Gold Hits New Heights While Bitcoin Struggles Amid Uncertainty
Gold is reaching unprecedented levels, spurred by economic instability, geopolitical issues, and strong central bank buying.
As of late August, the price of gold has climbed above $2,500 per ounce, leading investors to question what this means for Bitcoin, often called “digital gold.”
Historically, gold thrives in times of economic distress, with its appeal growing as major currencies falter. Rick Kanda, CEO of the Gold Bullion Company, explains that gold is preferred over cash during inflationary periods due to its stability.
In contrast, Bitcoin has not fared well as an inflation hedge. While gold has surged, Bitcoin’s performance has lagged, particularly during the high inflation period of 2022, when it saw a 31% drop.
Geopolitical conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, have pushed gold prices higher as investors seek safe investments. This trend has shifted interest from digital assets like Bitcoin towards physical assets like gold, especially following the 2022 crypto market downturn.
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Bitcoin’s performance has been more aligned with high-risk assets like the Nasdaq index, showing less appeal as geopolitical tensions rise and risk appetite declines.
Central banks in countries like China, Turkey, and India are significantly increasing their gold reserves, attracted by its reliable performance during crises. Bitcoin, however, lacks similar institutional backing, with entities like the European Central Bank showing no interest in acquiring it.
Overall, while gold remains a stable asset during inflation, Bitcoin has proven to be more volatile, tracking global liquidity rather than offering a stable hedge. Ashwath Balakrishnan from Delphi Creative notes that Bitcoin behaves more like a high-risk asset rather than a secure investment.