Yeliz Akmaca 
Bitcoin slipped below the $88,000 level during late Sunday trading, reigniting volatility concerns across the crypto market. As selling pressure intensified, Strategy chairman Michael Saylor signaled that another Bitcoin purchase may be imminent.
Data from TradingView shows Bitcoin briefly dipping to $87,600 on Coinbase, marking its lowest level in nearly two weeks. Although prices rebounded toward $89,000 shortly after, the sudden move reinforced a pattern of sharp weekend declines that traders have grown accustomed to in recent weeks.
Bitcoin Slides to Two-Week Low as Volatility Returns
The dip to $87,600 represents Bitcoin’s weakest price action since early December, when the asset was recovering from a deeper pullback toward $84,000. Despite the brief nature of the decline, the move unsettled short-term traders and triggered renewed discussions around downside risk.
Weekend volatility has become increasingly common, particularly during periods of thin liquidity. As a result, even modest selling pressure can push prices lower quickly before buyers step back in.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin had managed to reclaim ground above $89,000. However, traders remain cautious, watching whether the recovery can hold into the new trading week.
Saylor Signals Another Strategy Bitcoin Purchase
Amid the price drop, Michael Saylor posted a familiar message on X, writing “Back to More Orange Dots” alongside a portfolio chart. The phrase has become widely associated with Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation strategy.
According to SaylorTracker data, Strategy’s most recent Bitcoin purchase occurred on Dec. 12, when the firm acquired 10,624 BTC. That transaction marked its largest buy since late July, reinforcing the company’s long-term conviction.
Strategy currently holds approximately 660,624 BTC, valued at around $58.5 billion based on current market prices. With an average acquisition cost of $74,696 per coin, the firm remains comfortably in profit despite recent market turbulence.
Japan Rate Expectations Fuel Selling Pressure Debate
Some analysts believe the renewed selling pressure may be linked to expectations surrounding the Bank of Japan’s upcoming interest rate decision. Market participants are increasingly focused on Japan’s role in global liquidity conditions.
Analyst NoLimit warned that Japan’s previous rate hikes have coincided with sharp Bitcoin corrections. They highlighted Japan’s position as the largest holder of U.S. debt, suggesting that shifts in its monetary policy can ripple across global risk assets.
Polymarket data currently assigns a 98% probability to a 0.25% rate hike by the Bank of Japan later this week. This expectation has fueled concerns about a potential carry trade unwind.
However, not all analysts agree. Sykodelic argued that markets have already priced in Japan’s move, emphasizing that prices tend to react ahead of known events rather than after they occur.
Justin d’Anethan of Arctic Digital echoed this view, suggesting Bitcoin may remain range-bound between $80,000 and $100,000. According to d’Anethan, traders are now waiting for a stronger catalyst to break the current consolidation phase.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.