Yeliz Akmaca 
Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana have faced sharp declines this week, while gold and silver continue to rise. Weakness in crypto markets contrasts with the growing demand for safe-haven assets amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
Crypto Market Remains Under Pressure
Major cryptocurrencies showed a weak performance this month. Bitcoin fell over 9%, dropping below the critical $100,000 on-chain support level. Ethereum, Solana, and DOGE also saw double-digit declines. XRP, however, showed more resilience with a smaller pullback. The U.S. Dollar Index lost momentum after hitting resistance above 100 earlier this month. Despite this, the crypto market failed to react positively, indicating cautious investor sentiment toward risk assets.
Liquidity Concerns Weigh on Digital Assets
The market’s fragile structure is further highlighted by rising credit risks affecting digital asset treasuries (DATs). These organizations heavily relied on debt instruments to finance crypto purchases over the past year. Tightening credit markets could make it harder for these firms to refinance obligations. In such a scenario, selling crypto reserves to meet debt payments may trigger a chain reaction of forced liquidations, especially affecting volatile altcoins. Even major assets like Bitcoin face cautious positioning from investors, reflecting overall risk aversion.
Why Gold and Silver Are Climbing
Precious metals gained momentum this month, with gold up nearly 4% and silver rising close to 9%. Investor demand for safe-haven assets is a key driver. Advanced economies show record-high government debt to GDP ratios—over 120% in the U.S., above 220% in Japan, and more than 110% in France and Italy.
Such fiscal pressures heighten concerns about financial stability, boosting gold prices. Historically, gold has led Bitcoin price movements by roughly 80 days, suggesting that when the gold rally stabilizes, a potential buying interest in cryptocurrencies could emerge.
Macro Outlook and Potential Market Impacts
Two key factors will shape the near-term landscape. First, liquidity conditions in credit markets: continued stress could extend crypto sell-offs. Second, the strength of safe-haven demand for gold and silver. Investor behavior is heavily influenced by perceived systemic risk, keeping precious metals in an advantageous position for now. A recovery in Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies would require both credit market normalization and renewed risk appetite.
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