ChainCatcher news, Japanese listed company Metaplanet releases 2024 review:Japan's stock market return rate ranks first: 2,629%;Japan's stock market value growth ranks first;BTC holdings reach 1,761 coins;Becomes the 15th largest BTC holding company in the world;Expected to be profitable for the first time since 2017;Average annual trading volume growth of 388 times.

ChainCatcher 消息，在日本金融厅宣布计划开始将比特币等加密货币视为“金融资产”后，加密货币的分类可能会发生变化。官方文件显示，金融厅公布了其在 2025 财年税收改革请求中的立场，希望开始将加密资产视为“普通公众可以投资的金融资产”。 目前，日本法律根据《支付服务法》的条款将加密资产归类为“支付工具”。转向更注重“投资”的定义将代表加密货币的某种合法化，但这种变化似乎取决于加密货币行业的稳定性。

ChainCatcher 消息，日本上市公司 Metaplanet 首席执行官 Simon Gerovich 在社交平台上表示，在全球 55,000 家上市公司中，Metaplanet 在市值超过 2.5 亿美元、日均交易量超过 5,000 万美元的公司中 2024 年股价回报率排名第一，今年回报率高达约 2600%。 Metaplane 股价今年在日本回报率排名第一，今年市值飙升约 6000%，Metaplanet 成为全球最大的比特币企业持有者之一，在所有上市公司中排名第 15 位，将比特币储备从零增加到 1761 枚。正式确立了比特币储备公司的身份，使命是推动比特币的普及、创新和股东价值的增长。

ChainCatcher news, according to Solid Intel, Japan has implemented stricter regulations to strengthen oversight of unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges.

ChainCatcher News, the summary of opinions from the Bank of Japan's December meeting shows that policymakers are divided into two camps: one favors taking more time to carefully study the data, while the other believes the conditions for raising interest rates are ripe. "Although there is still uncertainty in the overseas economy, the Japanese economy is in a position to adjust the degree of monetary easing," one committee member said. "The central bank may decide to raise the policy interest rate in the near future. But at this point, it is necessary to remain patient and monitor the uncertainties in the U.S. economy until these uncertainties dissipate," another committee member stated. (Jin Shi)

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that the government currently lacks sufficient information to consider Bitcoin as a strategic reserve. Meanwhile, the United States and Brazil are exploring similar initiatives.

ChainCatcher news, according to Coinpost, the Japanese government has made an official response to Senator Akira Hamada's inquiry regarding "the promotion of Bitcoin reserves by the United States and other countries." Akira Hamada previously suggested on December 11 that "Japan should follow the example of the United States and other countries and consider converting part of its foreign exchange reserves into Bitcoin and other crypto assets."In response, the Japanese government stated that it has not yet fully grasped the relevant movements of the United States and other countries, believing that discussions in other countries about introducing Bitcoin reserves are still ongoing, and "the government finds it difficult to take a position on specific situations." According to the legal framework governing special accounting operations, "crypto assets do not fall under foreign exchange," and the current foreign exchange reserves aim to maintain the stability of foreign currency assets and foreign currency bond markets.The response document repeatedly emphasizes that ensuring the safety and liquidity of foreign exchange reserves is the top priority of special accounting operations, implying that the volatility of Bitcoin and other crypto assets is not compatible with the current system.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the minutes of the Bank of Japan meeting indicate that the committee unanimously believes that if the economic and price trends meet expectations, the Bank of Japan will continue to raise interest rates.

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk Japan, regarding the theft of 4,502.9 BTC from the cryptocurrency exchange DMM Bitcoin that occurred in May, the National Police Agency of Japan reported on December 24 that the incident was carried out by the Trader Traitor group, which is part of the North Korean hacker organization Lazarus Group.The National Police Agency of Japan stated that it will continue to work with the FBI, other U.S. government agencies, and international partners to investigate the illegal activities of North Korean hackers, including cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft incidents.Meanwhile, the National Police Agency of Japan, the Cabinet Cybersecurity Center, and the Financial Services Agency have released documents regarding the tactics and countermeasures of the attacking groups, urging cryptocurrency-related businesses to exercise caution. In response to this attack, DMM Bitcoin has decided to close its exchange. Assets and customer accounts will be transferred to SBIVC Trade, with the transition expected to be completed by March 2025.

ChainCatcher news, Gate Group has acquired all issued shares of the Japanese cryptocurrency service provider Coin Master Co., Ltd. Coin Master will officially be renamed "Gate Japan KK" (abbreviated as "Gate Japan").Gate's acquisition of Coin Master aims to provide a localized digital asset trading platform that complies with local regulations, thereby strengthening Gate's commitment to meet the specific needs of Japanese users and further expanding its business operations in Japan.

