This week has been truly brutal for the entire cryptocurrency sector, with the prices of major currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum crashing at least 30%. The overall sector has shed trillions of dollars in value.
The recent carnage for holders of digital currencies could be due to a variety of factors including profit taking spurred by Elon Musk, an easing of inflation worries, or concerns about new regulations coming down the pike.
Whatever the case may be, some of the capital that recently left the crypto space has found its way into the gold and silver markets. This trend could continue as well, with precious metals gathering strength and with Bitcoin still having plenty of room to fall further.
Bitcoin hit its lowest price since January as the People’s Bank of China has reiterated its view that the tokens cannot be accepted as a form of payment.
Since 2017, China has become an increasingly difficult adversary for cryptocurrencies and virtual products. The communist nation has banned initial coin offerings while also forcing many exchanges to move overseas.
China has been known to implement capital controls as it seeks to control the ebb and flow of currency within its borders.
A cryptocurrency can make these controls impossible to execute, however, as funds can be swiftly and easily transferred overseas.
The only digital currency that would allow China to maintain capital controls would be the issuance of its own digital currency. China has reportedly already taken steps to introduce its own digital yuan, and the country looks to become more aggressive in the space.
In addition to China, the Bitcoin and crypto markets have also been negatively impacted by comments from Tesla chief Elon Musk.
Tesla recently purchased a large sum of Bitcoin as Musk seemingly wanted to push the use of the currency. Tesla has, however, reportedly retracted the notion that it will accept Bitcoin as payment.
Further commentary by Musk over the last several days has only added to the confusion.
The uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies has provided the gold market another boost. Although cryptos may be unregulated and can act as a hedge against rising inflation or weaker paper currencies, they do not have the long, reliable history that gold bullion does.
Given gold’s timeless role as a store of value and protector of wealth, some investors concerned about long-term capital preservation are likely to reconsider their affinity digital assets and turn toward bullion instead.
Meanwhile, rising Middle East conflicts are also fueling gold’s recent rise.
Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza this week in the face of Hamas rocket attacks on Israel, and any escalation in the conflict will underpin the bull case for precious metals.
To be sure, the current economic and geopolitical backdrops – while negative in many ways – are highly positive for gold and silver. But they’ve always been a hedge for turmoil.
If you already own some physical gold and silver bullion, now may be a good time to consider adding more. For those who do not currently own any of the monetary metals, it’s hard to imagine what else they could be waiting for!
Money Metals Exchange and its staff do not act as personal investment advisors for any specific individual. Nor do we advocate the purchase or sale of any regulated security listed on any exchange for any specific individual. Readers and customers should be aware that, although our track record is excellent, investment markets have inherent risks and there can be no guarantee of future profits. Likewise, our past performance does not assure the same future. You are responsible for your investment decisions, and they should be made in consultation with your own advisors. By purchasing through Money Metals, you understand our company not responsible for any losses caused by your investment decisions, nor do we have any claim to any market gains you may enjoy. This Website is provided “as is,” and Money Metals disclaims all warranties (express or implied) and any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, legality, reliability, or availability of any content on the Website.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD keeps the gradual recovery in place
AUD/USD regained balance and returned to the area beyond the 0.6500 barrier on Thursday, leaving behind the recent pullback. The pair’s rebound came on the back of the strong selling pressure in the US Dollar amid poor data, bets for further Fed rate cuts and trade uncertainty.

EUR/USD has room to advance further
EUR/USD hit fresh tops north of 1.1600 the figure for the first time since October 2021 against the backdrop of an increasingly deteriorated USD outlook. Indeed, the strong selling pressure in the Greenback came in response to another discouraging US inflation results, extra easing of the labour market, and expectations of maybe three rate reductions by the Fed this year.

Gold consolidates its gains near $3,380
Gold maintains its weekly rebound well in place, now trading in the sub-$3,400 region per troy ounce in response to the persistent selling bias in the US Dollar, declining US yields across the curve and growing geopolitical tensions.

Cardano Price Forecast: Whales acquire 310 million ADA amid potential triangle breakout
Cardano (ADA) shows weakness as it reverses from an overhead trendline of a triangle pattern. The altcoin edges lower by over 1% at press time on Thursday, fueling a steeper correction in its Open Interest. Amid weakness, Cardano whales have acquired 310 million ADA tokens so far this month, projecting increased confidence as the triangle pattern nears resolution.

US tariffs here to stay, trade deals ‘largely symbolic’
Despite legal challenges to IEEPA tariffs, US trade policy remains firm. Tariffs on steel and aluminium have doubled, and new sectoral tariffs are expected. Trade deals may emerge, but most will be symbolic. Effective tariff rates will stay high throughout 2025.