BTC Maintains $87K Level Despite Stock Selloff, Highlighting Strengthening Investor Sentiment

Bitcoin Climbs Above $86K as Markets Falter, Signaling Growing Role as Macro Hedge

As U.S. equities slump on renewed tariff tensions and political unrest, Bitcoin (BTC) is holding firm — a move some experts say signals a fundamental shift in how investors view the cryptocurrency.

BTC climbed 2.3% in the last 24 hours to $86,800, marking its highest level since early April. The CoinDesk 20 Index, buoyed largely by Bitcoin’s strength, is also up 1.17%. This comes even as the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones each dropped over 3%, dragged down by rising volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty.

In contrast, crypto-adjacent stocks like Coinbase (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) slid slightly, while major miners — MARA, RIOT, and CORZ — suffered deeper losses between 2% and 3%.

The standout performance of BTC has caught the attention of analysts. “Bitcoin is showing strength in the face of fear,” said QCP Capital in a note. “The synchronized rally with gold could be an early indicator that investors are starting to consider BTC a reliable hedge.”

Gold surged 2.9% to $3,400, while the U.S. dollar weakened — the DXY falling to its lowest point in three years.

Former Société Générale macro strategist Lawrence McDonald echoed the sentiment on X: “Bitcoin has NEVER held up this well with the VIX near 30,” he wrote, pointing to BTC’s resilience as a sign of growing investor confidence and concern over fiat instability. “This is a strong sign of a maturing bitcoin market… and growing stress in the USD system.”

Political factors may be playing a role. President Donald Trump launched a new round of attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, calling for immediate interest rate cuts and accusing Powell of harming the economy. Trump’s comments, made on Truth Social, added to market unease, with speculation mounting that he may attempt to remove Powell from office before his term ends in 2026.

While the Fed chair has asserted that legal precedent prevents his early dismissal, uncertainty surrounding central bank independence has rattled investors — and may be fueling the rise in hard assets.

In summary, Bitcoin’s current stability amid stock volatility, a falling dollar, and political drama could be a sign of growing macro relevance. Whether this proves a temporary divergence or the beginning of a long-term trend remains to be seen — but the market is watching.