Bitcoin Plunges Below $86K as Japanese Bond Yields Hit 17-Year Peak

Bitcoin slumps as traditional finance throws a curveball.

Yield Shock from Tokyo

Japanese government bond yields just ripped to their highest level since 2008. That's a seventeen-year peak. It rattled global capital markets and sent a chill through risk assets—cryptocurrencies included.

The Liquidity Squeeze

When safe-haven sovereign yields spike, they suck capital out of speculative plays. Investors chase that 'risk-free' return, bypassing volatile digital assets. The math gets simple: why sit through Bitcoin's rollercoaster for potential gains when Japanese debt suddenly offers its best payout in a generation? It's the oldest trick in the finance book—capital follows yield, even if it's from the world's most indebted government.

Pressure on the Digital Frontier

The sell-off wasn't subtle. Bitcoin sliced through the $86,000 support level with ease. The move highlights crypto's lingering sensitivity to macro tremors from the old financial system. Every basis point move in sovereign debt still echoes across the blockchain.

So, while builders focus on decentralized futures, a central bank on the other side of the world can still pull the strings. A sobering reminder that the 'future of finance' still takes its daily cues from the past.

TLDR

• Bitcoin dropped below $86,000 during Asian trading hours as Japanese bond yields reached their highest level since 2008
• Japan’s 2-year government bond yield hit 1.01%, sparking speculation about a Bank of Japan rate hike in December
• Over $150 million in Bitcoin long positions and $140 million in Ethereum long positions were liquidated
• US stock futures declined on Monday with S&P 500 futures down 0.6% and Nasdaq 100 futures falling 0.8%
• Traders are pricing in an 87% chance of a Fed rate cut, while 50% expect a BOJ rate increase in December

Bitcoin fell below $86,000 during Hong Kong trading hours on Monday as Japanese government bond yields surged to their highest levels in 17 years. The cryptocurrency market faced pressure from a strengthening yen and shifting expectations around Bank of Japan monetary policy.

Japan’s 2-year government bond yield briefly touched 1.01%, marking the highest level since 2008. The yield spike followed comments from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda, who indicated the board WOULD evaluate whether a rate hike is appropriate at this month’s meeting.

The rising yields triggered a wave of forced liquidations in crypto markets. More than $150 million in Bitcoin long positions were liquidated as traders unwound Leveraged positions. Ethereum also faced selling pressure, falling toward $2,850 with approximately $140 million in long positions liquidated.

BREAKING: Japan's 10Y Government Bond Yield surges to 1.84%, its highest level since April 2008.

This chart is concerning to say the least. pic.twitter.com/fBkMMyBnqy

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) December 1, 2025

The yen strengthened during Tokyo’s morning trading session. This movement could accelerate the unwinding of yen-funded carry trades that have supported risk assets throughout the year. crypto markets proved particularly sensitive to the changing short-term liquidity conditions in Asia.

Prediction markets now show uncertainty about Japan’s policy direction. Polymarket traders are pricing the chances of a December rate increase at roughly 50%, up seven percentage points. The shift represents a change in expectations for the BOJ’s long era of near-zero interest rates.

US Stock Futures Decline

US stock futures opened lower on Monday morning. Contracts on the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, while S&P 500 futures dropped 0.6% and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 0.8%.

The declines follow a strong Thanksgiving week rally. The S&P 500 surged 3.7% and the Nasdaq Composite jumped nearly 5% during the shortened trading week. The Dow logged a 3.2% rise.

Market participants are focused on multiple factors this week. Over 85% of bets now sit on a quarter-point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve at its December meeting. President TRUMP announced Sunday night that he has picked who he wants to lead the Fed next, though he did not name his choice.

Economic Data and Earnings

This week features several important economic releases. A delayed release of September’s Personal Consumption Expenditures index is expected, which contains the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Private reports on manufacturing activity and service sector activity are also scheduled.

Investors will also see ADP’s monthly private payrolls report. The economic data calendar has returned to normal after disruptions caused by a 43-day government shutdown.

Corporate earnings reports continue this week with bargain retailers Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Five Below scheduled to report. Tech companies Salesforce and CrowdStrike will also feature from the technology sector.

Traders are watching how the yen moves and what the BOJ communicates in coming days. Goldman Sachs reported that nearly 70% of institutional investors expect Gold to keep rising, with the largest group forecasting prices above $5,000 by 2026.