TLDR:

Capital typically flows into gold and silver first during early liquidity expansion phases
Bitcoin consolidation often follows major liquidation events and leverage resets
Historical cycles show Bitcoin rallies after metals pause and risk appetite improves
Structural changes and policy support may amplify Bitcoin’s delayed market response

Why Bitcoin lags while metals explode frames the current divergence between digital assets and precious metals as a function of liquidity sequencing. 

Bitcoin trades about 30% below its peak, while gold and silver approach record levels. Market participants are assessing whether this reflects weakness or timing. 

Historical cycles suggest capital rarely moves uniformly across asset classes. Instead, liquidity often settles into defensive instruments before rotating toward higher-volatility markets, shaping the present market structure.

Precious Metals Absorb Liquidity Before Risk Assets

Early-stage liquidity expansions often favor assets with long-standing monetary credibility. Gold and silver typically attract capital seeking protection against macro uncertainty. This behavior was visible after the March 2020 market shock.

Bull Theory recently referenced that period, noting that aggressive Federal Reserve actions restored confidence. 

Precious metals responded rapidly, while Bitcoin remained range-bound. The delay reflected capital prioritization rather than diminished interest in digital assets.

Investors initially favored lower-volatility hedges. As metals advanced, risk appetite gradually rebuilt. 

This progression allowed capital to reposition later into assets offering asymmetric upside, following stabilization across broader markets.

Bitcoin Stabilization After Systemic Deleveraging

Post-liquidation environments tend to suppress speculative momentum. Bull Theory highlighted a major liquidation event on October 10, drawing parallels to earlier systemic resets. Such events typically compress price action across leveraged markets.

After deleveraging, Bitcoin often enters a prolonged stabilization phase. Trading ranges narrow as participants reassess positioning and risk tolerance. This phase contrasts with metals markets, which exhibit less sensitivity to leverage dynamics.

During these intervals, metals can continue advancing without competition for capital. According to Bull Theory, this divergence reflects recalibration rather than rotation away from crypto. Consolidation historically precedes renewed participation once leverage rebuilds responsibly.

Structural Factors Reinforce the Current Setup

The present cycle includes drivers beyond pure liquidity. Bull Theory noted that policy support has already resumed, with expectations for continued rate cuts. These conditions sustain accommodative financial environments.

Market structure has also evolved. Spot Bitcoin ETFs now provide simplified institutional access. Regulatory clarity has improved, reducing friction for large allocators. These changes broaden participation channels absent in earlier cycles.

Additional factors further shape allocation behavior. Bull Theory referenced potential dividend distributions under the Trump administration. 

Banks may receive balance sheet flexibility through SLR exemptions. Anticipated changes in Federal Reserve leadership also factor into expectations.

Combined, these elements suggest Bitcoin’s current lag reflects timing within a liquidity rotation framework, rather than erosion of demand or market relevance.

The post Liquidity Rotation Explains Bitcoin’s Pause as Gold and Silver Surge appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ December 29, 2025 9:20 am