Bitcoin and Gold Are 2026’s Worst-Performing Major Assets in Historic First
Bitcoin (BTC) and gold are the worst-performing major assets of 2026, down 7.3% and 7.5%, respectively—a first in Charlie Bilello’s records for any calendar year. Bilello’s ranking covers 21 asset classes through October 23, according to BeInCrypto. A commodities basket gained 52.5%, U.S. large-cap stocks rose 12.3% and short-term Treasury bills returned 2.9%. Brent crude touched $116 a barrel Friday amid U.S.-Iran tensions; traders priced a 68% chance of a December Fed hike. Gold closed Friday at $3,995.81, while BTC traded at $80,472, about 35% below its peak above $126,000 last October. The year-end ranking can still change.