‘Black Swan’ Author Taleb Breaks Down Bitcoin Crash Top Reason

As a seasoned financial analyst with over three decades of observing global markets, I find myself increasingly intrigued by Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s insights into the complex world of risk and uncertainty. His latest analysis on the recent crash of Japanese stocks and its impact on Bitcoin serves as yet another reminder that the financial landscape is a fragile dance between human intervention and market forces.


Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a renowned risk analyst and writer known for his works on unpredictability like “Black Swan” and “Antifragile,” has provided insights into the specific reasons behind the recent Japanese market downturn. This event is believed to have contributed significantly to Bitcoin‘s dip over the past week.

Taleb’s breakdown of Japan’s market crash

Taleb discussed the recent fall of Japanese stocks, an event noticed by both the global finance sector and crypto enthusiasts. This stock drop caused a dip in the value of Bitcoin.

More recently, the Nikkei 225, a significant Japanese stock index, saw a steep drop following the Bank of Japan’s decision to increase interest rates. Over nearly three decades, the BOJ had maintained zero interest rates, and for the past 23 years, it has been implementing quantitative easing policies in its economy. According to Taleb, these measures carry a cost that must eventually be paid.

Additionally, he highlighted the fact that numerous specialists often acknowledge Japan as a prime example of where quantitative easing (QE) strategy has proven successful. Contrastingly, the U.S. has alternated between tightening and loosening monetary policies related to interest rates more frequently. Despite this approach, the United States has experienced substantial inflation during recent years.

Over almost three decades, we’ve experienced nearly zero interest rates (ZIRP) and quantitative easing for about 23 years. This approach has its costs that you will eventually need to cover. Many have pointed out Japan as an example where this strategy supposedly yielded success.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb (@nntaleb) August 5, 2024

Currently, the Bank of Japan is contemplating additional increases in interest rates. However, this decision is facing criticism from experts globally, who view it as premature. Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at Daiwa Securities Co, proposes that before taking its next action, Japan should observe where the U.S. economy is headed – whether it will experience a recession or a soft landing instead.

Japan makes Bitcoin crash

After the decline of Japan’s stock market, this instability spread to US markets and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Following a significant drop in major US stock indexes, Bitcoin experienced a 18% decrease over a few days, falling from around $61,000 to the $49,750 range. Currently, Bitcoin is being traded at approximately $55,140.

Max Keiser, an advisor on Bitcoin to President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, has weighed in on the latest developments within the U.S. financial market. His comments primarily focus on these economic aspects.

He stated that the damage has been minor and that if he were in the Fed’s shoes he would leave the interest rates unchanged to “let another 40% or more of air out of these markets.”

It appears the impact is limited and manageable; I wouldn’t reduce interest rates under current circumstances. Instead, allowing more deflation could be beneficial in these markets, potentially around 40% or even more.

— Max Keiser (@maxkeiser) August 5, 2024

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2024-08-06 13:43