Bitcoin Trails Gold in 2025 but Dominates Long-Term Returns Across Major Asset Classes

Bitcoin’s price dipped 0.11% over the past 24 hours, settling at $116,702, according to market data. Despite the slight pullback, the leading cryptocurrency is still up 25% year to date, trailing only gold’s 29% gain among major asset classes. This snapshot comes from a recent analysis shared by financial strategist Charlie Bilello, highlighting how digital assets are carving out a stronger spot in diversified portfolios.

Year-to-Date Performance

Since the start of 2025, Bitcoin has outpaced most traditional markets, riding a wave of renewed investor confidence and growing institutional adoption. Volatility has remained elevated, yet each dip has been met with quick rebounds as eager traders and long-term holders step in. The $116,700 threshold has emerged as a key support level, with trading volumes ticking up around major market opens.

Comparison with Gold and Other Assets

While gold retains the top spot this year with a 29% advance, Bitcoin’s strong performance underscores its growing role as an alternative store of value. Silver and other precious metals have lagged behind, and U.S. equities have posted more modest gains. Fixed income and bond yields remain under pressure as central banks juggle inflation targets and economic growth. Bitcoin’s digital scarcity and decentralized nature give it unique appeal in an environment of macro uncertainty.

Long-Term Dominance

Looking beyond 2025, Bitcoin’s cumulative returns dwarf those of other asset classes over multi-year horizons. Investors who bought Bitcoin five years ago are sitting on returns that exceed those of the S&P 500, global commodities and real estate benchmarks. This sustained outperformance has drawn significant attention from pension funds and endowments exploring low-correlation assets to balance equity and fixed-income exposures.

Outlook

Heading into the latter half of the year, market participants are watching the upcoming Bitcoin halving event and the potential approval of new exchange-traded products. Regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions could unlock fresh inflows, while geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures may drive more investors toward digital assets. Although volatility is likely to persist, many analysts remain bullish on Bitcoin’s trajectory, citing its growing integration into the global financial system and the enduring narrative of digital gold.