BoJ rate decision on 19 December: Bitcoin near $87K as traders brace for $85K

Crypto market sentiment has slid into "extreme fear" ahead of the Bank of Japan's 19 December rate call, with prior comparable episodes noted in mid-November and Q1 2025. Polymarket indicates consensus for a 25 bps hike in December, while options data shows bearish positioning around $85K. At press time, Bitcoin traded near $87K, with key liquidity levels clustered at $90.8K, $94.5K–$95K, and $83K.