Bitcoin Holds Steady at $89K as Gold Soars to Record Highs: What's Driving the Crypto Market?

Bitcoin traded near $88,800 on Monday as global markets leaned back into risk following record highs in gold and gains across Asian equities.

Ether climbed back above $3,000, while XRP, Solana and Dogecoin also edged higher after a volatile stretch that saw crypto prices swing sharply independent of stocks and commodities.

The steadier tone came as gold pushed to an all-time high above $4,380 an ounce, driven by growing bets that the Federal Reserve will deliver additional rate cuts in 2026.

The metal is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, supported by central-bank buying and persistent inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds.

Asian stocks advanced alongside the move in precious metals. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose more than 1%, led by technology shares, after a rebound in U.S. equities late last week helped calm global markets. U.S. equity futures were also higher.

Japan remained in focus after the Bank of Japan’s recent rate hike pushed government bond yields to multi-year highs. The yen strengthened after officials warned against excessive currency moves, while higher yields reinforced the shift away from years of ultra-loose policy.

Crypto followed the broader risk tone but remained fragile. Traders pointed to thin year-end liquidity and lingering leverage as factors keeping rallies in check.

Data from K33 Research shows long-term bitcoin holders are nearing the end of an extended selling phase, while institutional buyers have begun absorbing bitcoin faster than miners can produce it. Corporate treasuries and ETFs have increased purchases even after prices fell more than 30% from October highs.

Crypto continues to take cues from the macro backdrop — helped by rate-cut expectations and haven demand in gold, but restrained by the aftereffects of a deep fourth-quarter drawdown.