Bitcoin and Gold Become the Worst‑Performing Major Assets of 2026

Creative Planning strategist Charlie Bilello reports that, as of October 23, 2026, Bitcoin has fallen 7.3% and gold 7.5%, making them the lowest‑ranking assets among 21 major classes for the year. This marks the first calendar year in Bilello’s data where the two traditional safe‑haven assets finish jointly last. While a basket of commodities gained 52.5%, U.S. large‑cap stocks rose 12.3%, and short‑term Treasury bills returned 2.9%, Bitcoin and gold lagged behind. Spot gold peaked above $5,400 an ounce early in the year but closed below $4,000 for the first time since July, trading at $3,995.81. Bitcoin is trading around $80,472, roughly 35% below its October 2025 peak of $126,000. The decline coincides with rising oil prices—Brent crude touched $116 a barrel amid U.S.–Iran tensions—and expectations of a Fed rate hike, which may erode the appeal of non‑yielding assets. Historically, Bitcoin has averaged a 120.6% annual return since 2011, while gold has averaged 6.3%.