Bitcoin Falls to $90K Zone While Gold Hits Record High: Institutional Investors Stay Calm

Source: CoinTribune Original Title: Global Tensions: Bitcoin Falls, Gold Hits a New Record Original Link: https://www.cointribune.com/en/global-tensions-bitcoin-falls-gold-hits-a-new-record/

Market Overview

Bitcoin is experiencing significant pressure, brushing the low zone of $90,000. The flagship asset of the crypto sphere faces mounting headwinds as crypto traders hold their breath. Key statistics reveal a challenging market: realized losses, selling at a loss, and negative flows on ETFs. Meanwhile, gold climbs to record levels, driven by fear and global tensions. In this tense climate, two contrasting narratives emerge: doubt and resilience.

The 30 Days of Losses: A Sign of Bitcoin’s Exhaustion?

Some analysts announce an imminent return of buyers. However, another critical fact stands out: for the first time since October 2023, bitcoin holders are recording net losses over thirty days. According to CryptoQuant, the “Realized Profit/Loss” metric has just dropped below zero again, proving that recent sales concern tokens purchased at higher prices.

According to Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant: Bitcoin holders are recording losses over a 30-day period since late December, for the first time since October 2023.

Glassnode analysts confirm: new BTC buyers have an average entry price of $98,000. As long as this threshold isn’t regained, profitability remains negative. This situation reflects a breathing-out phase of the bullish cycle. However, in crypto’s memory, these doubt phases often precede the most violent rebounds.

Gold Triumphs, Crypto Stumbles: When Fear Redraws the Risk Map

While bitcoin wobbles, gold reaches an absolute record at $4,701 per ounce. Geopolitical tensions and tariff threats have awakened flight reflexes to safe assets. Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $395 million in net outflows.

The contrast shocks crypto investors: gold attracts capital while crypto contracts. The BTC/gold ratio has dropped 52% from its peak, according to Bitfinex. The last time it touched these levels, Bitcoin ended up outperforming gold a few months later.

Crypto traders oscillate between fear and patience: history shows that when flows leave risky assets, strong hands begin to reposition. The market seems on pause, suspended by both political decisions and the psychological resistance of $100,000.

Institutions Stay the Course: The Silent Confidence of the Crypto World

While panic spreads among retail investors, institutional investors continue to strengthen their positions. According to Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant: Institutional demand for Bitcoin remains strong. American custody wallets generally hold between 100 and 1,000 BTC each. Excluding exchanges and miners, this gives a fairly accurate estimate of institutional demand, ETFs included.

These figures confirm that patient capital remains anchored. Large funds take advantage of corrections to accumulate BTC at reduced prices.

Yet volatility does not weaken: Bitcoin briefly dropped to $91,800, causing 233 million in long liquidations. Despite all, the market retains a bullish structure. Altcoins—from SOL to XRP—suffer, but crypto retains its potential.

Key Market Benchmarks

• Current BTC Price: $89,506
• 30 days of losses: first time since October 2023
• Bitcoin ETFs: -$394.7M
• Gold: record at $4,701/oz
• 577,000 BTC accumulated by institutions

Market Maturation Signal

A new parameter emerges in this tense market: Bitcoin options now exceed futures contracts. This shift shows traders prefer protecting themselves rather than speculating. This structural turn illustrates the maturation of the crypto market. Less frenzy, more risk management: perhaps the true sign of an ecosystem learning to absorb shocks without breaking.