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The S&P 500 reached a record 7,000 points for the first time, while Bitcoin is lagging behind.
U.S. stocks are buoyed by AI, strong Big Tech earnings, and hopes for easier monetary policy. Bitcoin is rising too, but more slowly, unlike stocks and gold, which are hitting new highs. This gap raises the question: is Bitcoin lagging for a reason, or gearing up for a delayed surge?
Key Points
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S&P 500 hits record 7,000, led by AI-driven tech stocks and strong earnings.
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Gold surges past $5,200 as investors hedge amid an equity rally.
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Bitcoin rises slowly, up 1.67%, showing stabilization rather than a breakout.
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Market leadership favors stocks and gold; Bitcoin may see delayed inflows.
Relentless U.S. Stock Rally Fueled by AI and Earnings
The S&P 500’s climb to 7,000 reflects how quickly confidence has returned to U.S. markets. Gains have accelerated in recent years: it took three years to move from 4,000 to 5,000, under a year to reach 6,000, and just months to hit 7,000.
Tech stocks are leading the charge. AI-related companies now make up nearly half of the index, with Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, and chip makers benefiting from rising demand for data centers and AI infrastructure.
Earnings expectations add to the optimism. Analysts forecast S&P 500 profits growing by more than 15% in 2026, with tech profits rising almost three times as fast as the overall market.
Gold Breaks Out as Bitcoin Lags Behind
While stocks hit records, gold has surged past $5,200 per ounce, a rare move alongside rising equities. Gold’s rise reflects continued defensive demand, with central banks buying and investors hedging long-term risks even as they remain in growth assets.
Bitcoin is following a different path. BTC bounced toward the $90,000 range earlier today but has settled slightly lower at press time, remaining up 1.67% on the day.
In previous cycles, Bitcoin’s price often led during periods of renewed risk appetite. This time, leadership belongs to traditional assets.
Why Bitcoin Is Falling Behind for Now
Several factors explain why Bitcoin is playing catch-up rather than charging ahead.
First, liquidity remains tighter than in prior bull cycles. While rate cuts are expected in the coming years, the Federal Reserve remains cautious, and risk capital is not flowing indiscriminately.
Second, Bitcoin’s role as a high-beta asset works against it when investors favor earnings visibility and balance sheet strength.
Third, gold is absorbing much of the “monetary hedge” demand that Bitcoin typically attracts. With geopolitical risks, currency weakness, and central bank buying in focus, gold currently looks like the safer hedge.
Historically, Bitcoin tends to lag at the start of risk cycles and accelerates later when liquidity improves. If rate-cut expectations grow and capital moves out of crowded stocks, Bitcoin could see delayed inflows.
For now, its underperformance is not necessarily a sign of weakness. It reflects where investors feel safest taking risks today.