Bitcoin Shows Its Strength Through Global Crises – From Pandemic to Middle East Tensions

Despite being a relatively new asset class, Bitcoin (BTC) has consistently shown remarkable resilience during periods of global financial distress. While traditional markets like stocks, bonds and commodities often crumble under pressure, Bitcoin has made a habit of bouncing back — sometimes even stronger than before.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. In March 2020, as the virus sent shockwaves through global markets, Bitcoin’s price plummeted to around US$6,438. Yet by the end of that year, it had surged by more than 350%, closing 2020 at US$28,993. It was one of the strongest post-crisis recoveries in recent asset history.

Fast forward to February 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Donbas, Ukraine. Unsurprisingly, the uncertainty caused a sharp dip in crypto markets. Bitcoin dropped to US$34,700 in the immediate aftermath. But within a week, it had rebounded to US$44,000, once again demonstrating its ability to recover swiftly from geopolitical shocks.

The same trend can be observed in more recent events. In April 2025, then-US President Donald Trump imposed a 34% tariff on Chinese goods, sparking a trade war. Bitcoin briefly dropped to US$76,273 on 4 April 2025, according to data from CoinMarketCap. However, the price did not collapse entirely — it remained volatile, yet relatively stable compared to other risk-on assets.

By late May 2025, following a tentative trade agreement between the US and China, Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of US$111,970 on 23 May. This upward movement underscored a growing perception of Bitcoin as a viable alternative store of value.

More recently, as tensions escalated in the Middle East, some investors expected Bitcoin to falter. Instead, large institutional players began accumulating. MicroStrategy (MSTR), for instance, purchased 10,100 BTC worth US$1.05 billion on Monday (16 June). Similarly, Metaplanet added 1,112 BTC valued at US$116.5 million.

These strategic purchases reflect an increasingly common belief: Bitcoin could serve as a hedge against geopolitical instability.

The acquisition by MicroStrategy is part of a broader strategy to build reserves in anticipation of further market volatility. “Bitcoin has become a core part of our treasury management approach,” the company stated, reinforcing its long-term conviction.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has seen price fluctuations, dropping to US$103,423 before rebounding to US$106,080 by Friday (20 June). The recent volatility underscores Bitcoin’s unique position — while not immune to global uncertainty, it often attracts demand during crises, rather than collapsing under pressure.

Final Thoughts

From a public health crisis to international conflict, Bitcoin continues to prove itself as more than just a speculative asset. While critics argue it’s still too volatile to serve as a true safe haven, its performance through some of the world’s most disruptive events paints a compelling picture.

Investors — both institutional and retail — are clearly paying attention. Whether Bitcoin becomes the digital gold of the future or simply an alternative investment during turbulent times, one thing is clear: it’s not going away anytime soon.

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