Gold and Bitcoin Are Now 2026’s Worst Major Assets: What Went Wrong?

Bitcoin and gold have become the two worst-performing major asset classes of the year so far, marking an unusual first in data stretching back to 2011. The development comes as higher oil prices and renewed expectations for tighter monetary policy have undermined two assets that had recently benefited from concerns over debt, deficits, and currency debasement. Data compiled by Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello showed that, through October 23, gold was down 7.5% year-to-date while BTC’s loss stood at 7.3%.