BlackRock Flags Bitcoin as 60/40 Strategy Weakens
TLDR
- BlackRock said advisors should consider Bitcoin, gold, and liquid alternatives as portfolio diversifiers.
- The firm reported that stock and bond correlations have remained elevated since 2020.
- BlackRock found that Bitcoin had a 0.53 correlation with the S&P 500 from 2022 to early 2026.
- The report showed that gold recorded a 0.19 correlation with equities during the same period.
- BlackRock said Bitcoin and gold had a 0.10 correlation, which may support combined allocations.
BlackRock has urged financial advisors to reassess diversification strategies as stock and bond correlations remain elevated. The firm said traditional 60/40 portfolios have lost reliability since 2020 due to rising volatility and tighter asset relationships. In a May 6 report, BlackRock outlined how Bitcoin, gold, and liquid alternatives may help diversify multi-asset portfolios.
Bitcoin Emerges as Equity-funded Diversifier
BlackRock published its report titled “How to diversify with bitcoin, gold and alternative investments” on May 6. The firm stated that geopolitical and economic shocks have reduced the effectiveness of traditional diversification tools. It said bonds no longer provide the same hedge against equity drawdowns as in the 2010s.
The report showed that Bitcoin posted a 0.53 correlation with the S&P 500 from 2022 through the first quarter of 2026. By comparison, gold recorded a 0.19 correlation with equities during the same period. BlackRock said the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has displayed lower equity correlation than many traditional assets.
BlackRock described Bitcoin as a “unique diversifier” due to its distinct return drivers. The firm linked Bitcoin’s long-term adoption to concerns about monetary stability and US fiscal sustainability. It also connected adoption trends to geopolitical and political stability factors.
The asset manager reiterated that a 1% to 2% Bitcoin allocation may suit multi-asset investors. It said allocations above that range could sharply raise overall portfolio risk. BlackRock stated that advisors should fund Bitcoin exposure from equities due to its volatility profile.
Gold and Liquid Alternatives Strengthen Portfolio Mix
BlackRock highlighted gold as a complementary asset within diversified portfolios. The firm reported that Bitcoin and gold showed a 0.10 correlation from 2022 through early 2026. It said combining both assets could enhance diversification benefits.
The report explained that gold maintained a lower equity correlation than Bitcoin during the measured period. However, BlackRock said the two assets together may provide broader risk dispersion. It emphasized that the low correlation between them supports combined allocations.
BlackRock also promoted liquid alternative strategies within its Target Allocation with Alternatives models. The firm said these strategies aim to reduce portfolio risk without sacrificing upside potential. It stated that most alternative allocations draw funding from fixed-income positions.
However, BlackRock treated Bitcoin differently within its allocation framework. The firm said Bitcoin requires equity funding due to higher volatility compared to gold and alternatives. It added that even small allocations can influence overall portfolio characteristics.
Bitcoin traded near $79,900 at press time after falling 2% on the day. The cryptocurrency had briefly climbed above $82,000 earlier on Wednesday before losing momentum. Traditional markets also eased after posting gains over the previous month.
The post BlackRock Flags Bitcoin as 60/40 Strategy Weakens appeared first on Blockonomi.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire