Global Central Bank Decision Week is Coming! US Stocks and Exchange Rate Volatility Intensify, Bitcoin Faces Triple Pressure

US stock indices rise, Tech Stocks lead gains but robot concept stocks crash

Before the US stock market opens on December 15, the three major stock index futures all rose, signaling optimism. Dow Jones futures increased by 0.41%, S&P 500 futures gained 0.46%, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose by 0.46% in sync.

The technology sector performed strongly, with NVIDIA (NVDA) leading the gains at 1.17%, followed closely by Tesla (TSLA) at 1.23%. However, negative news also emerged—robot concept stock iRobot (IRBT) suffered a heavy blow before trading, plunging by 83.23%, as the company announced bankruptcy protection, becoming a black swan event amid this rally.

Precious metals rally collectively, platinum breaks 16-year high

Safe-haven funds drove a strong performance in the precious metals market. Gold has risen for five consecutive days, with the latest price at $4,348 per ounce, up 1.13%. Silver surged more than 3% to $63.71 per ounce. Platinum broke through the $1,800 per ounce mark, reaching a new high not seen since 2008.

UBS Group analysts believe the market may be underestimating the probability of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates in January. The upcoming non-farm payrolls and CPI data this week will be key variables in determining future policy directions and are also important factors influencing US stock and currency volatility.

Bank of Japan rate hike imminent, USD/JPY exchange rate plunges

The Bank of Japan’s policy meeting on December 19 has become a global focus. Widespread market expectations suggest the BOJ will announce a 25 bps rate hike, raising the policy rate to 0.75%, the highest in thirty years.

Influenced by this expectation, the USD/JPY exchange rate dropped sharply, falling over 0.50%, with the latest quote at 154.93, as the yen continues to appreciate. This yen strengthening has far-reaching impacts on regional economies and the currency market.

Bitcoin faces downward pressure amid multiple negative factors

Bitcoin’s price broke below the psychological $90,000 level, with the latest data showing a quote of $87.83, a significant decline from previous levels. Since the Federal Reserve announced a 25 bps rate cut, market risk appetite has sharply declined, with investors withdrawing from high-risk assets, with cryptocurrencies bearing the brunt.

Year-end liquidity tightening has increased selling pressure, and the expectation of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan worsens the situation. Analysts point out that if the BOJ’s policy statement contains more hawkish language, it will further amplify the decline in the crypto market. The volatility in US stocks and currency markets, combined with shifts in central bank policies, is pushing Bitcoin toward correction.

Key events this week: central bank decisions intensify

Investors should closely monitor the upcoming market schedule:

December 16 – US releases non-farm payroll report, covering October partial and November full data

December 18 – US CPI report and the European Central Bank and Bank of England interest rate decisions announced on the same day

December 19 – Bank of Japan policy meeting results released, the most closely watched event for global investors

This week’s dense schedule of central bank decisions will profoundly influence US stock, currency, and crypto asset trends.