As Stocks Slide, Bitcoin’s $87K Stability Underscores Evolving Confidence Among Traders

Bitcoin Stays Strong Above $86K as Equities Falter and Safe-Haven Demand Rises

Bitcoin (BTC) is proving resilient in a shaky macroeconomic environment, holding firm above $86,000 while U.S. equities continue to slide. The flagship cryptocurrency rose 2.3% over the past 24 hours, outperforming major stock indices, which fell more than 3% amid renewed trade tensions and political uncertainty.

The CoinDesk 20 Index, buoyed largely by Bitcoin’s gains, climbed 1.17%, even as other major tokens showed muted movement. Gold also rallied, rising nearly 3% to hit $3,400, while the U.S. dollar index (DXY) touched a three-year low.

Crypto-linked equities were mixed: Coinbase (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) fell modestly, while miners including Riot Platforms (RIOT), Marathon Digital (MARA), and Core Scientific (CORZ) dropped between 2% and 3%.

Lawrence McDonald, a macro strategist and former Société Générale executive, called Bitcoin’s performance “historic,” noting its strength amid elevated volatility. “BTC has never held up this well with the VIX near 30,” McDonald said on X, suggesting this could signal a structural shift in sentiment toward the digital asset.

Meanwhile, political noise added fuel to the market’s volatility. President Trump’s renewed criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and demand for immediate rate cuts sent fresh jitters through equity markets. Trump, in a Truth Social post, argued that inflation is falling and the Fed must act quickly to prevent a slowdown — even hinting at efforts to remove Powell ahead of his 2026 term expiration.

Analysts at QCP Capital are watching closely. “The alignment of Bitcoin and gold gains could indicate a shift in safe-haven preference, but we’ll need confirmation after Europe returns from holiday,” they wrote.

For now, Bitcoin’s divergence from equities is being seen as a possible sign of its evolving role in global markets — from speculative asset to macro hedge.