Is Bitcoin Setting Up For A Rally Given Its Historical Correlation With Gold?

Is Bitcoin Setting Up For A Rally Given Its Historical Correlation With Gold?

Looking at the past decade and a half, two assets have emerged prominently as bastions against the erosion of fiat currency value: gold and Bitcoin. Both assets share fundamental characteristics that define sound money—scarcity, decentralization, and resistance to manipulation. Investors seeking refuge from inflationary pressures and economic instability have increasingly turned to these two distinct yet philosophically aligned assets. Despite their shared appeal, gold and Bitcoin have recently diverged significantly in their short-term performance, prompting investors and analysts alike to question the underlying reasons behind this unexpected split.

Since January 2025, Bitcoin has experienced a notable decline of roughly 12%, while gold has surged impressively by approximately 20%. This divergence is particularly intriguing given Bitcoin’s historical tendency to outperform gold during periods of economic uncertainty. If both assets theoretically benefit from similar macroeconomic conditions—such as inflation, currency debasement, and geopolitical instability—why have their paths diverged so sharply in recent months?

To unravel this puzzle, we must examine the unique market dynamics, institutional behaviors, and macroeconomic factors influencing each asset.

Gold’s Resurgence: Institutional Confidence and Central Bank Accumulation

Gold’s recent rally can largely be attributed to heightened demand from central banks and institutional investors. According to the an article by JP Morgan, central banks globally have significantly increased their gold reserves, purchasing record amounts in recent years. Especially the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has aggressively expanded its gold holdings, signaling a strategic shift away from reliance on the US dollar amid escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Gold’s enduring appeal lies in its historical role as a universally recognized store of value. Its tangible nature provides a sense of security and stability that digital assets cannot yet fully replicate. Institutional investors, particularly those managing large portfolios, find comfort in gold’s established regulatory framework and widespread acceptance. Unlike Bitcoin, gold faces minimal regulatory ambiguity, making it a straightforward choice for conservative investors seeking stability.

Recently, Goldman Sachs revised its gold price forecast upward, projecting prices to reach $3,700 per ounce by year-end. This bullish outlook underscores the growing institutional confidence in gold’s ability to serve as a reliable hedge against inflation and economic volatility.

Bitcoin’s Temporary Setback: Growing Pains and Market Volatility

In contrast, Bitcoin has encountered several headwinds in 2025. Despite its impressive long-term trajectory, Bitcoin remains a relatively young and volatile asset class. Regulatory uncertainty continues to pose significant challenges, deterring many institutional investors from fully embracing cryptocurrency. Additionally, Bitcoin’s price movements are heavily influenced by retail investor sentiment, which can fluctuate dramatically based on short-term market psychology.

The recent decline in Bitcoin’s price can also be attributed to profit-taking following its substantial gains in previous years. After the explosive growth witnessed in 2021 and 2022, a period of consolidation and correction was inevitable. Such volatility is characteristic of emerging asset classes, particularly those undergoing rapid adoption and market maturation.

Nevertheless, Bitcoin’s fundamental attributes remain robust. Its capped supply of 21 million coins ensures scarcity, while its decentralized blockchain structure provides resistance to censorship and manipulation. Historically, Bitcoin has demonstrated resilience, often rebounding strongly after periods of correction and consolidation.

Historical Correlation and Divergence: A Temporary Phenomenon?

Historically, gold and Bitcoin have exhibited a fascinating relationship. Analysts such as David Foley and Lawrence Lepard have observed that gold often initiates rallies, with Bitcoin subsequently following and amplifying these movements. This historical pattern suggests that Bitcoin, as a smaller and more volatile asset, typically lags behind gold initially but eventually surpasses it in magnitude during bullish cycles.

Given this historical context, the current divergence between gold and Bitcoin may be temporary. If past patterns hold true, Bitcoin could soon experience a significant rally, potentially surpassing previous highs. This could mean that Bitcoin reaching upwards of $108,000 within months, aligning with its historical behavior during periods of economic uncertainty and rising gold prices.

