Nikkei 225 Falls 1.60% as Tokyo Market Opens; KOSPI Dips 1.39% in South Korea

COINOTAG News reports that on December 18, the Nikkei 225 and KOSPI opened amid a discernible risk-off mood, with the index sliding about 1.60% and intraday losses near 1.39%, respectively. Within the crypto sphere, the mood aligns with cautious appetite as traders await upcoming macro cues, tempering activity in Bitcoin and leading altcoins. Market participants note that liquidity is not the sole driver; cross-asset signals between traditional equities and crypto risk assets continue to shape hedging strategies. The early equity declines underscore the sensitivity of crypto sentiment to global risk appetite, underscoring the need for disciplined risk management and diversified exposure across digital assets.