Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is struggling below the $88,000 level and recently dipped under $85,000. Why is Bitcoin struggling? While Bitcoin is struggling, gold has been doing very well, reaching record highs over $5,500 an ounce. Investors looking for a “safe” place to hide from economic trouble are currently choosing gold over Bitcoin. The higher rate environment makes safety more appealing while also leaving the retail side of market participants with less disposable income to invest in the higher risk higher reward assets like Bitcoin.