The broader macroeconomic landscape remains highly favorable for both gold and Bitcoin. Central banks worldwide continue expansive monetary policies, fueling inflationary pressures and eroding fiat currency purchasing power. The US Federal Reserve, in particular, faces challenges balancing inflation control with economic growth, leading to diminished confidence in the dollar’s long-term stability.

In such an environment, assets embodying sound money principles become increasingly attractive. Both gold and Bitcoin offer investors protection against systemic risks associated with excessive debt, currency debasement, and geopolitical instability. As global financial fragility intensifies, diversification into assets outside traditional financial systems becomes not just prudent but essential.

Bitcoin: Digital Gold for a Digital Era

While gold boasts historical credibility and institutional acceptance, Bitcoin represents the evolution of sound money in a digital age. Its digital nature provides unique advantages: borderless transactions, ease of transfer, and immunity from physical confiscation. These attributes resonate strongly with younger generations and populations in countries experiencing currency instability or authoritarian governance.

Bitcoin adoption continues to accelerate globally. Prominent corporations such as Tesla and MicroStrategy have integrated Bitcoin into their balance sheets, while nations like El Salvador have officially recognized it as legal tender. These developments underscore Bitcoin’s growing legitimacy as a global reserve asset.

Moreover, technological advancements within the Bitcoin ecosystem, such as the Lightning Network, enhance its practicality for everyday transactions. The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) further expands Bitcoin’s utility, solidifying its role within the broader financial landscape.

Gold: Timeless Stability Amidst Uncertainty

Despite Bitcoin’s compelling narrative, gold remains an indispensable cornerstone of global finance. Its physical presence and millennia-long history as a store of value provide unmatched trust and stability. Gold’s lower volatility compared to Bitcoin makes it particularly appealing to risk-averse investors and institutions seeking predictable returns.

Historically, gold has consistently outperformed other asset classes during periods of economic turmoil, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable safe haven. This proven track record explains why central banks and institutional investors continue to prioritize gold holdings, especially during uncertain economic climates.

Complementary Roles: Diversification in Sound Money

The divergence between gold and Bitcoin in 2025 highlights their distinct yet complementary roles within a diversified investment portfolio. Rather than viewing these assets as competitors, investors should recognize their unique strengths and limitations. Gold offers stability, institutional acceptance, and historical reliability, while Bitcoin provides growth potential, technological innovation, and adaptability to a digital economy.

In an increasingly uncertain global financial environment, the importance of sound money assets cannot be overstated. Both gold and Bitcoin serve as critical hedges against inflation, currency debasement, and systemic financial risks. Investors seeking comprehensive protection and growth potential would be wise to allocate resources to both assets, leveraging their complementary characteristics.

Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Sound Money

Ultimately, the debate between gold and Bitcoin transcends mere competition. Both assets embody the principles of sound money, offering investors refuge from the vulnerabilities inherent in fiat currency systems. Their recent divergence in performance reflects temporary market dynamics rather than fundamental weaknesses.

As the global financial landscape continues to evolve, the combined strengths of gold and Bitcoin will become increasingly apparent. Together, they represent a powerful dual strategy for navigating economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical instability. Investors who embrace both assets position themselves advantageously for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

In the end, the choice between gold and Bitcoin is not binary but complementary. Each asset offers unique advantages, and together they form a robust foundation for preserving and growing wealth in uncertain times. Whether through the timeless reliability of gold or the transformative potential of Bitcoin, sound money remains an undefeated strategy in an era defined by financial volatility and uncertainty.

 

Source: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44955500/is-bitcoin-setting-up-for-a-rally-given-its-historical-correlation-with-gold

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

The financial markets have been a whirlwind of activity this week, with major US stock market benchmarks—the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite—navigating a volatile, choppy session to ultimately close near their session highs.

