Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Gold vs. Bitcoin: Investment Performance and Risk Analysis
Gold and Bitcoin are both seen as ways to hold wealth, but they behave differently.
In 2025, gold has done better, going up nearly 29%.
However, if you look back since 2011, Bitcoin has gone up a lot more – about 38.9 million percent!
Gold is seen as safer and more stable, like a steady choice.
Bitcoin is more risky, with bigger ups and downs.
Gold's price is influenced by central banks and world events.
Bitcoin's value comes from its limited number and growing popularity.
Choosing between them depends on how much risk you're comfortable with.
Gold has outperformed Bitcoin in 2025, gaining nearly 29% compared to Bitcoin's 25%.
Since 2011, Bitcoin has significantly outperformed gold, with returns of about 38.9 million percent.
Over the past five years (2020-2025), Bitcoin has risen approximately 984%, while gold increased by about 37%.
Gold is considered a more stable investment with average volatility around 15%, while Bitcoin is highly volatile.
Gold is driven by central bank buying, ETF demand, and safe-haven flows, while Bitcoin is driven by its fixed supply and institutional adoption.
- Who
- Investors
- What
- Comparison of the investment performance and risk profiles of gold and Bitcoin.
- When
- 2025 and since 2011
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To inform investors about the potential returns and risks associated with gold and Bitcoin.
Gold
Bitcoin
Risk Profile
Gold
Offers stability and a proven hedge against inflation.
Bitcoin
High risk and extreme volatility, unsuited for conservative investors.
Investor Suitability
Gold
Suitable for those seeking inflation protection and institutional trust.
Bitcoin
A play for risk-tolerant investors betting on long-term upside.
- Gold YTD 2025 Return
- Nearly 29%
- Bitcoin YTD 2025 Return
- 25%
- Bitcoin Return Since 2011
- ~38.9 million percent
- Gold Return Since 2011
- 126%
- Bitcoin 5-Year Return
- ~984%
- Gold 5-Year Return
- ~37%
- Gold Volatility
- Average of 15%