CoinGecko He noted that Bitcoin has decisively outperformed traditional assets over the past decade. However, recent market turmoil has reversed the 2026 scenario, according to a new CoinGecko research report titled. “Bitcoin and Traditional Assets for 10 Years.” Analysis by Research Head Zhong Yang Chan CoinGecko It compares Bitcoin’s price returns to the S&P 500, gold, crude oil, and U.S. Treasury bonds (both 5-year and 10-year bonds) over multiple time frames.
drawing data The study, prepared by CoinGecko and Yahoo Finance, highlights Bitcoin’s high return profile, while also highlighting its extreme volatility and changing correlations with traditional markets.
Bitcoin delivered a staggering cumulative return of 26,931 percent over the 10-year period ending in late 2024.
A modest $100 investment Something made in 2014 would be worth more than $27,000 now.
In comparison, the S&P 500 gained 193 percent, 5-year Treasury bonds gained 157 percent, gold gained 126 percent, 10-year Treasury bonds gained 87 percent and crude oil gained 4 percent.
Bitcoin’s dominance is even more evident on a five-year basis; It’s up 1,284 percent compared to 97 percent for the S&P 500 and 85 percent for gold.
Shorter intervals reveal a more mixed picture: last year, Bitcoin It gained 153 percent, outpacing gold (35 percent) and the S&P 500 (33 percent). But 2026 has been brutal for cryptocurrency investors.
As of March 10, Bitcoin’s year-to-date performance remained at minus 21 percent, making it the worst performing asset among major assets.
Crude oil, which rose due to the tensions in the Middle East and the US-Israeli attack on Iran at the end of February, increased by 43 percent. While gold rose 21 percent, the S&P 500 fell 1 percent.
report He notes that Bitcoin has stabilized between $65,000 and $75,000 after falling to $62,800 in early February, supported by $1.9 billion inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs Since February 20.
Volatility remains the defining characteristic of Bitcoin.
The asset has suffered multiple declines of over 70 percent following four-year halving cycles, but each recovery has led to new highs.
The study also examines correlations.
Bitcoin’s link to the S&P 500 has strengthened since 2020, reaching a modest 0.49 in early 2026.
Meanwhile his relationship with her gold This year it turned negative at minus 0.69, signaling a possible divergence and Bitcoin’s evolving role beyond a simple equity representation.
Risk-adjusted metrics further illustrate the trade-offs.
Treasury bonds led three-year returns with gains of more than 200 percent, providing stability in uncertain times.
Gold While crude oil’s long-term lag reflects supply dynamics, it continues to serve as a reliable inflation hedge.
The report warns that Bitcoin’s big returns are partly due to its smaller initial market cap compared to mature asset classes.
As a result, CoinGecko research It confirms Bitcoin’s transformative potential for patient investors despite short-term disruptions.
While geopolitical shocks and macroeconomic forces will reshape portfolios in 2026 data He argues that Bitcoin is maturing into a different asset class; an asset class that can deliver exceptional long-term growth but requires tolerance for sharp fluctuations.
CoinGecko It is now concluded that traditional assets still tend to provide diversification and protection against downsides, but nothing else. investment It matched Bitcoin’s decade-long history.
