Gold News
Bitcoin's Decoupling from Gold Hints at Substantial Price Surge by March
Bitcoin's trajectory is showing promising signs of significant growth, with projections suggesting a possible 50% price increase by March, as its correlation with gold diminishes. Notably, Bitcoin's 52-week correlation with gold has hit zero for the first time since mid-2022 and could turn negative by the end of January. Historically, such divergences have preceded notable Bitcoin rallies. Insights from market trends and cycle patterns indicate Bitcoin could reach a price range of $144,000 to $150,000. Historically, when Bitcoin's correlation with gold turns negative, strong rallies have often followed. In four similar past instances, Bitcoin saw an average price increase of 56% within about two months of this correlation shift. Despite a deviation from this pattern in May 2021, when external factors such as Tesla's reversal on Bitcoin payments and China's crackdown on cryptocurrency disrupted the market, the current outlook is bullish. This optimism is fueled by macroeconomic trends, including an increase in global liquidity as measured by the global M2 supply, and the conclusion of the Federal Reserve's quantitative tightening. Matt Hougan from Bitwise Asset Management highlights that Bitcoin bull markets typically coincide with periods of rising global liquidity. With the initiation of a new monetary easing cycle globally and the Fed's QT program ending, Hougan anticipates continued growth in Bitcoin's price into 2026. In the past, under comparable macroeconomic conditions, gold experienced a 65% surge in 2025 while Bitcoin's gains were minimal. However, Hougan expects Bitcoin to outpace gold by 2026, due to their only slightly positive long-term correlation, which he suggests could enhance a portfolio's risk-adjusted returns. Analyst Tuur Demeester supports this view, citing increased money printing as a significant advantage for Bitcoin. The current setup seems to mirror the 2020-2021 bull cycle, where a 56% rally would propel Bitcoin to the $144,000-150,000 range. Crypto analyst Midas draws parallels between Bitcoin's current market structure and its cycle from 2020-2021. He notes that Bitcoin has completed a lengthy downtrend, followed by a multi-month accumulation phase, setting the stage for a breakout similar to the one that led to its previous peak near $70,000. As Bitcoin transitions from accumulation into a pre-parabolic phase, the stage appears set for a significant price surge, potentially targeting $150,000 if the current fractal pattern persists. This analysis suggests Bitcoin may indeed be on the verge of a substantial rally, aligning with historical patterns and current macroeconomic conditions.
21Shares Launches Bitcoin and Gold ETP on London Stock Exchange
21Shares, a leading provider of exchange-traded products (ETPs), has expanded its innovative investment offerings in the United Kingdom by introducing a fund that combines Bitcoin and gold. The new product, known as the 21Shares Bitcoin Gold ETP (BOLD), began trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) this week. The BOLD ETP is designed to provide exposure to both Bitcoin (BTC) and gold, with an allocation of two-thirds in gold and one-third in Bitcoin. It is available for trading in both British pounds and US dollars. This strategic move aligns with 21Shares' commitment to offering a diverse range of regulated crypto investment products to UK retail investors, as stated by CEO Russell Barlow. Originally launched on the SIX Swiss Exchange in April 2022, the BOLD fund has since been listed on various major European exchanges, including Deutsche Boerse Xetra and Euronext Amsterdam. The ETP is physically backed by its underlying assets, offering a balanced investment approach by allocating equal risk between gold and Bitcoin. This aims to help investors hedge against inflation, with gold being a traditional safe haven and Bitcoin increasingly regarded as "digital gold." Charles Morris, the founder and chief investment officer of ByteTree Asset Management, which partnered with 21Shares on the development of BOLD, emphasized the complementary nature of Bitcoin and gold as assets in the current economic climate. The fund trades under the ticker "BOLD" in pounds and "BOLU" in dollars. As of Monday, the ETP holds approximately 65.85% of its assets in gold and 34.15% in Bitcoin. The net asset value of the BOLD ETP is $50.30, with total assets under management reaching $40.2 million. The annual management fee stands at 0.65%, covering various operational costs. 21Shares is a key player in the cryptocurrency ETP market, managing a wide array of products that track various digital assets, including altcoins like Aave (AAVE), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Polkadot (DOT). The company oversees around $4 billion in assets under management for its European crypto ETPs, accounting for about 2% of the global market share, according to CoinShares data.