The Dow gained 284.97 points (0.70 per cent) to close at 41,113.97, the S&P 500 climbed 24.37 points (0.43 per cent) to 5,631.28, and the Nasdaq added 48.50 points (0.27 per cent) to 17,738.16. This late-session rally came amidst a barrage of high-impact catalysts that kept investors on edge: US-China trade talks slated for this weekend in Switzerland, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, President Trump’s plan to roll back Biden-era restrictions on artificial intelligence chips, and a steep 7.5 per cent selloff in Alphabet shares due to concerns over declining Google search volumes.

Beyond the stock market, central banks made headlines with contrasting moves—the Fed maintaining its cautious stance while the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) slashed rates to stimulate its economy.

Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency realm, Bitcoin soared past US$99,000, inching closer to the US$100,000 milestone, while Ethereum’s much-hyped Pectra upgrade failed to ignite immediate enthusiasm. I see a market teetering between opportunity and uncertainty, shaped by geopolitical tensions, monetary policy decisions, and shifting investor sentiment.

Stock market performance and catalysts

Let’s dive into the US stock market’s rollercoaster session. The major benchmarks’ ability to close near their highs despite intraday volatility speaks to the resilience of investor confidence, albeit tempered by unease. One of the day’s biggest drivers was the surge in chipmakers, catalysed by news that the Trump administration intends to rescind Biden-era curbs on AI chip exports.

The PHLX Semiconductor Index, a barometer for the sector, rose 1.7 per cent after an earlier dip of one per cent, reflecting a late rally in stocks like Nvidia and AMD. This policy shift could unlock significant growth for the US tech sector, which has been hamstrung by restrictions aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced technology. However, the broader market’s choppiness suggests that investors remain wary of other headwinds.

The most anticipated news was the announcement that US and Chinese officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade negotiator Jamieson Greer, will meet in Switzerland this weekend to discuss trade. Initially, this sparked optimism that the long-standing US-China trade war might see a thaw, especially given Trump’s recent 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports.

However, Bessent quickly dampened expectations, telling Reuters that these would not be “advanced” discussions. His realism—or perhaps pessimism—echoes China’s guarded response, with a foreign ministry spokesperson citing a proverb about actions speaking louder than words.

For context, the trade war has disrupted global supply chains, driving up costs and stoking inflation fears. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently warned of potential product shortages if tariffs persist, a sentiment shared by many corporate leaders. From my perspective, this weekend’s talks are a critical juncture, but the lack of concrete progress signals more volatility ahead as markets grapple with uncertainty.

Another key factor was the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25–4.50 per cent for the third consecutive meeting, aligning with market expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in remarks, acknowledged that the US economy continues to grow at a solid pace, though swings in net exports—likely tied to trade disruptions—have clouded the data.

The Fed’s statement flagged rising risks of inflation and unemployment, particularly due to Trump’s tariff policies. Powell’s cautious tone, emphasising the need for more data before signalling rate cuts, disappointed some investors hoping for dovish hints.

LSEG data suggests markets still anticipate a 25-basis-point cut by July, but the Fed’s focus on tariff-driven inflation risks complicates that outlook. I see the Fed walking a tightrope: easing too soon could fuel inflation, while holding firm might choke growth if trade tensions escalate. This limbo is likely to keep markets jittery.

Alphabet’s sharp 7.5 per cent drop added to the session’s turbulence. Reuters reported that the selloff stemmed from concerns about declining Google search volumes, a critical metric for the tech giant’s revenue. This stumble dragged down the broader tech sector, highlighting how even industry titans face scrutiny in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Juxtaposed with the chip sector’s gains, Alphabet’s woes underscore the uneven performance within tech, driven by policy shifts and competitive pressures. As a journalist, I view this as a reminder that market leaders aren’t invincible, especially as AI and other innovations challenge established business models.

