Safe-Haven Shift

Definition ∞ A safe-haven shift refers to the movement of investor capital from higher-risk assets into those perceived as more secure during periods of market instability or economic uncertainty. Assets traditionally considered safe havens include gold, certain government bonds, and specific fiat currencies. This behavior reflects a desire to preserve capital rather than seek high returns. Such shifts indicate heightened market anxiety.
Context ∞ In cryptocurrency news, a safe-haven shift is often discussed in relation to Bitcoin’s role during global economic turbulence. While some argue Bitcoin can act as a digital safe haven, others contend its volatility makes it unsuitable for this role. News reports frequently analyze whether capital flows into or out of Bitcoin and other digital assets during crises, providing insight into changing investor perceptions of their store-of-value properties.