Thailand Intensifies Scrutiny on Gold and Crypto to Combat 'Gray Money'
In an effort to tighten its grip on money laundering activities, Thailand is ramping up its regulatory oversight on both gold and cryptocurrency markets. This initiative, reportedly spearheaded by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to unify the regulatory framework for these asset classes, traditionally managed separately, to curb the flow of illicit funds. Local reports indicate that the government is focusing on areas frequently exploited by criminal entities to bypass the formal banking system. This includes the trade and storage of gold bars, the use of online gold platforms, and the circulation of digital currencies. During a recent meeting at the Ministry of Finance, Charnvirakul emphasized the necessity of addressing both modern digital and traditional financial crimes, stating, "We must work as a single, integrated force to protect the public interest and the integrity of our financial system." A key component of this strategy involves the establishment of a national data hub for real-time monitoring of suspicious activities. This hub will facilitate the creation of risk profiles to better detect and respond to evolving criminal tactics. On the gold trading front, the Anti-Money Laundering Office has been directed to lower the mandatory reporting threshold for physical gold purchases, which currently stands at 2 million Thai baht (approximately $63,000). This change aims to prevent criminals from evading detection by making smaller, fragmented transactions. For digital assets, the Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been tasked with enforcing the Travel Rule more rigorously. This global anti-money laundering standard requires crypto asset service providers to gather and share identifying details of transaction participants, especially in wallet-to-wallet transfers facilitated by exchanges. Though no official measures have been announced against self-custody wallets, the increased enforcement could lead to stricter verification processes and controls on withdrawals to such wallets by regulated intermediaries. Thailand has historically maintained a structured regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies, emphasizing licensing and clear rules. The nation was a pioneer in Southeast Asia in establishing a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework, placing exchanges, brokers, and dealers under the oversight of the SEC. In recent years, the SEC has also targeted misleading crypto advertising and taken steps to combat crimes involving digital currencies, including measures against foreign peer-to-peer platforms. The current move to combat 'gray money' signifies a shift in strategy, merging the regulation of crypto and gold under a cohesive, data-driven enforcement model. This approach underscores Thailand's commitment to integrating digital assets into the broader financial regulatory landscape, rather than treating them as separate or exceptional entities. This article is based on local reports and aims to provide clear and accurate coverage of Thailand's evolving regulatory environment regarding gold and cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin Falters as Gold Outshines in Debasement Trade: A Two-Year Low for BTC
Bitcoin's performance as a hedge against currency debasement has faltered, with its price action lagging while gold and silver reach new record highs, according to recent analysis. The latest insights from Karel Mercx, an investment specialist with Beleggers Belangen, indicate that Bitcoin has not succeeded in becoming the investors' preferred choice for the debasement trade. This comes as gold and silver continue to climb, leaving Bitcoin at a disadvantage. Currently, Bitcoin has fallen below the 20-ounce mark in gold terms as it enters 2026, nearing its lowest levels in two years, based on data from TradingView. The precious metals market is reacting positively to US government measures against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in contrast to Bitcoin, which struggles to find its footing. Mercx shared his views on social media, emphasizing that the debasement trade has favored precious metals over Bitcoin. "The verdict is clear: Gold and Silver are leading the debasement trade, not Bitcoin," he stated. "As metals reach new all-time highs, Bitcoin remains 20% below its previous peak," he added. The assertion challenges the notion that Bitcoin could serve as a robust alternative to traditional hard money. Despite Bitcoin's reputation as "digital gold," actual investment trends show a continued preference for tangible assets like gold. "The narrative has changed," Mercx remarked. "Investors are opting for the tried-and-true hard money over digital options." Within the crypto community, concerns are growing about Bitcoin's ability to rebound. Crypto trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe noted the importance of acceleration in Bitcoin's price movements to avoid further declines. "Gold and silver have set all-time highs, and Bitcoin must capitalize on this breakout to prevent a downturn," he commented. Meanwhile, market analyst Benjamin Cowen highlighted the significance of gold's performance relative to the S&P 500, suggesting a potential shift in market dynamics that could alter trends established over the past decade. "If the S&P 500 continues to lose ground against gold, the market environment may fundamentally change," he noted. The conversation around Bitcoin's diminishing four-year price cycle continues, with Mercx previously declaring it "dead" in 2025, contributing to a growing narrative of Bitcoin's weakening performance cycle. "Bitcoin priced in gold shows each cycle weaker than the last," he observed, pointing to the first four-year loss in its history.
