Bitcoin’s role as a safe-haven asset is being challenged as institutional investors increasingly turn to gold amid rising economic uncertainties and trade tensions. Fed Chair Powell’s recent warnings about economic challenges have accelerated this shift in investor sentiment.
The precious metal has surged 11% in the past month and 27% year-to-date, reaching $3,340 per ounce, while Bitcoin struggles to maintain momentum above $84,000. This divergence highlights a crucial shift in institutional investment strategies during periods of economic uncertainty.
Key Market Developments
President Trump’s recent reciprocal tariffs announcement has pushed the economic trade policy uncertainty index to record highs, triggering a flight to traditional safe havens. While Bitcoin has outperformed the stock market with a 1% monthly gain compared to the Nasdaq’s 8% decline, institutional capital is overwhelmingly flowing into gold.
Bank of America’s Global Fund Manager Survey reveals that 49% of fund managers now consider “long gold” as Wall Street’s most crowded trade, with 42% predicting it will be the year’s best-performing asset.
Institutional Flow Analysis
The contrast in fund flows is striking:
- Gold ETFs: $80 billion inflows year-to-date
- Bitcoin Spot ETFs: $5.25 billion inflows in January, followed by significant outflows
- February outflows: $3.56 billion
- March outflows: $767 billion
- April month-to-date: Over $900 million in outflows
Expert Perspectives
UBS analysts emphasize that ‘the case for adding gold allocations has become more compelling than ever’ in the current environment of escalating tariff uncertainty, weaker growth, and higher inflation.
Market Impact
Despite the challenging macro environment, Bitcoin has shown resilience:
- BTC Price: $84,312 (24h: +0.4%)
- Market Dominance: 63.89%
- CME Futures Open Interest: 138,235 BTC
FAQs
Q: Is Bitcoin still considered a safe-haven asset?
A: Recent market data suggests Bitcoin is behaving more as a risk asset than a safe haven, with institutional investors preferring gold during periods of economic uncertainty.
Q: What’s driving gold’s outperformance?
A: Escalating trade tensions, inflation concerns, and geopolitical risks have increased demand for traditional safe-haven assets.
Q: Will Bitcoin ETF outflows continue?
A: Market analysts suggest outflows may persist until there’s greater clarity on trade policy and Federal Reserve monetary policy.