Bitcoin's meteoric rise has sparked comparisons to gold, particularly as a hedge against inflation
[1]. Some even envision it supplanting the precious metal as the ultimate store of value
[2]. However, the path to surpassing gold's market cap of $13.47 trillion remains shrouded in uncertainty
[3-4].
Currently, Bitcoin stands at just 7.1% of that value, requiring a 14-fold increase to bridge the gap and reach $678,000 per unit. While optimists like PlanB predicted a $500,000 price point
[5], even that falls short of dethroning gold.
Historical trends paint a complex picture. While Bitcoin's price momentum seems to be waning compared to traditional indices like the DJIA, it's unclear if this deceleration will persist. Assuming current growth rates, 2028 is the earliest possible date for Bitcoin to reach gold's valuation. However, factoring in potential gold price inflation due to uncontrollable economic factors, the timeline could stretch to 2035-2040.
But surpassing gold might not be the ultimate victory. An exorbitant price could hinder Bitcoin's utility as a payment method, relegating it to government reserves. Perhaps a more achievable and beneficial goal lies in surpassing larger corporations like Microsoft ($3.026 trillion), placing Bitcoin's value at a more accessible $154,000 per unit.
I want to know your opinion:
- Do you think Bitcoin has any chance of catching up and then surpassing Gold in capitalization?
- If so, when in the future might that event take place?
- If this happens, will it be a good thing for Bitcoin?
References:[1]
GrayScale: October 2023: Rising demand for Bitcoin as Digital Gold[2]
‘The Bitcoin Standard’: A review[3]
Gold vs. Bitcoin: Which Is Better?[4]
Top Assets by Market Cap[5]
Bitcoin Will be Scarcer Than Gold After Halving, $500K BTC Price Predicted