Why a U.S. Recession Could Push Bitcoin Higher, According to BlackRock

Last Updated on March 20, 2025

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Key Takeaways:

  • A U.S. recession could act as a major catalyst for Bitcoin, benefiting from increased fiscal spending, deficits, and monetary stimulus.
  • BlackRock’s Robbie Mitchnick argues that Bitcoin is misclassified as a risk-on asset, with institutional investors seeing downturns as buying opportunities.
  • Despite recent Bitcoin ETF outflows, BlackRock remains confident in long-term institutional adoption, citing hedge fund arbitrage as the main driver of withdrawals.

A potential U.S. recession could serve as a major catalyst for Bitcoin, according to Robbie Mitchnick, BlackRock’s head of digital assets

He argues that Bitcoin thrives in environments with high fiscal spending, low interest rates, and monetary stimulus—conditions that often accompany economic downturns

Mitchnick also noted that fears of broader social instability, which tend to rise during recessions, could further drive Bitcoin adoption.

Despite skepticism from some analysts, Mitchnick believes that Bitcoin is still misunderstood by many investors, who classify it as a high-risk asset similar to stocks or high-yield bonds. 

However, he suggests that experienced investors see market corrections as buying opportunities rather than reasons to exit.

While BlackRock remains optimistic, analysts at Coinbase have a more cautious outlook

In a March 17 report, Coinbase Institutional stated that recession concerns and trade tariffs have dampened investor sentiment, making previous bullish expectations seem misplaced.

BlackRock has played a significant role in institutional Bitcoin adoption through its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which holds $48.7 billion in assets

Despite recent Bitcoin ETF outflows, Mitchnick downplayed concerns, attributing them to hedge fund arbitrage rather than long-term investor exits.

BlackRock continues to educate investors on Bitcoin’s potential role in shifting macroeconomic conditions.

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Adam Morris, the co-founder of Crypto Head and a respected crypto expert, offers insightful commentary and analysis on cryptocurrency, NFTs, and the evolving digital landscape.

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