BOJ Rate Hike News: What it Means for Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices

The Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate to 1.25% on Friday. This is the highest level in 31 years.

The move was widely expected. It comes as central banks around the world keep raising rates to fight inflation.

Higher energy prices from the Iran war have pushed inflation up globally. The US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank have also hiked rates recently.

Despite this, crypto markets are holding up well. The total market cap sits near $2.68 trillion, up 2.50%.

Bitcoin trades near $77,800, up close to 2%. Ethereum is testing the $2,500 mark. XRP is up 2.56%, trading close to $1.33.

How Does a BOJ Rate Hike Affect Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP?

When Japan raises rates, the yen usually gets stronger. This can pull money out of riskier assets like stocks and crypto in the short term.

But right now, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are all shrugging off the news. Bitcoin holds near $77,800, Ethereum is testing $2,500, and XRP sits close to $1.33, each still up on the day.

Traders seem more focused on crypto-specific price action than on central bank moves. This kind of resilience across all three tokens is worth watching. It could mean crypto is trading more on its own momentum than macro headlines.

What Is the Fear and Greed Index Showing Today?

The Fear & Greed Index reads 56 as of September 18, 2026. That puts it in Greed territory.

Yesterday, the index sat at a Neutral 50. A month ago, it was at Fear 46.

Sentiment has clearly improved over the past few weeks. Traders are feeling more confident than they were a month ago.

Crypto Liquidations Today: How Much Was Wiped Out?

The market saw $303.72 million in total liquidations over the past 24 hours. Short sellers took the bigger hit.

Short positions accounted for $244.23 million of that total. Long positions made up the remaining $59.48 million.

Nearly 87,000 traders were liquidated in a single day. The largest single order was an $8.53 million BTC-USD position on Hyperliquid, according to CoinGlass data.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: What's Next for BTC?

Bitcoin's 4-hour chart shows price moving inside a descending channel. BTC recently bounced off support near $74,500 to $75,000.

The price has climbed back above its 20, 50, and 100 EMAs. RSI sits around 65, which points to building bullish momentum.

If BTC holds above $77,000 to $77,200, it could push toward $79,500 to $80,000. A move past that could open the door to $81,000 to $82,000.

On the downside, losing the $77,000 area could send price back to test $75,500 to $74,500. That zone lines up with the 200 EMA.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Can ETH Break Resistance?

Ethereum trades near $2,507. It has been stuck between roughly $2,350 and $2,530 for a while now.

Price keeps testing the $2,530 resistance level. A clean breakout there could be the next big signal.

If ETH clears and holds above $2,530, it may aim for $2,650 to $2,700. A drop below $2,350 could send it back to retest $2,150.

XRP Price Prediction: Key Levels to Watch

XRP sits around $1.34, consolidating inside a descending channel after a sharp rally.

The $1.26 zone is an important support level. Resistance sits at $1.43.

A close above $1.43 could open the path to $1.55, then $1.70 if momentum builds. A break below $1.26 risks exposing the $1.15 area.

For now, XRP looks range-bound. Traders are likely watching for a decisive move in either direction.

Bottom Line

Global rate hikes are back in focus after the BOJ's move to 1.25%. Yet crypto markets are showing strength rather than fear.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP all sit at key technical levels. The next few days could decide whether this rally continues or cools off.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.