Gold Market Cap Jumps $1.65T in One Day, Nearing Bitcoin's Total Value

VADODARA, January 29, 2026 — Gold's market capitalization exploded by $1.65 trillion in 24 hours. This latest crypto news event sent shockwaves through digital asset markets. Spot gold prices breached $5,500 per ounce. According to Cointelegraph, the daily increase nearly equals Bitcoin's entire market cap of $1.75 trillion. Market structure suggests a massive capital rotation from risk assets.

Investigation: The $1.65 Trillion Macro Shock

On-chain data indicates a historic liquidity event. Gold's market cap surged from approximately $13.35 trillion to $15 trillion in one session. The $1.65 trillion inflow represents a 12.4% single-day gain. This move occurred as Bitcoin traded at $88,207, down 0.75% for the day. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index plunged to 26, signaling extreme fear. Market analysts attribute the gold rush to escalating geopolitical tensions and a flight to quality. The Federal Reserve's latest policy statements on inflation likely accelerated the move.

Market Context & Historical Precedent

Historically, gold and Bitcoin exhibited low correlation. This relationship is breaking down. In contrast to the 2021 cycle, where Bitcoin decoupled from traditional markets, current price action shows convergence. The 2017 bull run saw Bitcoin as a pure risk-on asset. Today, it faces direct competition from a resurgent gold market. Underlying this trend is a broader macro narrative shift. Institutional investors are reallocating capital amid uncertainty. Related developments include exchanges adjusting operations for volatility, such as Bithumb suspending ZIL transactions ahead of a network upgrade and Upbit halting Story Token deposits for a hard fork. These actions reflect heightened market stress.

Technical Architecture & Price Action

Bitcoin's price action reveals critical technical levels. The current trading range between $85,000 and $92,000 forms a key order block. A breakdown below $85,000 would invalidate the bullish higher-low structure established in Q4 2025. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart sits at 42, indicating neutral momentum with a bearish bias. The 50-day moving average at $86,500 provides immediate support. , the Fibonacci 0.618 retracement level from the 2025 low to the all-time high rests at $82,000. This level represents a major liquidity pool. Volume profile analysis shows significant accumulation between $80,000 and $85,000. A break below this zone could trigger a cascade of stop-loss orders.

By The Numbers

Why It Matters

This event matters for portfolio allocation. Gold's surge directly challenges Bitcoin's store-of-value thesis. Institutional liquidity cycles now favor traditional hedges. Retail market structure is weakening as fear grips sentiment. The $1.65 trillion inflow into gold represents capital that could have flowed into digital assets. This creates a macro headwind for Bitcoin's valuation. On-chain forensic data confirms reduced exchange inflows for Bitcoin, indicating hodler accumulation is slowing. The shift impacts the entire crypto ecosystem, prompting exchanges to manage risk, as seen with Bithumb suspending STABLE deposits for a network upgrade.

Expert Commentary

Market structure suggests a liquidity squeeze. The gold move creates a Fair Value Gap in the macro . Bitcoin must hold key supports to avoid a deeper correction. Historical cycles show that such shocks often precede consolidation phases. The 5-year horizon still favors digital assets, but short-term pain is likely.

CoinMarketBuzz Intelligence Desk synthesized this institutional sentiment.

Market Outlook & Price Scenarios

Two data-backed technical scenarios emerge. Scenario A: Bitcoin holds the $85,000 support, consolidates, and resumes its uptrend as macro fears subside. Scenario B: A break below $85,000 triggers a liquidity grab toward the $82,000 Fibonacci level. The 12-month institutional outlook remains cautiously optimistic. However, the gold surge introduces a new variable. Long-term, Bitcoin's fixed supply and technological edge provide structural advantages. Short-term, volatility will increase.

• Bullish Invalidation Level: $92,000. A break above this resistance confirms trend reversal and negates the bearish macro pressure.
• Bearish Invalidation Level: $85,000. This support must hold to maintain the current market structure. A breach invalidates the bullish thesis short-term.

The 12-month outlook hinges on Bitcoin's ability to defend its market share. Institutional adoption continues, but gold's resurgence could slow inflows. The 5-year horizon favors Bitcoin's network effects, but 2026 may see increased correlation with traditional markets.