ChainCatcher news, according to the official announcement, the Japanese listed company Metaplanet announced that it has purchased an additional 619.70 bitcoins for 9.5 billion yen (approximately 60.69 million USD), bringing its total holdings to 1,761.98 BTC.

ChainCatcher news, according to Coinpost, the Web3 working group of the Liberal Democratic Party's Digital Society Promotion Headquarters, led by Representative Akihisa Shiozaki, reported that the LDP's Policy Research Council officially approved the "Emergency Proposal on Transforming Cryptocurrency Assets into Beneficial National Economic Assets" on the 19th.The report pointed out that under the current tax system, income generated from cryptocurrency transactions is generally classified as miscellaneous income and is subject to comprehensive taxation at a maximum rate of 55% (combined income tax and resident tax), which is harsher than in other countries. The report also mentioned that the taxation of cryptocurrency assets is stricter than in other countries.In light of the above points, and whether cryptocurrency assets should be considered financial assets for public investment, the following should be considered:Change the treatment of gains and losses from cryptocurrency transactions to implement a "separate declaration taxation" system at a 20% tax rate.Allow losses from cryptocurrency income to be carried forward for deduction (to be used within the next 3 years).Apply the "separate declaration taxation" system to cryptocurrency derivatives trading as well.

ChainCatcher News: Japanese listed company Metaplanet announced the issuance of the fifth series of zero-interest ordinary bonds totaling 5 billion yen. The raised funds will be used to accelerate the purchase of Bitcoin, with the bond maturity date set for June 16, 2025. The company plans to secure the funds for bond repayment through the proceeds from the exercise of the 12th series of warrants.

ChainCatcher news, UOB economist Alvin Liew stated that the Bank of Japan has not finished raising interest rates, but the timing of future hikes is now expected to be influenced by wage growth next year and the clarity of Trump’s policies. This means that while the possibility of a rate hike in January is not completely ruled out, it now appears to be a low-probability event.Although the policy statement and Governor Ueda's press conference did not provide forward guidance, Ueda emphasized that the wage increase situation in Japan in 2025 and considerations regarding Trump’s policies are key to the next decision. UOB expects the Bank of Japan to raise rates by 25 basis points to 0.5% in March, which the bank believes will be the terminal rate. However, there is a significant risk that the rate hike could be postponed to April or later.

ChainCatcher message, according to the SoSoValue macro sector display, on December 18th, at the interest rate meeting, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 basis points as expected, bringing the target range for the federal funds rate down to 4.25%-4.50%. For the rate cut pace next year, the Federal Reserve adjusted its expectations from "four rate cuts" to "two" through the latest dot plot. In addition, the Federal Reserve raised its expectations for future core PCE inflation and GDP growth, which is consistent with Powell's remarks, all conveying a more "hawkish" signal than the market expected. Data shows that the market risk sentiment VIX index rose to its highest point since early August (when the Bank of Japan raised interest rates).SoSoValue analysts stated that the FOMC proposed an unexpectedly aggressive rate cut plan, coupled with Powell's "hawkish" remarks, led to a shift in market sentiment towards panic, with U.S. Treasuries even overreacting. The U.S. stock market subsequently corrected, while the dollar strengthened. Overall, all risk assets reacted strongly to the FOMC's latest signals. Based on macro data, we believe that the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain unchanged, the dollar remains strong, and consensus-driven assets such as cryptocurrencies continue to be a destination for capital inflows. Each market correction driven by sentiment in the game is a good entry point, and we recommend maintaining risk exposure at this time.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the Bank of Japan has kept the policy interest rate unchanged at 0.25%, marking the third consecutive pause in rate hikes.

ChainCatcher News: Japanese listed company Metaplanet announced the launch of Bitcoin Treasury Operations as an official new business line.

ChainCatcher news, Greeks.live macro researcher Adam stated that this Thursday, the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan will successively announce their interest rate decisions. The market unanimously expects a 25% rate cut from the Federal Reserve, while the Bank of Japan has a 20% chance of raising rates this week, which is of greater concern to the market. The recent severe depreciation of the yen has put significant pressure on the Bank of Japan to raise rates. As the main target in the foreign exchange arbitrage market, a rate hike will inevitably bring liquidity pressure to the market.It is highly likely that all decisions will be favorable for the macro market, and there is hope for a surge to $110,000 this week. The main players in the options market are also increasing their positions in options for the end of the year, targeting $110,000 to $120,000.