Bitcoin To Challenge Gold: Expert Sees US Taking The Lead

Christian Encila

5 months ago

3 mins read

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Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, has recently made comments regarding the potential of Bitcoin to become a global monetary standard, similar to gold, which have sparked controversy. This viewpoint is gathering momentum, particularly as the debate regarding a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve intensifies.

The Future Of Finance: The Role Of Bitcoin

Sigel stated that Bitcoin has the potential to significantly influence the future of global finance. He asserts that the establishment of a crypto strategic reserve by the United States government, with an estimated quantity of 1 million BTC, could establish the leading crypto asset as a new form of currency.

This concept is reminiscent of historical periods in which nations accumulated gold in order to fortify their economic capabilities. Sigel posits that this could catapult the US to become the flag-bearer of the new era of finance.

The gold standard once defined reserve assets.
Now, Bitcoin presents the opportunity to converge on a ‘Digital Standard’ for money.
It could very well echo gold’s role in reshaping global finance. pic.twitter.com/e1ogPe947R

— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) January 10, 2025

Gold Vs. Bitcoin: Lessons From History

The comparison of crypto to gold is not new, but it has gained traction recently as more governments experiment with digital currencies.

Gold is often seen as a safe haven and a reliable store of wealth, but Bitcoin offers unique benefits that no other commodity does. It is essentially a digital asset, thus unlike gold, transfers are fast and considerably more portable. This digital nature makes it less vulnerable to physical theft and facilitates cross-border transactions.

BTC is now trading at $94.332. Chart: TradingView

While mining helps to produce gold, Bitcoin is intrinsically rare since its supply is limited at 21 million coins. For those trying to offset economic uncertainty and inflation, this planned scarcity could make BTC a tempting substitute.

Global Perspectives & Reactions

There is a growing global buzz about the potential of Bitcoin. Due to recent political shifts in the US, countries like El Salvador have made Bitcoin legal tender, and leaders in other nations are trying to put similar policies into place. However, given the erratic character of Bitcoin and the steady purchasing power of gold, some economists believe that this movement should be rejected.

Although Bitcoin offers contemporary benefits like decentralization and immunity to governmental intervention, its price volatility, according to critics, may be a barrier to its widespread adoption as a medium of exchange. As a result, the two assets differ in the crucial factors that investors and decision-makers need to take into account.

Sigel’s words reflect a new interest in how Bitcoin might reconfigure financial systems around the world. As conversations continue about whether it will eventually become a global standard, standing alongside gold, both proponents and detractors will be watching how this story develops over the coming years. Perhaps the future of money depends on how these two assets evolve and interact in an increasingly digital economy.

Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Christian Encila

They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that's not just a metaphor, it's a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.

Christian's journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).

Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling - right up his alley!

So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he's one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).

Think Christian's all work and no play? Not a chance! When he's not at his computer, you'll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.

Speaking of chill, Christian's got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.

Here's the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day - and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.

Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors - and bosses - he deeply respects.

So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.

Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.