Bitcoin's 50% crash against gold sparks whale buying spree amid market turmoil
Cryptocurrency markets are showing mixed signals this week. Bitcoin has faced a sharp decline after breaking a long-standing trend against gold, while Shiba Inu appears to have stabilised. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank's move to adopt Ripple's payment technology highlights growing institutional interest in blockchain solutions.
Analysts point to shifting investor behaviour, with Bitcoin whales increasing their holdings despite recent price drops. The contrast between Bitcoin's struggles and gold's rally has also drawn attention, as economic pressures reshape market dynamics.
Bitcoin's 12-year trend against gold collapsed in February 2026, triggering a steep downturn. Since then, its price has fallen by roughly 50%, now trading between $68,000 and $71,000. This marks a 40-47.5% drop from its 2025 peak of around $96,000. Meanwhile, gold has surged over 18% year-to-date, reaching nearly $5,000 per ounce—a 60-65% increase since 2025. The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio now sits at just 14-15 ounces per BTC, down from historical highs.
On-chain analyst Willy Woo warned of a potential 'Quantum Discount,' suggesting Bitcoin prices could remain suppressed for years. Factors like deleveraging, high volatility, and economic headwinds have weakened bullish momentum. In contrast, gold's rise reflects strong safe-haven demand, driven by central bank purchases, geopolitical tensions, and expectations of Federal Reserve easing.
Despite the downturn, Bitcoin whales have accumulated over 30,000 BTC—worth more than $2 billion—in the past week. This surge in holdings signals confidence among large investors, even as smaller traders face uncertainty.
Elsewhere, Deutsche Bank announced plans to integrate Ripple's technology for cross-border payments. The upgrade aims to settle transactions in seconds while reducing costs by up to 30%. Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz, however, made headlines for criticising Logan Paul's $16.5 million Pokémon card sale. Schwartz argued the deal unfairly concentrated profits with sponsors while shifting risks to retail buyers.
In the meme coin sector, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has entered a low-volatility phase. After weeks of selling pressure, its price now shows signs of stabilisation, suggesting a temporary pause in market turbulence.
Bitcoin's sharp decline against gold marks a notable shift in investor sentiment. The metal's rally, backed by central bank demand and economic instability, contrasts with Bitcoin's struggles amid high volatility and regulatory pressures. Deutsche Bank's adoption of Ripple's technology, however, underscores continued institutional faith in blockchain efficiency.
With Bitcoin whales increasing their positions, some analysts see potential for a recovery. Yet, warnings of prolonged price suppression and Shiba Inu's consolidation phase suggest caution remains in the broader crypto market.
