What happened on the stock market today is a question on every investor’s mind, especially as global markets react to the surging US national debt and shifting attitudes toward alternative assets like Bitcoin. As of October 2025, the US national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, raising concerns about dollar stability and prompting renewed interest in crypto as a hedge. This article breaks down the latest stock market movements, key macroeconomic drivers, and what they mean for both traditional and digital asset investors.
As of October 2025, according to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, the US national debt reached a record $38 trillion. This marks the fastest $1 trillion increase outside the COVID-19 pandemic period. The debt-to-GDP ratio now hovers near 124%, a level previously seen only during wartime economies. Unlike past surges, today’s debt growth is not accompanied by a major economic boom, but rather by persistent budget deficits, rising interest costs, and increased spending on defense and social programs.
Annual interest payments have ballooned to over $880 billion and are projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035. These figures are critical for understanding what happened on the stock market today, as investors weigh the long-term implications for the US dollar and global financial stability.
With government debt rising faster than GDP, concerns about dollar debasement are intensifying. While core inflation in 2025 remains above 3%—higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% target—real wage growth has stagnated. The main worry is not a sudden inflation spike, but a gradual erosion of the dollar’s purchasing power as more tax revenue is used to service debt.
This environment has led investors to seek safe havens. What happened on the stock market today reflects this shift, with increased attention on Bitcoin, gold, and government bonds. Bitcoin, in particular, stands out due to its fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it immune to dilution from money printing. Historically, Bitcoin’s price has surged during periods of monetary expansion, such as after the 2020 COVID-19 stimulus, when it rose from $9,000 to over $60,000 by 2021. Conversely, it struggled during the interest rate hikes of 2022 and 2023, mirroring broader risk asset sell-offs.
Another major factor influencing what happened on the stock market today is the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin. In 2025, major financial firms have increased their involvement in crypto markets. For example, T. Rowe Price, managing $1.77 trillion in assets, recently filed for an actively managed crypto ETF. VanEck and BlackRock have also launched spot crypto ETF products, attracting billions in inflows within weeks.
Currently, over 155 crypto ETF filings await SEC action, signaling a fundamental shift in how Bitcoin is perceived—from a niche asset to a legitimate investment class for institutions. This mirrors the transformation gold underwent two decades ago when mainstream investment funds became available.
Despite these developments, skepticism remains. Critics argue that Bitcoin still behaves like a high-beta tech asset, closely tracking the Nasdaq rather than gold. Recent liquidations of over $700 million in leveraged crypto positions highlight the speculative nature of the market. Furthermore, the US dollar index (DXY) remains strong, indicating that international confidence in US debt and Treasury liquidity persists, at least for now.
It’s important for investors to recognize that while Bitcoin offers potential as a hedge against dollar debasement, it also comes with significant volatility and risk. Diversification and careful risk management remain essential strategies.
Understanding what happened on the stock market today requires more than tracking daily price moves—it demands attention to macroeconomic shifts, regulatory developments, and evolving investor sentiment. As the US national debt continues to climb and institutional interest in crypto grows, assets like Bitcoin are increasingly viewed as potential hedges against systemic risks.
For those interested in exploring these trends further, Bitget offers a secure platform for trading and managing digital assets. Stay informed, manage your risk, and discover more about how Bitget can help you navigate today’s dynamic markets.