Bitcoin Weakness vs. Gold & Equities: Quantum Computing Fears Rise
- Bitcoin's price has recently declined, sparking debate about the potential impact of quantum computing on the cryptocurrency market, even as some analysts attribute the drop to traditional selling...
- The possibility of quantum computers breaking Bitcoin's encryption has long been a concern, and recent price action has renewed those fears.
- Carter stated on X (formerly Twitter) on January 23, 2026: "Bitcoin's 'mysterious' underperformance (due to quantum) is the only story that matters this year.
Bitcoin Price Dip Fuels Quantum Computing Concerns
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Bitcoin’s price has recently declined, sparking debate about the potential impact of quantum computing on the cryptocurrency market, even as some analysts attribute the drop to traditional selling pressure. As of January 24, 2026, Bitcoin was trading just above $89,000, approximately 30% below its early-October peak.
Quantum Computing Threat
The possibility of quantum computers breaking Bitcoin’s encryption has long been a concern, and recent price action has renewed those fears. Castle Island Ventures partner Nic Carter argues that quantum computing is the primary driver behind Bitcoin’s underperformance, calling it “the only story that matters this year.”
Carter stated on X (formerly Twitter) on January 23, 2026: “Bitcoin’s ‘mysterious’ underperformance (due to quantum) is the only story that matters this year. The market is speaking the devs aren’t listening.” https://twitter.com/nic_carter/status/1748876543210989888
Market Performance Comparison
as November 9,2024,the day following Donald trump’s election win,Bitcoin has decreased by 2.6%. This contrasts sharply with gains seen in other assets: silver has risen by 205%,gold by 83%,the Nasdaq Composite by 24%,and the S&P 500 by 17.6% over the same period. Gold reached a record high of $4,930 per ounce on January 23, 2026, a 1.7% increase, while silver jumped 3.7% to $96.
Alternative Explanations
Not all analysts agree with the quantum computing theory. Some believe the recent Bitcoin price decline is simply due to increased selling pressure. On-chain analysts suggest that market dynamics, rather than a looming quantum threat, are the primary cause of the downturn.