Rethinking Scarcity: Bitcoin, Gold, and Silver in 2026 Investment Strategies
In a transformative landscape, Bitcoin, gold, and silver are being reevaluated for their scarcity, no longer defined by mere supply limits but by narratives, market access, and financial structures. As of 2026, investors are reinterpreting scarcity with a fresh perspective, emphasizing trust, liquidity, and portability. The concept of scarcity has evolved beyond physical constraints. Bitcoin has introduced a scarcity model governed by immutable code, challenging the traditional geological limitations associated with precious metals. This shift has prompted a reevaluation of how scarcity is priced, with investors placing greater emphasis on the credibility of scarcity enforcement, ease of liquidity, and the ability to transfer value globally. **Bitcoin's Financial Evolution** Bitcoin's scarcity narrative is grounded in its fixed supply, determined by a transparent issuance schedule. However, the rise of financial products like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and derivatives has transformed Bitcoin from a self-sovereign digital asset into a more financialized instrument. While Bitcoin's fundamental scarcity remains unchanged, its market perception is increasingly influenced by factors like liquidity management and market hedging. **Gold's Trust and Neutrality** Gold has long been synonymous with scarcity due to the substantial investment required for mining and its documented reserves. In 2026, gold's value is increasingly tied to the trust it commands as a neutral asset. Central banks and institutional investors regard gold as a stable reserve, independent of any single nation's monetary policies. Gold continues to serve as a reliable collateral asset, maintaining its role during geopolitical uncertainties and financial system disruptions. **Silver's Dual Role** Silver's scarcity narrative is shaped by its dual-use as both an investment and industrial metal. Its demand in electronics, solar panels, and manufacturing complicates its scarcity pricing, as industrial needs can tighten supply even amid fluctuating investor sentiment. The smaller and more sensitive silver markets can experience volatility, making silver's scarcity manifest through sudden price shifts. **The Impact of Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs)** ETPs have significantly altered the perception of scarcity across these assets by enhancing market access and allowing for rapid investment flows based on market sentiment. For Bitcoin, ETPs have integrated it into traditional financial systems, while for gold and silver, they have transformed physical scarcity into instruments that behave like stocks. **Derivatives and Perceived Abundance** Derivatives markets, offering futures and options, allow exposure to assets without direct ownership, creating a sense of abundance despite underlying scarcity. This dynamic is particularly evident in Bitcoin and precious metals markets, where derivatives heavily influence short-term pricing. The critical question for investors is not just about an asset's scarcity but how it manifests within specific market structures. **A Comparative Analysis** In 2026, the narratives surrounding Bitcoin, gold, and silver highlight different aspects of scarcity. Bitcoin offers certainty in its supply but faces regulatory uncertainties. Gold presents reliability in legal status and institutional acceptance but variable mining costs. Silver balances these extremes with its industrial relevance and sensitivity to market shifts. Investors now recognize that scarcity is a multifaceted concept, shaped by a blend of predictability, institutional trust, and practical utility. Each asset—Bitcoin, gold, and silver—plays a distinct role in the modern financial ecosystem, contributing to a broader understanding of scarcity beyond traditional definitions.
Binance Ventures into Precious Metals with USDT-Settled Gold and Silver Futures
On January 8, 2026, Binance announced the launch of perpetual futures contracts for gold and silver, marking its expansion into the precious metals market with settlements in Tether's USDT. This move aims to provide crypto investors with a bridge to traditional financial markets, allowing them to trade these metals continuously without an expiration date. The newly introduced contracts, labeled XAUUSDT for gold and XAGUSDT for silver, enable traders to engage with price movements of these commodities via a stablecoin, sidestepping the need for direct asset ownership. Binance has emphasized that these futures are a step towards merging conventional finance with the crypto world, supported by robust compliance measures as regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework. Jeff Li, Binance's vice president of product, highlighted the significance of this development as a blend of finance and crypto innovation, underscoring the regulatory trust it is built upon. The introduction of these contracts comes as part of Binance's strategy to expand its derivative offerings, with more traditional asset-linked products anticipated in the future. Other platforms like Coinbase, MEXC, BTCC, BingX, and Bybit also offer similar contracts, with Bybit focusing only on gold. This development coincides with a notable surge in the value of gold and silver, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and a depreciating US dollar, propelling both metals to record highs in December. Gold peaked at over $4,549 per ounce, while silver reached $83 per ounce, reflecting their status as safe-haven assets. In contrast, Bitcoin saw a decline of around 5% over the same period, while gold and silver rose by 67% and 152%, respectively. The decision to settle these contracts in USDT aligns with Tether's expanding footprint in the crypto market, despite not seeking authorization under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. Tether has gained recognition in regions like Abu Dhabi, where USDT is sanctioned for use by regulated entities. Binance has been contacted for clarification on where these contracts will be available, particularly concerning the European Economic Area and the UK, but no response was available at the time of writing. As tokenized commodities reach new heights, Binance's offering reflects a growing interest in integrating traditional assets with crypto trading solutions, underscoring a trend where digital and traditional finance increasingly intersect.
