Bitcoin Hovers Around $87k as Stock Market Dips, Indicating Growing BTC Sentiment Maturity
Bitcoin (BTC) is making gains even as the broader stock market experiences a decline, approaching its tariff-related lows on Easter Monday. The leading cryptocurrency has increased by 2.3% in the last 24 hours, trading at $86,800—the highest level since April 3, following the introduction of new tariff policies. This increase has also lifted the broader market measure, the CoinDesk 20 Index, which has risen by 1.17% during the same timeframe, while most other tokens have remained stable.
Crypto-related stocks have shown minimal movement as well, with Coinbase (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) declining by 1.2% and 1.3% respectively. Major bitcoin miners like MARA Holdings (MARA), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Core Scientific (CORZ) have seen drops between 2% and 3%. The resilience of the crypto market is particularly striking as the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones indices have decreased by 3.35%, 3.5%, and 3.27% respectively, nearing the low points observed two weeks ago.
In contrast, gold has appreciated by 2.9%, reaching a price of $3,400, while the DXY—a metric that evaluates the dollar’s strength against various currencies—has fallen to its lowest point in three years.
Analysts from QCP Capital question whether the concurrent increase in bitcoin and gold is merely a seasonal fluctuation or signals a significant transition for bitcoin as a safe-haven asset. They noted, “With Europe still on holiday, market confirmation may take a few more sessions. The correlation between bitcoin, gold, and equities is one to monitor closely.”
Lawrence McDonald, former head of U.S. Macro Strategy at Société Générale, suggests that it might be a good moment to reconsider investments in gold in favor of bitcoin. He noted on X, “Bitcoin has NEVER held up this well with a VIX near 30,” characterizing bitcoin’s performance as a potential turning point. “This is a strong sign of a maturing bitcoin market (good news) and colossal encroaching fiat currency stress, USD.”
The observed weakness in stocks and the U.S. dollar, contrasted with the resilience of bitcoin and gold, could stem from investor fears regarding potential changes in Federal Reserve leadership. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, labeling him a “major loser” in a post, which contributed to further stock market declines.
Trump has urged Powell and his team to lower interest rates “NOW,” arguing there is virtually no current inflation and declining costs for many goods. However, he cautioned that an economic slowdown could occur unless the Fed acts quickly. While Powell’s term, which began during Trump’s first presidential term, is scheduled to conclude in May 2026, Trump has been exploring possible legal avenues to remove Powell from his position. The Fed Chair has previously stated that the President does not have the legal authority to dismiss him.