Investor behaviour and corporate strategy

Investor sentiment has shifted noticeably amid these developments. Bank of America’s weekly flow data, cited by CNBC, revealed that investors yanked US$8.9 billion out of US equities last week—the largest outflow since March—while funnelling US$7.8 billion into foreign stocks. This pivot suggests growing unease about US market valuations and the potential fallout from trade wars.

At the same time, US companies are planning a record US$500 billion in stock buybacks, according to the Financial Times, as tariff uncertainty stalls capital investment. Buybacks can prop up share prices in the short term, but they also signal a defensive mindset, with firms opting to reward shareholders rather than bet on expansion in a shaky environment.

This trend reflects a broader wait-and-see approach. If trade tensions ease, those funds could shift toward growth initiatives, potentially sparking a rally. For now, though, caution reigns.

Central bank actions

On the monetary policy front, central banks offered contrasting narratives. The Fed’s decision to hold steady reflects a steady-hand approach, balancing solid US growth against inflationary pressures from tariffs. Across the Pacific, the People’s Bank of China took a more aggressive tack, cutting its seven-day reverse repo rate from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent and lowering the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 per cent effective May 15, per Bloomberg.

These moves aim to counter US tariff pressures and bolster China’s economy, which faces deflation, a property crisis, and slowing growth. The PBOC also signalled regulatory flexibility for tariff-hit firms and encouraged equity investments by insurance funds, rounding out a multi-faceted stimulus package.

China’s actions are a pragmatic response to external shocks, but their success depends on whether global trade stabilises. If US-China talks falter, this stimulus might not fully offset the tariff drag, with ripple effects for global markets.

Cryptocurrency trends

The cryptocurrency space provided a stark contrast to traditional markets, with Bitcoin surging past US$99,000 late Wednesday, hitting $99,027.83 as of 11:47 p.m. ET, per CoinDesk. This milestone in its 2025 bull run—just shy of the psychologically significant $100,000 mark—cements Bitcoin’s status as the year’s top-performing major asset.

Several factors are fuelling this rally. Institutional momentum is a big driver: BlackRock’s IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF has outpaced the SPDR Gold Trust in year-to-date inflows, while firms like Japan’s Metaplanet and US-based Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) continue aggressive BTC accumulation.

Bitcoin’s realised capitalisation has also hit a record US$890 billion, reflecting growing confidence among long-term holders. Macro tailwinds, including expectations of future Fed rate cuts, further bolster its appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

Ethereum, however, painted a different picture. Its widely anticipated Pectra upgrade, activated Wednesday, failed to spark immediate excitement. ETH rose a modest 0.96 per cent, with trading volume inching up just 0.52 per cent over 24 hours. This muted response contrasts sharply with Bitcoin’s surge, highlighting their divergent roles: Bitcoin as a store of value, Ethereum as a platform for smart contracts.

I see Bitcoin’s rally as proof of its maturation as an asset class, embraced by institutions and retail investors alike. Ethereum’s lackluster reaction suggests that its technological upgrades, while promising, need time to translate into market momentum.

My take

Stepping back, the financial landscape feels like a high-stakes chess game, with each move—whether by governments, central banks, or investors—carrying outsized implications. The US stock market’s resilience amid choppy trading reflects a tug-of-war between optimism (chip policy relief, potential trade progress) and anxiety (tariffs, inflation risks).

The Fed’s steady hand contrasts with China’s stimulus push, illustrating how global economies are responding to shared pressures in distinct ways. Investor flight from US equities and the surge in buybacks signal a defensive crouch, while Bitcoin’s ascent underscores a hunger for alternative assets in an uncertain world.

In my view, the US-China talks this weekend are the linchpin. A breakthrough could calm markets and redirect corporate funds from buybacks to investment, fueling growth. But Bessent’s tempered outlook and China’s reticence suggest a slog ahead, keeping volatility high.

The Fed’s caution makes sense given tariff-driven inflation risks, though it risks lagging if the economy softens. China’s rate cuts are a bold play, but their impact hinges on global trade dynamics. And in crypto, Bitcoin’s dominance is clear, though Ethereum’s slow burn could pay off long-term as its upgrades mature.

