In recent years, both Bitcoin and gold have become famous investment options. Gold is one of the most popular long-term investments that has stood the test of time for centuries, being considered a symbol of security and wealth. On the other hand, Bitcoin, the 21st century asset, is a digital currency that gathered the attention of people from all over the world, sparking both skepticism and intrigue.

In the universe of investment, there has appeared a debate on whether it is good to keep investing in traditional assets or adopt emerging digital alternatives. However, this dilemma depends on many factors, so to help you make a good decision, we have prepared a comprehensive comparison of the advantages and drawbacks of both options.

Historical context

Gold

Gold is an asset cherished and loved since ancient civilizations. From the Roman Empire to the Egyptian pharaohs, gold has been a cornerstone of power, wealth and trade. Because gold has an intrinsic value, it has become a medium of exchange. For instance, in the 19th century, it represented the backbone of the global monetary system, and numerous countries around the world have adopted the gold standard.

Fiat money has risen and fallen over the years, but gold maintained its title of a reliable store of value and still represents a haven in those times of economic uncertainties.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin appeared in 2008 when an anonymous person or group of people, known under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto, published a whitepaper that contained the information needed to understand the concept of a decentralized digital currency. Bitcoin relies on a technology called blockchain and operates without a central authority, like the government or a central bank, which happens with traditional currencies.

At first, Bitcoin didn’t have a big value because it was perceived as quite an obscure digital token. However, things changed over the years, as the cryptocurrency had some excellent attributes, like its decentralized nature and the possibility to offer financial freedom. Because of these characteristics, it gathered the attention of people. In 2010, Bitcoin wasn’t just considered a niche but a globally recognized asset that drew both criticism and attention.

Comparison of the two assets

Liquidity

  • Gold: Gold has a high liquidity, as it benefits from a well-established market that spans across many continents. Whether we are talking about gold in the form of coins, bars, or jewelry, this asset can be easily sold or traded, and this is why it is one of the most loved choices for investors.
  • Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a virtual coin that has its liquidity tied to online exchanges. Additionally, its liquidity depends on the market condition and the platform. However, because Bitcoin is the largest digital currency by market cap, it has quite a massive liquidity, as it can be easily and quickly exchangeable.

Price volatility

  • Gold: If we take a look at the past, the gold prices have been stable, going only through little fluctuations when global economic factors influenced them. The cost of gold tends to grow in economic downturns, which makes it a good hedge against market volatility.
  • Bitcoin: On the other hand, Bitcoin is known for having high price volatility. Its volatility is influenced by regulatory news, media coverage, market sentiment, and other factors that can make Bitcoin experience significant swings in a short amount of time. The price volatility is one of the reasons that made cryptocurrencies so popular.

Utility

  • Gold: Gold is not just a good investment option, but it can also be used for electronics, jewelry, or even medical applications. Because of these utilities, gold reinforces its value in the market worldwide.
  • Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a digital currency that has a limited utility. However, lately, there have slowly started to appear other use cases of Bitcoin, including lending or borrowing it.

Price comparison between the two assets

Gold is a tangible asset that has a worldwide value recognition and has had a steady price over time, with just a few occasional spikes during geopolitical or economic tensions. Its price can be influenced by factors such as central bank policies, inflation rates and global financial wealth.

Since Bitcoin was introduced, it has experienced quite a quiet inception. Over the years, its price went through many ups and downs, driven by media attention, growing investor interest, and its adoption as an alternative investment.

While gold’s price has been less volatile and more gradual, Bitcoin’s price has gone through some dramatic fluctuations, having periods of rapid appreciation as well as sharp correction. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, gold experienced a measured increase, but the change in Bitcoin’s price was meteoric, and in that period, it reached its all-time highs, thus solidifying its name of “digital gold”.

An investment perspective

Risk and reward

  • Gold: Gold is viewed as a stable asset that has a low risk. It doesn’t offer the same returns as volatile assets, but with its hedging properties and steady appreciation, it represents a valuable component to add to a diversified portfolio.
  • Bitcoin: Investing in Bitcoin comes with a high risk, but in some cases, a high risk can be correlated with big rewards. The ones who are interested in investing in Bitcoin need to be aware of its volatile nature and be prepared both for losses and gains.

Diversification

  • Gold: Adding gold to an investment portfolio will offer diversification, thus potentially reducing the overall risk of a portfolio. 
  • Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a relatively new type of asset that offers diversification advantages. Because its price is not dependent on traditional markets, it can give a hedge against systemic risks.

Longevity

  • Gold: Gold has been present on the market for thousands of years, so its longevity is unquestionable. Furthermore, its diverse utility and tangible nature ensure its continued relevance.
  • Bitcoin: Bitcoin is quite a new asset, so unlike gold, questions about its longevity are natural to appear. The future of Bitcoin is uncertain, but because it has a growing integration and adoption, it can have a promising trajectory.

The bottom line

Gold and Bitcoin can be correlated with old and new, each having its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The choice between the two of them depends on risk appetite, individual preferences and investment goals.