The crypto market has experienced a downturn, attributed to a Nikkei report indicating a potential Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike at its December 19-19 meeting, alongside December 19 options expiry for stocks and ETFs. Historically, Japan's low-interest rates supplied global liquidity, and rising rates could prompt investors to liquidate assets, impacting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. While a 2024-style 20,000 USD Bitcoin crash due to BOJ hikes is considered improbable, short-term downside is anticipated as markets incorporate these events. Technically, Bitcoin is being rejected from its yearly open at approximately 94,800, indicating insufficient upward momentum. Chart patterns resembling a bear flag, rising wedge, or ascending triangle on the daily timeframe suggest a potential decline to around 85,000, with an invalidation point at 98,000. Ethereum's price action mirrors Bitcoin's, struggling to reclaim its yearly open around 3,340. Ethereum is expected to follow Bitcoin's trajectory, potentially falling to 2,900, with an invalidation at 3,550. Key economic data, including CPI inflation on Thursday and labor market statistics on Tuesday, are expected to induce market volatility next week. Long-term, Bitcoin adheres to its four-year cycle, suggesting a bearish outlook for 2026, aligning with historical mid-term bear market years. The Federal Reserve's short-term T-bill purchases, while not quantitative easing, are seen as liquidity injections, offering long-term bullish prospects despite prevailing short-term uncertainties.