The S&P 500 surged to its highest level in history this week, extending a months-long rally that has pushed U.S. equities to fresh highs.
However, in sharp contrast, the crypto market continues to lag, with its total market capitalization unable to reclaim the $3 trillion zone, despite repeated attempts through December.
Charts from TradingView show the widening gap. While equities are accelerating, crypto assets remain stuck in a low-momentum environment marked by weak liquidity and cautious participation.
Equities extend a historic rally
The S&P 500’s rise has been remarkably consistent since the second quarter. The index has steadily climbed to new highs of $6,900.
The climb is supported by resilient earnings, improving macro data, and a rotation into risk assets as investors price in further policy stability heading into 2026.
Source: TradingView
Momentum remains firmly intact. The RSI sits near 59, indicating healthy strength without signs of overheating. Volume trends also confirm continued buy-side interest, with no major structural weakness in the broader uptrend.
In equities, traders appear confident — and increasingly willing to take on risk.
Crypto market shows weak conviction
Crypto’s trajectory is almost the opposite.
The global crypto market cap has trended sideways for weeks, fluctuating around the $2.9 trillion level without meaningful upside pressure.
The RSI sits near 43, reflecting cooling momentum and limited demand even after the early-December bounce.
Source: TradingView
Market structure remains fragile. Attempts to break above $3T have failed repeatedly, and liquidity conditions are thinner than earlier in the year.
This weakness aligns with continued outflows across major spot ETFs and declining participation from institutional allocators — a trend several analytics firms highlighted this month.
The divergence suggests crypto markets are still adjusting to a tighter liquidity regime, while equities benefit from stronger macro and narrative support.
A rare divergence between TradFi and crypto
Across 2023–2025, equities and crypto often moved in tandem as macro liquidity conditions improved and capital flowed across both markets.
However, the current split is notable: traditional markets are breaking out, while digital assets are consolidating.
This gap may close over time, but for now, crypto’s hesitation stands out. Without a shift in ETF flows, a return of market liquidity, or a broader risk-on rotation, crypto may continue to lag behind its TradFi counterparts.
Final Thoughts
The S&P 500’s breakout signals a strong risk appetite in traditional markets, but the stalled market cap of crypto shows that the sector isn’t sharing that momentum yet.
Until liquidity returns and ETF flows reverse, crypto may continue to lag, even as equities push deeper into record territory.
Next: Stablecoins are leaving exchanges – and traders aren’t buying the dip
