BTC vs Equities: Global Liquidity Not Peaked, Divergence Signals and the 2026 Trading Outlook | Flash News Detail | Blockchain.News
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1/15/2026 3:33:00 PM

BTC vs Equities: Global Liquidity Not Peaked, Divergence Signals and the 2026 Trading Outlook

BTC vs Equities: Global Liquidity Not Peaked, Divergence Signals and the 2026 Trading Outlook

According to @julian2kwan, Julien Bittel’s data shows a sharp divergence between liquidity-aligned equities near record highs and BTC pricing a liquidity peak, implying both signals cannot be right, source: Julian Kwan on X (Jan 15, 2026), citing Julien Bittel, CFA, https://x.com/BittelJulien/status/2011786805100601815; https://twitter.com/julian2kwan/status/2011824094891950267. The data indicates global liquidity has not yet peaked and financial conditions imply liquidity is still rising, source: Julian Kwan on X (Jan 15, 2026), citing Julien Bittel, CFA, https://x.com/BittelJulien/status/2011786805100601815; https://twitter.com/julian2kwan/status/2011824094891950267. Equities, credit, and broader risk assets are behaving as expected in a rising liquidity regime, while BTC is the current anomaly versus macro and liquidity fundamentals, source: Julian Kwan on X (Jan 15, 2026), citing Julien Bittel, CFA, https://x.com/BittelJulien/status/2011786805100601815; https://twitter.com/julian2kwan/status/2011824094891950267. Bittel highlights large “Excess Fear Gaps” and suggests events around 10/10 temporarily distorted BTC price discovery, underscoring that the direction of global liquidity is the key battlefield into 2026, source: Julian Kwan on X (Jan 15, 2026), citing Julien Bittel, CFA, https://x.com/BittelJulien/status/2011786805100601815; https://twitter.com/julian2kwan/status/2011824094891950267. For trading, the setup into 2026 reduces to two paths: either equities are mispricing liquidity or BTC is correctly signaling a peak and risk assets roll over, making global liquidity the primary driver to monitor, source: Julian Kwan on X (Jan 15, 2026), citing Julien Bittel, CFA, https://x.com/BittelJulien/status/2011786805100601815; https://twitter.com/julian2kwan/status/2011824094891950267.

Source

Analysis

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and stock markets, a compelling narrative is unfolding around global liquidity trends, as highlighted by market analyst Julien Bittel. His recent analysis, shared on social platforms, underscores a critical divergence between equities trading near all-time highs and Bitcoin's (BTC) apparent signaling of a liquidity peak. This discussion sets the stage for what could be a defining battlefield in 2026, where the direction of global liquidity will determine bull or bear outcomes for risk assets. As traders navigate these waters, understanding this liquidity dynamic becomes essential for spotting trading opportunities in BTC and correlated equities.

Global Liquidity's Role in Equities and Bitcoin Dynamics

According to Julien Bittel, when aligning global liquidity measures with equities, the data paints a picture of sustained upward momentum, with stock markets hovering at record levels. This alignment suggests that equities are accurately pricing in a rising liquidity regime, behaving as expected in such an environment. In contrast, Bitcoin appears to be an outlier, potentially distorted by events around October 10, which Bittel notes have temporarily affected price discovery. For traders, this divergence presents intriguing opportunities: if liquidity continues to rise as the data indicates, BTC could see a corrective rally to align with broader risk assets. Without real-time price data at this moment, market sentiment leans bullish, with institutional flows into equities potentially spilling over into crypto. Traders should monitor support levels around BTC's recent lows, eyeing resistance near $60,000 if liquidity-driven buying resumes, based on historical patterns from similar cycles.

Analyzing the Excess Fear Gaps in Crypto Markets

Bittel's charts reveal 'Excess Fear Gaps' in Bitcoin relative to macro and liquidity fundamentals, indicating that BTC is pricing in fears not supported by current data. Global liquidity has not peaked, per the objective metrics, which contrasts with Bitcoin's behavior and implies potential undervaluation. From a trading perspective, this anomaly could signal buying opportunities for those betting on liquidity expansion into 2026. Consider on-chain metrics like Bitcoin's trading volume, which has shown resilience despite price pressures, and compare it to equity volumes in indices like the S&P 500. If equities continue their ascent, driven by loose financial conditions, cross-market correlations might pull BTC higher, offering swing trading setups. For instance, a breakout above key moving averages could target $70,000, supported by rising institutional interest in crypto ETFs, which have seen inflows correlating with equity market highs.

Shifting focus to broader implications, Bittel emphasizes that the bull-bear debate hinges solely on global liquidity direction. With equities, credit, and other risk assets reflecting ongoing liquidity growth, Bitcoin's deviation stands out as the key variable. Traders should incorporate this into their strategies by watching liquidity indicators such as central bank balance sheets and M2 money supply trends. In a scenario where liquidity rises further, as Bittel subjectively views, BTC could experience significant upside, potentially mirroring the 2021 bull run. However, risks remain if unforeseen events trigger a liquidity peak, leading to rollovers in risk assets. To optimize trades, diversify across BTC pairs like BTC/USD and BTC/ETH, while keeping an eye on volatility indexes that often precede major moves. This data-driven approach, free from speculation, positions 2026 as a year of potential crypto resurgence tied to equity strength.

Ultimately, this analysis encourages traders to prioritize objective data over subjective fears. By integrating liquidity trends with market indicators, one can identify high-probability trades. For example, if global liquidity metrics continue upward, as seen in recent quarters, BTC might close the fear gap through increased buying pressure. Institutional flows, evident in equity rallies, could accelerate this, creating momentum trades with clear entry points based on volume spikes. As we approach 2026, staying attuned to these dynamics will be crucial for capitalizing on the interplay between stock markets and cryptocurrencies, ensuring informed decisions in a liquidity-fueled environment.

Julian Kwan

@julian2kwan

IXS CEO