In a striking display of resilience, Bitcoin (BTC) is holding firm near the $87,000 mark, even as traditional financial markets tumble amid rising economic uncertainty. According to Lawrence McDonald, a prominent macroeconomic strategist and former head of U.S. Macro Strategy at Société Générale, this kind of strength in Bitcoin during heightened volatility is unprecedented, signaling a potential maturation of the crypto market.
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Bitcoin Defies Market Trends
Bitcoin has risen 2.3% in the last 24 hours, trading at $86,800—the highest since April 3. This rise is despite continued volatility in equity markets, sparked mainly by fresh tariff worries and rising political tension.
The CoinDesk 20 Index, which measures the wider digital asset market, increased 1.17% over the same period. Surprisingly, the majority of altcoins hovered around even, reflecting Bitcoin’s increasing dominance in times of volatility.
Crypto Stocks and Miners Under Pressure
Even as Bitcoin demonstrated significant resilience, large crypto-related stocks and mining shares experienced minor pullbacks. Coinbase (COIN) and MicroStrategy (MSTR) fell 1.2% and 1.3%, respectively. Major Bitcoin mining companies such as MARA Holdings (MARA), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Core Scientific (CORZ) also reported losses in the 2% to 3% range.
Even with these downturns, the general crypto market is being much more robust than the conventional markets.
The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones have slumped 3.35%, 3.5%, and 3.27%, respectively, retreating toward tariff-related lows from earlier this month.
Safe-Haven Narrative Gaining Traction
Bitcoin’s performance is drawing comparisons to traditional safe-haven assets like gold, which also climbed 2.9% and is now trading at $3,400. The U.S. dollar, measured by the DXY index, hit a three-year low, highlighting growing fiat currency stress.
In a market commentary, analysts at QCP Capital questioned whether Bitcoin’s rally is merely holiday-driven noise or a signal of a deeper shift. “Was today’s tandem rally in Bitcoin and gold merely holiday-driven noise, or a meaningful shift towards Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset?” they asked. “The latter would mark a material change in how traditional finance views Bitcoin.”
With European markets still closed for Easter Monday, analysts believe it may take a few more sessions to confirm whether this trend holds weight.
Lawrence McDonald: “Bitcoin’s Resilience Is a Game-Changer”
Lawrence McDonald believes this moment could be pivotal for Bitcoin. “Bitcoin has NEVER held up this well with a VIX near 30,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter). According to McDonald, this is a “strong sign of a maturing Bitcoin market (good news) and colossal encroaching fiat currency stress.”
His comments reflect growing sentiment that Bitcoin may be evolving from a speculative asset into a digital store of value, especially during periods of economic instability.
Political Drama Fuels Market Uncertainty
The broader financial market’s sickness is being driven by political instability in the U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his war with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Easter Monday. Trump called Powell a “major loser” and insisted that the Fed reduce interest rates right away in a Truth Social post, saying there is no inflation issue and most prices are falling.
This assault added to fresh worry about the integrity of monetary policy, especially now that Trump allegedly is exploring possible legal avenues through which to force Powell out by the end of his term this May 2026. Although Powell has claimed that the president does not have the legal right to fire him, the threat alone has spooked investors.
Conclusion: Is Bitcoin Becoming a Safe-Haven Asset?
As conventional markets crumble under strain, Bitcoin’s resilience to stay stable around $87K could be a sign of a fundamental change in how it is viewed. With the dollar weakening, gold rising, and political unrest on the increase, more investors could look to Bitcoin as a hedge against uncertainty.
Whether or not this is a short-term blip or a long-term trend is to be determined, but one thing is certain: Bitcoin is starting to act less like a speculative commodity and more like a seasoned market participant.
