Bitcoin has been under intense scrutiny for its performance during periods of geopolitical tension, but recent data suggests otherwise.
recent data According to Bitcoin-only stock exchange River Financial, $BTC Contrary to popular belief, it actually performs better than most legacy assets. This highlights the duality of its nature as a risk asset and as a relevant store of value.
Important points
- River Financial data shows Bitcoin has outperformed gold and the S&P 500 as of March 23 ($SPX) Price performance has declined since tensions in the Middle East flared up.
- On February 28, Israel and the United States fired missiles at multiple cities across Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
- From February 28th, $BTC Gold rose 12%, while gold fell 16%. $SPX Increased by 4%.
- Bitcoin has outperformed gold and the S&P 500 during several other periods of adverse market conditions, including the coronavirus outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Compared to these established assets, this clear outperformance in the face of global market turmoil highlights the company’s growing reputation as a hedge against uncertainty.
Bitcoin and the Middle East Crisis
Incidentally, Israel and the United States fired missiles at multiple cities across Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Since then, Iran and Israel have carried out retaliatory attacks and barrage attacks, the most recent being a missile strike on March 21 near Israel’s main nuclear research center. Meanwhile, the prolonged attack continues to impact global markets as investors take cautious steps.
Market uncertainty is also weighing on the cryptocurrency market. BitcoinThe sector leader is under further pressure as tensions persist. But through this uncertainty, they have shown remarkable resilience and delivered better returns than so-called safe-haven assets.
$BTC Outperforms Gold and the S&P 500
River Financial data shows Bitcoin has outperformed gold and the S&P 500 as of March 23 ($SPX) Price performance has declined since tensions in the Middle East flared up. From February 28th, $BTC It increased by 12% compared to the negative trends seen in the other assets mentioned above.
During the same period, gold fell by 16%; $SPX 4% increase, negatively impacting geopolitical tensions.

Bitcoin performance compared to gold and S&P 500/River Financial
In particular, these assets have a reputation as established financial instruments in the global market. Although gold is recognized as a store of value and a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, S&P500 Preferred for historical resilience and consistency of performance.
These qualities make them more likely to be chosen at a time of global skepticism. However, it has fallen short of the investment returns that Bitcoin has delivered since the start of the Iran conflict, underscoring the cryptocurrency’s tremendous strength and growing reputation as a hedge against uncertainty.
Bitcoin’s outperformance extends beyond current tensions
Meanwhile, this price movement extends beyond the current Iran conflict. River’s financial data shows that: Bitcoin outperformed gold and S&P 500 There were also several other periods when market conditions deteriorated.
For context, during the first US-Iran conflict that began on January 3, 2020; $BTC Achieved a 20% return in 60 days. Over the same period, gold posted a slower growth rate of 6%, while the S&P 500 posted a negative 7% return.
Other notable events, such as the coronavirus outbreak and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, also helped Bitcoin perform better. During the pandemic, $BTC grew by 21% and gold by 3%. $SPX Increased by 2%. Within 60 days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Bitcoin rose 15%; $SPX It fell 3%, while gold fell 9%.
Interestingly, compared to these established assets, this clear outperformance in the face of global market turmoil suggests it is a better strategy. This does not mean that Bitcoin is immune to these adverse conditions. Rather, it has offered greater stability and investment returns than gold or the S&P 500.