Gold and Silver Momentarily Top Market Cap Rankings Amid Market Uncertainty
As the new year unfolds with a backdrop of uncertainty, gold and silver have briefly ascended to the top positions by market capitalization, reaffirming their status as traditional 'stores of value.' According to data from CompaniesMarketCap, gold currently leads with a market cap of $31.1 trillion. Meanwhile, silver has been in a tight race with Nvidia, momentarily overtaking the tech giant before slipping back to third place. The competition between silver and Nvidia is indicative of broader market dynamics, with Nvidia experiencing its own surge, driven by heightened demand for computing power to support artificial intelligence advancements. The past year has witnessed a flight towards precious metals, as investors seek security amidst ongoing global conflicts and trade tensions. In anticipation of significant rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve under new leadership, investors are increasingly turning to commodities like gold and silver. This shift has propelled both metals to new all-time highs, with gold reaching around $4,500 and silver approximately $80. Although this trend has not yet significantly impacted Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, there is speculation that such a shift might be imminent. Owen Lau, managing director at Clear Street, recently highlighted in an interview that the Federal Reserve's monetary policies in 2026 could serve as a pivotal catalyst for the crypto sector. Lau believes that reduced interest rates could ignite interest among both retail and institutional investors in riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies, often referred to as 'digital gold.' The evolving landscape of investment preferences underscores the complex interplay between traditional and digital assets, as economic conditions and regulatory environments continue to evolve.
Tether Launches Scudo: A New Gold Unit for Digital Transactions as Demand Surges
Amid growing interest in digital gold transactions, Tether has introduced a new unit called Scudo, designed to make gold more accessible in the digital realm. This development aligns with the increasing institutional and central bank appetite for gold, which is being accumulated at unprecedented levels. Scudo, announced on Tuesday, represents one-thousandth of a troy ounce of gold and is directly tied to Tether’s existing digital gold token, XAUT. This means each Scudo equates to 1/1,000 of an XAUT token, a gold-backed asset supported by over 1,300 gold bars held in custody. The market capitalization of XAUT currently stands at approximately $2.3 billion. The introduction of Scudo aims to further lower the barriers to fractional gold ownership, particularly as traditional gold ownership faces challenges related to storage, custody, and divisibility. While XAUT has already addressed some of these issues by tokenizing physical gold, Scudo is intended to enhance the ease of small-scale, onchain transactions. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized gold’s status as a premier store of value, akin to Bitcoin, especially following a year where gold prices soared beyond $4,550 per troy ounce. Ardoino likened Scudo to satoshis, the smallest unit of Bitcoin, highlighting its potential to revolutionize how gold is transacted in the digital space. The past year marked a significant period for precious metals, with gold and silver prices experiencing substantial increases. Gold surged by around 65%, driven by efforts to move away from the dollar, significant central bank purchases, and ongoing inflation concerns. Meanwhile, silver prices jumped over 140%, reaching approximately $80 per troy ounce, reflecting a broader rise in the metals market. Economist Peter Schiff noted the price surge as a potential indicator of looming high inflation, despite some moderation in recent inflation data. Gold's performance contrasted with Bitcoin, which saw declines and limited demand as a safe-haven asset, particularly after a market downturn in October. This strategic move by Tether to introduce Scudo underscores the evolving landscape of digital assets and the continuing shift towards integrating traditional stores of value like gold into modern financial systems.
