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Bitcoin Correlation with Dollar and Stocks Drops to Zero

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-16 · 1 min read
A digital coin resting on a stack of paper currency
Illustration: Tradingbird

Bitcoin’s 15-day correlation with the Dollar Index has collapsed to +0.08. The asset is decoupling from traditional markets ahead of the Fed decision.

Bitcoin’s short-term link to the U.S. Dollar Index has effectively vanished. CoinMarketCap data shows the 15-day correlation sits at +0.08. This is a sharp drop from -0.54 recorded over the previous 30 days. The asset is no longer moving in tandem with currency strength.

The connection to U.S. equities has also weakened significantly. Correlation with the S&P 500 fell to 0.43 from 0.75. The link to the Nasdaq dropped to 0.30 from 0.60. These figures indicate a break in the historical risk-on behavior. Traders are abandoning the assumption that bitcoin tracks stock market moves.

Regulatory vote shifts trader focus

The Senate rejected the Clarity Act on Tuesday. This procedural failure redirected market attention away from macroeconomic factors. Traders now prioritize regulatory outcomes over broader economic signals. This shift explains the collapse in correlation metrics.

Hedging strategies based on beta are now less reliable. Shorting S&P 500 futures to offset long bitcoin positions may fail. The standard risk hedge is no longer effective. Market participants must adjust their defensive positioning immediately.

Fed decision tests price stability

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates by 25 basis points. This move is fully priced in by investment banks. Chair Kevin Warsh faces pressure to maintain a hawkish stance. A larger increase could disrupt current market expectations.

A weaker Dollar Index would support bitcoin prices. However, rising Treasury yields pose a different threat. The 10-year Treasury note yield stands at 5%. This level is the highest since 2007. High yields tighten financial conditions and pressure crypto assets.

Liquidations hit bullish positions

Bullish futures bets suffered significant losses recently. Exchanges liquidated approximately $571 million in long positions. This figure represents the highest total since August 22. The selling pressure pushed bitcoin below the $76,000 support level.

Technically, the asset has broken out of a tight range. Sellers established control beneath the previous floor. This range breakdown is a bearish signal. It often precedes further price declines in the short term.

Based on reporting by CoinDesk, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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