Gold, Stocks, Bitcoin…What will be the best asset in 2026?

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), Gold/AI-generated image ©

In the competition for the best investment asset in 2026, gold, stocks, and Bitcoin are showing mixed trends, ushering in a new phase where even ‘safe-haven assets are shaking.’

According to crypto media outlet Finbold on April 23 (local time), this year's financial market is exhibiting extreme volatility with simultaneous sharp declines and all-time highs, leading to distinctly divergent performances across assets. Gold, despite being a traditional safe-haven asset, has seen increased volatility; stocks have shown widening gaps between sectors; and Bitcoin (BTC) is experiencing a trend where bear market concerns and peak expectations coexist.

Gold is considered the asset with the highest return rate since the beginning of 2026. It surged by 25.07% from the start of the year to $5,418, then plunged by 13.97% to $4,661, but currently stands at $4,735, still up 9.45% year-to-date. However, it reacts sensitively to geopolitical variables, such as surging immediately after the US and Israeli attack on Iran and then sharply declining, remaining about 11% below its March 2 peak of $5,321. This is interpreted as a signal that upward potential is limited and investment risk has increased.

Bitcoin is gaining attention as a potential profitable asset despite its volatility. After reaching an all-time high of over $125,000 at the end of 2025, it plummeted in early 2026, raising concerns about the end of its upward cycle. However, after consolidating in the first quarter, it has shown an upward trend again in April. Its recent movement is said to resemble the pattern of Q2-Q3 2024, where it seemed to fail to break out of a downtrend but eventually rebounded.

However, despite its upward potential, short-term catalysts are currently lacking. Some institutions have set year-end target prices at $150,000, but powerful events like the US presidential election, which fueled the 2024 rebound, are currently absent. This is cited as the background for the simultaneous existence of Bitcoin's upward potential and uncertainty.

The stock market, overall, has lower returns than gold, but specific industries are showing strong upward momentum. The S&P500 index rose by only 4.07% year-to-date, but the energy sector surged by 23.36%, recording the strongest performance. This is analyzed as being influenced by military tensions and President Donald Trump's energy expansion policies. Furthermore, the semiconductor and memory industries are also achieving higher returns than the market amid expectations of increased investment in artificial intelligence. However, delays in supply chain recovery, reduced investment, and social backlash remain variables that could constrain the upward trend.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*