TLDR
- Bitcoin recovers sharply after a 17% drop, surpassing $66,800.
- Jim Cramer says investors sold stocks to buy Bitcoin, leading to decoupling.
- Bitcoin is now moving independently from traditional markets like the S&P 500.
- The shift indicates a growing separation between crypto and stocks during volatile periods.
On February 6, 2026, Bitcoin surged to $66,824 after a significant 17% drop, while the S&P 500 fell to 6,798. The sharp contrast between the two market trends caught the attention of Wall Street. Jim Cramer, a well-known financial commentator, provided insight into this unusual market behavior. According to Cramer, this divergence is caused by a “leverage rotation,” where investors are selling off stocks to invest in Bitcoin. This shift signifies a clear decoupling of Bitcoin from traditional markets, signaling a new phase for the cryptocurrency.
The Rise of Bitcoin Amid Stock Market Slips
Bitcoin’s recovery after a sharp decline stands in stark contrast to the S&P 500’s more subdued performance. While Bitcoin surged by 10% in just one day, the S&P 500 barely moved upward, rising only 0.47%.
Jim Cramer attributes this phenomenon to investors’ growing interest in Bitcoin as a potential alternative investment. According to Cramer, many investors are choosing to liquidate their stock holdings to buy Bitcoin, indicating a significant shift in the market.
The Bitcoin rally's impact on the S&P shows you the leverage that's in the system. People sold the S&P to finance their bitcoin
— Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) February 6, 2026
This movement is notable because Bitcoin is no longer following the same patterns as traditional assets like stocks or gold. Gold and silver prices also saw increases, but neither managed to match Bitcoin’s impressive rise. Cramer explained that the rally shows the degree of leverage now tied to Bitcoin, which is moving independently of the S&P 500 and other traditional markets.
Bitcoin as a Separate Asset Class
Bitcoin’s performance on February 6, 2026, is a strong indicator that the cryptocurrency is no longer following traditional market trends. While Bitcoin typically moved in tandem with broader market trends, it has now become a distinct asset class, especially in times of economic uncertainty. This separation is most noticeable when market liquidity tightens, which has led to Bitcoin showing strong performance even when other assets, like equities and precious metals, have lagged behind.
Cramer’s analysis of the situation suggests that the increasing influence of cryptocurrencies is causing a shift in investment strategies. Investors may now be seeking out Bitcoin as a more lucrative, albeit riskier, investment option during times of market stress. This decoupling shows that Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a unique asset, moving according to its own market forces rather than reacting to traditional economic indicators.
S&P 500’s Volatility and Bitcoin’s Rise
The S&P 500, which had been holding steady near record highs, experienced a notable drop in early February 2026. This dip marked the worst performance since October of the previous year. However, Bitcoin’s price surged in the opposite direction, prompting some analysts to suggest that the cryptocurrency is emerging as a “safe haven” for investors seeking higher returns.
According to Cramer, the price movements of Bitcoin and the S&P 500 are no longer linked in the same way they used to be. This decoupling signifies that Bitcoin is becoming a more independent asset, increasingly unaffected by the movements of traditional markets. While the S&P 500 took a dip, Bitcoin saw significant growth, signaling that investors may be shifting their focus to the cryptocurrency as a more appealing option during times of uncertainty.
The Impact of Leverage Rotation
Cramer’s analysis focuses on what he describes as “leverage rotation,” where investors liquidate their stock positions to take advantage of potential gains in Bitcoin. This shift could be an indicator of a larger trend where Bitcoin becomes a primary choice for investors, especially when stock market conditions become uncertain.
While other assets like gold and silver also saw some growth, they were not able to match Bitcoin’s performance, further underscoring the growing influence of cryptocurrencies on the financial markets.
In the face of stock market volatility, Bitcoin’s ability to stand apart and perform independently could indicate a new era in the financial world. The move to separate Bitcoin from traditional markets suggests that it could become a dominant force in investment portfolios, particularly during times of heightened economic stress.




