowdown in inflation and potential BOJ liquidity support, Bitcoin might struggle to attract capital.
- Strong demand for gold, silver, and platinum highlights shrinking risk appetite, making bullish bets on Bitcoin risky.