I’ll be watching how these threads—trade, policy, and innovation—unravel in the weeks ahead. For now, the markets are a crucible of uncertainty and opportunity, and investors are navigating it with a mix of boldness and caution that’s fascinating to witness.

 

Source: https://e27.co/navigating-market-volatility-bitcoin-hits-us99k-us-stocks-rally-amid-trade-talks-and-fed-decisions-20250508/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

Gold up, oil down, Bitcoin flexes: What should we expect next?

Gold up, oil down, Bitcoin flexes: What should we expect next?

Global risk sentiment, which often serves as a barometer for investor confidence, has been notably muted. On Monday, US stock markets took a hit, breaking a multi-session winning streak that had given some hope of sustained optimism.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by 0.24 per cent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.64 per cent, and the Nasdaq fell 0.74 per cent, all closing in the red. This downturn came despite encouraging data showing stronger-than-anticipated US services activity and reassuring words from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant about forthcoming trade deals.

It’s a puzzling scenario—positive economic signals clashing with a market that seems reluctant to embrace them. To me, this suggests that investors might be wrestling with deeper uncertainties, perhaps questioning whether these bright spots can hold up against broader economic or geopolitical headwinds.

Diving into the bond market, US Treasury yields painted a different picture, trending upward across the curve, though the pace of increase slowed compared to the previous Friday’s surge. The 10-year US Treasury yield rose by 3.5 basis points to settle at 4.343 per cent, while the 2-year yield nudged up by 0.8 basis points to 3.832 per cent.

Rising yields often reflect a shift in investor behaviour—selling off bonds, possibly in anticipation of higher inflation or interest rates down the road. Given the positive services data, one might expect this to signal confidence in economic growth. But the disconnect with the stock market’s decline is striking.

It’s as if the bond market sees a robust future that equity investors aren’t yet buying into. Could this be a sign of skepticism about the longevity of the recovery, or are there other forces—like lingering trade tensions or Federal Reserve policy expectations—clouding the picture? I suspect it’s a bit of both, with markets caught in a tug-of-war between optimism and caution.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) took a modest dip, falling 0.20 per cent and weakening against most G10 currencies. This softening of the dollar caught my attention, especially when paired with the dramatic strengthening of the Taiwanese Dollar (TWD). The USD/TWD pair tumbled from 31.0 to 30.10, even hitting an intra-day low of around 29.60.

This wasn’t just a random fluctuation—market chatter points to speculation that Taiwan might be allowing its currency to appreciate as part of a trade deal with the US. If true, this could be a strategic move to bolster economic ties, but it also highlights how sensitive currency markets are to geopolitical rumours and policy shifts.

The dollar’s broader weakness might tie back to the Federal Reserve’s stance or the market’s reaction to trade uncertainties, though I’d need to dig deeper into recent Fed statements to pin that down. For now, it’s a reminder that forex markets are rarely quiet when global stakes are high.

Turning to commodities, the story gets even more intriguing. Gold prices jumped 2.9 per cent, a move I see as a classic flight to safety amid a weaker dollar and persistent trade uncertainty. Investors often flock to gold when confidence wavers, and this uptick fits that pattern. On the flip side, Brent crude oil slid 1.7 per cent, continuing its downward trend after OPEC+ agreed over the weekend to ramp up output. The contrast here is stark—gold shining as a safe haven while oil stumbles under supply pressures.

It’s a dynamic that underscores the uneven currents running through the commodity space, with macroeconomic signals and sector-specific decisions pulling in different directions. Asian equity indices mirrored this uncertainty with mixed results in early trading, and US equity index futures hint at a lower opening for US stocks, suggesting that Monday’s cautious mood isn’t dissipating anytime soon.

