Bitcoin has recently detached from the Nasdaq, ending a four-year trend of moving in equally with the tech-heavy equity index and now Bitcoin is currently trading at $46,826. This unexpected shift has left the crypto industry buzzing with excitement and speculation.
In this article, we will delve into the reason behind this decoupling, its implications for the future of Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.
Decoupling of Nasdaq and Bitcoin
Now, the disconnection between Bitcoin and Nasdaq is based on several factors. One of the primary reasons is the growing anticipation and hopes for approval of the spot Bitcoin ETF by the SEC. Since October, the crypto market has been fixated on expectations that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve nearly a dozen spot ETF applications by January 10. This outcome could potentially pave the way for the widespread adoption of Bitcoin as an asset class.
Another factor that has contributed to the decoupling is the fact that risk assets generally see lower correlations in bull markets than in bear markets. According to a study by Fidelity Digital Assets, during bull markets, Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 is around 0.3, while during bear markets, it is around 0.7. As Bitcoin continues to mature as an asset class, it is becoming increasingly clear that it is no longer solely dependent on broader market trends.
Implications for Investors
The decoupling between Bitcoin and Nasdaq has several influences on investors as it means that Bitcoin can now serve as a portfolio diversifier, fairlead strategies, and a research provider. This development by Bitcoin is significant as it suggests that investors can now include it in their portfolios without worrying about its correlation with other risk assets.
These days, Bitcoin’s price moments are becoming increasingly independent of broader market trends. This could potentially lead to greater volatility in its price as it becomes more closely tied to its fundamentals rather than external factors. However, it also presents opportunities for investors who are willing to take on higher levels of risk in pursuit of potentially higher returns.
