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Global Tensions: Bitcoin Falls, Gold Hits a New Record

Global Tensions: Bitcoin Falls, Gold Hits a New Record

CointribuneCointribune2026/01/21 06:12
By:Cointribune

Bitcoin is bleeding. The flagship asset of the crypto sphere just brushed the low zone of $90,000. Crypto traders are holding their breath. The statistics make teeth grind: realized losses, selling at a loss, negative flows on ETFs. Meanwhile, gold climbs, driven by fear and global tensions. In this electric climate, two narratives oppose each other: doubt and resilience.

Global Tensions: Bitcoin Falls, Gold Hits a New Record image 0

In Brief

  • Bitcoin experiences its first realized losses over 30 days since October 2023.
  • Gold hits an all-time record at $4,701 an ounce, the absolute safe haven for investors.
  • Bitcoin ETFs record net outflows exceeding $394 million USD.
  • Institutions continue to accumulate BTC despite global crypto market nervousness.

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

Some analysts announce an imminent return of buyers. But another 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 higher up.

Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant, summarized it on X:

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. But 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 an ounce. Geopolitical tensions and Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Europe have awakened flight reflexes to safe assets. Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $395 million in net outflows.

The contrast shocks crypto investors: gold attracts capital, 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 US 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 a reduced price.

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.

Five Bitcoin Market Benchmarks 

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

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 discreet but structuring 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.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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