Now, let’s shift gears to the cryptocurrency market, where things get particularly fascinating. Bitcoin has been a standout performer, even as traditional markets faltered. According to recent insights from VanEck, Bitcoin posted a 13 per cent gain in April, a sharp contrast to the broader market selloff.

This resilience was especially evident during the week ending April 6, when former President Trump’s announcement of new tariff measures sent shockwaves through global markets. While equities and gold took a hit, Bitcoin climbed from US$81,500 to over US$84,500 by week’s end.

For a moment, it looked like Bitcoin might be breaking free from its usual dance with US equities—a phenomenon analysts call decoupling. The 30-day moving average correlation between Bitcoin and the S&P 500 dipped below 0.25 in early April, fueling hopes that it could carve out a path as an independent asset, perhaps even a hedge against global instability.

But that independence didn’t stick. By the end of April, the correlation rebounded to around 0.55, and Bitcoin fell back into step with equity markets. Still, its 13 per cent gain outpaced the Nasdaq Composite’s one per cent decline and the S&P 500’s modest uptick, marking it as a relative winner.

Also Read:

Market wrap: Consumer confidence drops, markets rise, Bitcoin ETF soars

Market wrap: Consumer confidence drops, markets rise, Bitcoin ETF soars

What’s driving this? Part of it might be institutional moves like Strategy’s—formerly MicroStrategy—recent acquisition of 1,895 Bitcoin for US$180 million, wrapping up a US$21 billion equity offering program launched in October. With their holdings now at roughly 555,500 Bitcoin, valued at US$52.4 billion per their latest SEC filing, Strategy’s commitment signals strong corporate faith in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

This kind of institutional backing could be stabilising Bitcoin’s floor, even as its correlation with stocks waxes and wanes. To me, it’s a sign that Bitcoin is maturing—its volatility has reportedly hit a 563-day low, per CoinTelegraph—yet it’s still searching for its identity in the financial ecosystem.

Ethereum, however, tells a different story, one tinged with struggle. Its dominance in smart contract fees has taken a significant hit as users drift to rival networks, likely drawn by lower costs and faster transactions. This migration isn’t just a blip—it’s a challenge to Ethereum’s core promise as the backbone of decentralised applications. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, has openly acknowledged the network’s past fixation on complexity, admitting that adjustments are overdue.

His comments hint at a “slimming down” effort, a tacit concession that the grand vision of Ethereum as a “world computer” might be more aspirational than practical. There’s talk of swapping out the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) for RISC-V, which some see as a technical upgrade but others—like me—view as an admission that the layer2 Rollup-Centric strategy has faltered.

While competitors like Solana scoop up users with simpler designs and flashy marketing (think MEME coins), Ethereum is bogged down managing a sprawling web of layer2 solutions. Interoperability among hundreds of L2s sounds ambitious, but in practice, it’s a headache—one that’s driving developers and users away. Buterin’s pivot feels less like a bold reimagining and more like a desperate bid to keep Ethereum relevant.

I can’t help but wonder if this is a case of cutting losses rather than charting a new course. Solana’s gains highlight what Ethereum’s losing: agility and accessibility. Still, Ethereum’s entrenched community and developer base give it a fighting chance—if it can streamline without alienating its core.

Stepping back, the market wrap reveals a world in flux. Global risk sentiment is tepid, with US stocks faltering despite economic green shoots.

Treasury yields are climbing, hinting at growth expectations, yet the dollar’s dip and the TWD’s surge point to trade-driven undercurrents. Commodities split the difference—gold up, oil down—while Bitcoin flexes its muscle but can’t quite break free from equities. Ethereum, meanwhile, grapples with an identity crisis that could reshape its future.

I see this as a moment of reckoning for markets: optimism is there, but it’s fragile, tempered by uncertainties that no trade deal or data point can fully dispel. Investors would do well to watch these threads closely—because in this environment, the next twist is never far off.

 

Source: https://e27.co/gold-up-oil-down-bitcoin-flexes-what-should-we-expect-next-20250506/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j