NewsBTC
Jan 24, 2026
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Whale Invests Millions in Tokenized Gold, Bitcoin Sees Decline

A significant investor has shifted funds into tokenized gold, impacting Bitcoin prices, which dipped as a whale quietly purchased millions in XAUT, a gold-backed token, indicating a short-term move towards traditional hedges.

Key Highlights

  • On-chain trackers revealed a transfer of $1.53 million in USDC into Hyperliquid to purchase XAUT. The same wallet previously acquired 481 XAUT valued at approximately $2.38 million.
  • The address retains around $1.44 million in USDC, suggesting potential future purchases.
  • This activity demonstrates a preference among some large holders for gold exposure over additional crypto risk.

Gold and Silver Market Movements

  • Gold prices have surged, reaching close to $5,000 per ounce, while silver surpassed $100 per ounce.
  • The rise is linked to geopolitical tensions and anticipated interest rate easing, boosting demand for metal-based value stores.
  • A weaker dollar has contributed to this demand surge.

Bitcoin’s Price Movement and Market Sentiment

  • Bitcoin traded around $88,653, down about 1% on the day and nearly 30% below its previous cycle peak.
  • Economist Peter Schiff criticized Bitcoin's underperformance against gold since 2021, suggesting an opportunity cost for BTC holders as metals reach record prices.

Implications for Crypto Investors

  • Short-term rotations indicate shifting risk preferences amid uncertain policy environments and heightened headlines.
  • While some investors favor lower-volatility assets, others continue to view Bitcoin as a long-term investment.
  • The current market landscape features strong metals, growing attention towards tokenized gold, and reactive crypto markets.