Bitcoin Holds Near $66K as BOJ Hike Viewed Less Hawkish

Bitcoin stabilized near $66,300–$66,800 after an initial drop below $65,500 triggered by the Bank of Japan's 25 basis point rate increase to 1.0%. Markets interpreted the decision as less hawkish once the BOJ signaled it would maintain high JGB purchases near 2 trillion yen from April 2027. The yen weakened slightly, limiting the selloff, while $488 million in liquidations—mostly shorts—helped fuel a rebound. The Fear & Greed Index rose from 12 to 23, and traders now assign a 61% probability that BTC remains range-bound between $66,000 and $68,000 in the near term.