The next step of bitcoin is a decentrlized p2p based crypto exchange where you can exchange any asset against any other asset.
With that kind of real time barter system we dont even need to hoard or speculate in the same way we do today with coins.
The assets traded can be currencies, shares, animal, lumber, books, oil, gold or whatever there is a market for with at least 2 participants (buyer and seller).
That sounds kind of like Ripple.