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Crypto’s ‘digital gold’ myth exposed as traders pivot to metals
The Economic Times· 2026-01-31 07:09
Core Insights - The shift in capital is moving from traditional funds to blockchain-based trading venues, with precious metal funds attracting $1.4 billion while Bitcoin-linked funds experienced $300 million in withdrawals as Bitcoin's value dropped to nearly $86,000 [1][11] - Gold prices surged past $5,500 and silver exceeded $118 per ounce, driven by a four-year low in the dollar and geopolitical tensions [1][11] - The correlation between Bitcoin and gold has dropped to -0.18, indicating they are moving in opposite directions, challenging the narrative of Bitcoin as "digital gold" [6][11] Capital Movement - Precious metal funds have seen significant inflows, while Bitcoin-linked funds have faced outflows, highlighting a shift in investor sentiment [1][11] - Crypto-native platforms like Hyperliquid are gaining traction, with commodities now accounting for about 80% of open interest on exchanges like Ostium [11] Market Sentiment - Investors are increasingly frustrated with Bitcoin's failure to act as a hedge during dollar weakness, leading to a pivot towards commodities [2][6][11] - The sentiment among traders is mixed, with some chasing momentum in metals while others express disappointment in Bitcoin's performance [7][11] Trading Dynamics - The trading volume for silver futures has significantly outpaced that of Bitcoin, indicating a shift in speculative interest [8][11] - The rise of non-crypto perpetual contracts is attracting attention, with platforms offering trading in both commodities and traditional assets [11] Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that the focus on commodities is logical given the 24/7 nature of crypto markets and the availability of liquid trading venues [7][11] - There is an emerging interest in other metals like copper, as traders anticipate market rotations [8][11]