Felix Pinkston
Oct 26, 2025 21:07
NYDIG’s Greg Cipolaro suggests Bitcoin isn’t an inflation hedge but benefits when the US dollar weakens, acting as a liquidity barometer instead.
Bitcoin (BTC) is often touted as a hedge against inflation, but according to recent insights from NYDIG’s global head of research, Greg Cipolaro, the reality might be different. Cipolaro argues that Bitcoin’s price is less influenced by inflation and more by fluctuations in the US dollar’s strength. This assertion positions Bitcoin as a ‘liquidity barometer’ rather than a traditional inflation hedge.
Bitcoin’s Relationship with Inflation and the Dollar
In a note shared on October 27, 2025, Cipolaro highlighted that Bitcoin’s correlation with inflationary measures is neither consistent nor significant. Instead, the cryptocurrency’s value tends to rise when the US dollar weakens, mirroring movements often seen with gold. As the US dollar index falls, Bitcoin and gold typically experience price increases, indicating an inverse relationship.
The notion of Bitcoin being ‘digital gold’ has been a common narrative among its proponents, pointing to its fixed supply and decentralized nature. However, Cipolaro’s analysis suggests that Bitcoin’s integration into the traditional financial system enhances its correlation with macroeconomic factors, particularly the US dollar’s performance.
Gold and Bitcoin: Similar Yet Distinct
Cipolaro also compared Bitcoin to gold, noting that while both assets respond similarly to macroeconomic events, they remain uncorrelated with each other. Gold’s historical performance as an inflation hedge has been inconsistent, often showing an inverse correlation with inflation itself. This inconsistency challenges the traditional view of gold as a reliable inflation protection mechanism.
NYDIG anticipates Bitcoin’s inverse relationship with the US dollar will strengthen over time as Bitcoin becomes more embedded in the global financial ecosystem. This evolving dynamic underscores Bitcoin’s role as a liquidity indicator rather than a straightforward inflation hedge.
Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Bitcoin
Beyond the US dollar, Cipolaro identified interest rates and money supply as critical macroeconomic factors affecting Bitcoin’s price movements. Historically, gold has risen during periods of falling interest rates and declined when rates increase. A similar pattern has emerged for Bitcoin, suggesting a growing parallel between the two assets under these economic conditions.
Moreover, Bitcoin’s interaction with global monetary policy has been persistently positive. Looser monetary policies have generally benefited Bitcoin, further emphasizing its role as a liquidity barometer within the financial landscape.
In conclusion, while Bitcoin shares some characteristics with gold, its primary role appears to be more aligned with reflecting liquidity conditions rather than serving as a hedge against inflation. This insight from NYDIG offers a nuanced perspective on how Bitcoin operates within the broader economic context.
For more detailed insights, visit Cointelegraph.
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Source: https://blockchain.news/news/bitcoin-btc-benefits-from-dollar-weakness-not-inflation-nydig
