Don’t be fooled by today’s small fluctuations. The latest signals from the Bank of Japan are far from simple on the surface — the rate hike cycle has truly begun.

What does this mean? The world’s most significant "zero-cost funding pipeline" in global financial markets is being shut down. For decades, institutional investors have been arbitraging across the globe using near-zero interest rate yen, but that era of easy wins has come to an end.

Any current rebound could just be smoke and mirrors. Instead of chasing short-term gains from minor fluctuations, it’s better to find a truly resilient "protective fortress" for your assets early on.

The truth only emerges when liquidity recedes. The synchronized shift in monetary policy between Japan and the US indicates that the "cheap money tide" supporting all risk assets (Bitcoin, altcoins, and other high-risk investments) is rapidly fading. When the tide goes out, it’s easy to see who’s swimming naked.

How much of your portfolio is sustained solely by new capital inflows? Such "bubble assets" won’t last long in a deteriorating liquidity environment. What’s truly needed are assets that can maintain their value regardless of macroeconomic changes.

The lessons of history are bloodily clear. Every time Japan initiates a rate hike cycle, risk assets face severe tests. Are you ready this time?