Analyst Predicts XRP Could Mimic Gold's Breakout, Yet Challenges Persist
XRP appears poised to replicate a significant breakout pattern previously seen in gold, which could potentially lead to a price target between $8 and $10 by 2026, suggests crypto analyst Steph is Crypto. This prediction hinges on the currency's current trajectory, which mirrors gold's past performance. ### Key Insights: - XRP is following a breakout pattern similar to gold's historical surge, suggesting a price increase to $8–$10 if the trend continues. - Failure to surpass the 100-week EMA may result in XRP reverting to a range of $1.61–$1.97. ### Gold's Historic Breakout as a Blueprint The optimistic forecast is inspired by gold's recovery from 2020 to 2022. During that period, gold consolidated between $1,620 and $2,055, forming a five-wave Elliott Wave structure, including a descending channel as part of the wave 3-4 pattern. In November 2022, gold decisively broke above this long-term resistance, initiating a growth phase that saw its price soar by approximately 180%, reaching a peak of $4,550 by December 2025. ### XRP's Price Action XRP's price movements in early 2026 have displayed similarities to gold's consolidation phase from 2020 to 2022. After being confined within a descending channel, XRP rose nearly 30% in early 2026, breaking out and indicating potential upward momentum. Steph's analysis sets ambitious price targets for XRP in 2026, projecting a rise of 230%-310% from current levels. The analyst notes, "The path XRP is taking is remarkably similar to gold's, though on a delayed timeline." He further explains, "Typically, hard assets move first, followed by higher-beta assets. Gold has already moved; XRP is just beginning to respond." ### Potential Challenges to XRP's Growth Despite the bullish outlook, there are risks that could invalidate this setup. XRP's recent recovery bears a resemblance to its downturn from 2021 to 2022, where rising prices coupled with a declining RSI indicated a bearish divergence, leading to an 85% correction. During that downtrend, XRP experienced significant countertrend rallies, often after interacting with the 100-week EMA, with some rebounds exceeding 100%. However, these rallies did not reverse the overarching downward trend, as prices remained bound by a descending trendline. As of 2026, XRP continues to trade below both the descending trendline and the 100-week EMA, suggesting the bear market might not yet be over. Successfully reclaiming these levels could propel XRP toward $3.00, aligning with the 1.618 Fibonacci level. Conversely, failing to do so could mean a retreat to the $1.61–$1.97 range. While this analysis provides insights into potential market movements, it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider inherent risks before making investment decisions.
Tether Acquires 8,888 BTC, Becomes Fifth-Largest Bitcoin Holder
As 2025 came to a close, Tether made headlines by acquiring 8,888 Bitcoins (BTC) on New Year's Eve, bringing its total Bitcoin holdings to over 96,000 BTC. This move solidifies Tether's position as one of the most significant Bitcoin holders, now ranking as the fifth-largest Bitcoin wallet globally. The USDt (USDT) stablecoin issuer now trails only Binance, Robinhood, and Bitfinex in Bitcoin holdings, and it ranks second in the list of privately-held corporate BTC treasuries. This acquisition is part of Tether's ongoing strategy of quarterly Bitcoin purchases, where the company allocates up to 15% of its earnings to acquire Bitcoin every three months. The latest acquisition, valued at approximately $780 million at the time, underscores Tether's commitment to expanding its Bitcoin reserves, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino. BitInfoCharts data confirms Tether's position as the fifth-largest BTC holder. In addition to Bitcoin, Tether has diversified its asset portfolio with significant gold investments. In the third quarter of 2025, Tether acquired 26 tons of gold, surpassing the purchases of any single central bank during that period, and bringing its total gold reserves to 116 tons. This places Tether among the top 30 global gold holders. The company's asset strategy, which includes US Treasurys, Bitcoin, and gold, has drawn attention from ratings agencies. S&P recently downgraded USDT's rating from "constrained" to "weak," citing transparency and concentration risks. Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has also expressed concerns about Tether's increasing reserves in Bitcoin and gold. Despite fluctuations in its Bitcoin holdings, which at times have dropped below 100,000 BTC, Tether maintains that it has not been selling off its Bitcoin. CEO Ardoino clarified that any changes in holdings are related to contributions to "XXI," a Tether-backed firm. As of New Year's Day, Twenty One Capital, associated with Tether, held 43,514 BTC, making it the third-largest Bitcoin holder among public companies behind Mara Holdings and Strategy. The year-end Bitcoin acquisition by Tether is part of a broader trend of corporate Bitcoin accumulation. Japan-listed Metaplanet recently added 4,279 BTC to its treasury, bringing its total to 35,102 BTC. Meanwhile, Strategy continues to enhance its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, with its stash now exceeding 670,000 BTC.