Bitcoin and gold have fallen sharply in 2026, marking an uncommon period when two assets often viewed as stores of value declined together. Market strategist Charlie Bilello reported that Bitcoin is down 31% while gold has lost 6% this year, making them the weakest-performing major asset classes so far.
The unusual move has drawn attention because the two assets have historically performed differently during periods of market stress.
Charlie Bilello reported that Bitcoin and gold have become the two worst-performing major asset classes in 2026. He described the development as something ‘we haven’t seen before in any calendar year.’
The simultaneous decline suggests investors have reduced exposure to both digital and traditional stores of value. Instead, capital has moved toward other asset classes that have delivered stronger returns during the year.
Several factors have contributed to the shift. Market conditions have become more challenging in 2026 as investors respond to higher interest rates, tighter liquidity, geopolitical uncertainty and a rise in crypto-related security incidents. These factors have weakened demand for both Bitcoin and gold. The two assets that are often viewed as stores of value.
Analysts also point to the stronger US dollar and the Federal Reserve's restrictive monetary policy as key drivers behind the downturn. Higher borrowing costs have encouraged investors to shift toward income-generating assets, reducing interest in investments that do not produce regular yields.
Bitcoin climbed above $110,000 during the second half of 2025 while gold continued to post steady gains. Even though both assets advanced, they responded to different market conditions and showed only a limited price correlation.
The relationship changed during 2026. Bitcoin dropped from around $90,000 to nearly $60,000 after February. Gold held up better at first but later moved lower as well. By June, both assets were declining at the same time, pushing their price correlation into positive territory for one of the rarest periods on record.
Data from CryptoQuant also showed noticeable changes in the Bitcoin-gold price correlation between June 2025 and June 2026. The correlation moved between positive and negative readings before strengthening as both assets declined together.
Bitcoin researcher Adam Livingston commented on the trend, stating that “2026 is officially the most oversold year for Bitcoin versus gold ever recorded.” At the same time, the Bitcoin-to-gold ratio continued to weaken, reflecting Bitcoin's larger decline compared with gold.
Investor Robert Kiyosaki recently shifted his focus from Bitcoin to precious metals after discussing both assets earlier in June. On June 25, he announced that gold had “made the turn” and predicted a longer-term bull market for gold and silver while maintaining a $35,000 long-term price target.
Days later, however, he revised his short-term view after gold extended its decline. On June 29, Kiyosaki admitted, “I was wrong. Gold still crashing.” Despite the setback, he maintained his longer-term bullish outlook for the metal.
Gold has also faced pressure from changing geopolitical developments. Reports surrounding US-Iran nuclear negotiations reduced demand for safe-haven assets as some investors shifted toward riskier investments. At the same time, uncertainty over future Federal Reserve policy has continued to influence both gold and Bitcoin prices.
Market participants are now watching central bank decisions, US dollar strength and geopolitical events for signs of whether the recent weakness in both assets will continue or begin to reverse.
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