As 2025 draws to a close, discussions are intensifying around the notion that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have diverged from traditional assets such as precious metals like gold and silver, as well as U.S. stocks. While stock indices and precious metals continue to hit record highs, crypto prices appear stagnant, seemingly stuck in place.
Bitcoin Fades into the Background While Precious Metals and Stocks Shine
Investors in bitcoin find themselves puzzled by why equities and precious metals are surging while the top digital currency—and many altcoins—are faltering. This topic is widely debated across social media platforms including Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
On X, numerous users attribute this divergence to factors like market manipulation or shifts in liquidity flows. Many view the current lull as an ideal opportunity for accumulation. One user named Paplianos commented: “This looks like a textbook setup for a rotation phase.” They noted that gold, silver, NASDAQ, S&P 500, and Dow Jones are all trading near all-time highs with indicators suggesting overbought conditions—many holders seem eager to lock in profits before any macroeconomic disruptions occur.
The same account added:
“What could be more logical than promoting a beaten-down crypto market at its relative lows? There’s no bad news here—just ‘manipulation’ keeping BTC roughly 28% below its peak while altcoins remain suppressed.”
Another voice on X argued that rising prices of gold and silver alongside bitcoin’s slow but steady movement reflect diminishing purchasing power caused by excessive money printing combined with government deficits—which have driven up interest rates and living costs. Essentially, everyday expenses feel higher because fiat currencies lose value.
Conversely, some insist there is no clear explanation for bitcoin posting its weakest fourth quarter performance in seven years without any negative headlines or persistent fear-driven rumors (FUD).
“The only plausible reason is pure market manipulation,” one individual asserted.
This conversation extends beyond X into Reddit’s r/bitcoin community where users debate whether bitcoin’s lagging returns indicate waning confidence as a hedge asset or simply reflect it being slower off the mark compared to gold or copper—with potential catch-up still possible.
A Reddit commenter remarked: “It seems more like an asset rotation rather than outright rejection. Gold serves as fear/debt protection while copper signals real economic growth & electrification.
BTC typically lags during these phases but reacts later when liquidity expectations shift. <i class="i"; data-reactid=&qu…
Not yet adopted by sovereign entities nor priced fully as infrastructure—that ‘identity gap’ explains why timing matters. <em class=&qu…
Feels dull early-cycle… until suddenly it isn’t.”
Also read: Libra Saga: Hayden Davis Signed NDA to Become Argentina’s Blockchain Advisor
Others raised concerns about underlying risks such as quantum computing potentially threatening Bitcoin’s foundational security protocols.
One Redditor expressed unease:
“I’m worried about quantum computing,” they wrote.
“Also concerned about MicroStrategy slowing their purchases which might hurt their stock price leading to exclusion from key indices.
A lot of dynamics are unfolding,” they added.
Some participants believe bitcoin is currently undervalued (“on sale”) awaiting capital inflows that could trigger recovery.
Many shared perspectives:
“BTC tends to be last among assets pumped during bear markets—it often falls sharply,” one user emphasized.
Another agreed:
“Precious metals have been ingrained psychologically for thousands of years.
Bitcoin has less than 3% penetration despite existing just over ten years.”
Whether this divergence represents merely a temporary pause or something deeper remains uncertain.
The ongoing dialogue highlights how markets seek new catalysts.
For some observers,
bitcoin’s stagnation tests investor confidence;
for others,
it resembles familiar waiting periods where focus shifts elsewhere before returning.
Without clear triggers,
speculations such as manipulation fill voids left by muted price movements.
Some attribute recent volatility partly to an October 10 deleveraging event
that wiped out approximately $20 billion worth of derivatives positions through liquidations.
As we approach 2026,
debates show no signs of abating;
gold &
silver may continue basking in attention,
stocks might keep advancing,
and cryptocurrencies will likely test investors’ patience further — yet history reminds us these cycles rarely persist indefinitely.
Currently,
bitcoin occupies an uneasy middle ground:
questioned skeptics doubt it;
devoted believers defend it;
and everyone else watches closely,
waiting eagerly for what narrative will dominate next.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Why has bitcoin underperformed compared with gold &
stocks late in 2025?
Many traders suggest factors such as liquidity rotations,
market structure changes,
or temporary decoupling rather than adverse news drive this trend.
Are there claims of price manipulation affecting bitcoin?
Yes,
an increasing number of participants on platforms like X &
Reddit argue that current price behavior reflects manipulative forces instead of fundamentals.
Does weak Q4 performance imply loss of confidence?
Opinions vary:
some see it merely testing patience whereas others interpret it as part of historical lag phases preceding renewed momentum.
What risks do investors currently associate with bitcoin?
Concerns include threats posed by quantum computing technology,
reduced corporate buying activity,
and questions regarding Bitcoin’s role long-term hedge against inflation.