Bitcoin’s Digital-Gold Status Shaken as Middle East Buyers Step In

U.S. fund outflows exceed 40% as Middle East buyers accumulate BTC at lower prices, while Upbit shows a Kimchi Premium of 98.6 million won.

Rich by Coin

2026-02-19

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Bitcoin, once touted as digital gold, is shaking. U.S. Wall Street funds have fallen sharply by more than 40%. Meanwhile, the Middle East’s ‘oil money’ is changing hands as it has started to buy at lower prices. On the domestic exchange Upbit, the Kimchi Premium is attached and traded at 98.6 million won.

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Bitcoin, once billed as digital gold, remains under pressure as U.S. Wall Street funds have fallen by more than 40%. In contrast, Middle East wealth funds are beginning to buy BTC at lower price levels. On the domestic exchange Upbit, the Kimchi Premium is attached and BTC trades at 98.6 million won.

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The shift reflects a divergence between broad fund outflows and regional demand, as Middle East buyers capitalize on lower prices. Upbit continues to show the Kimchi Premium, underscoring exchange-specific demand. Analysts caution that such cross-regional flows can keep near-term volatility elevated, with investors urged to monitor exchange data and macro flows for clues on future price action.