As we've been documenting extensively in recent weeks, 2026 is fast becoming what one might call the 'year of gold'. The yellow metal had a phenomenal run over 2025, of course. But investors have taken things to the next level so far this year. Gold is now up an extraordinary 24.55% since the beginning of 2026. But what of its digital 'counterpart', Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)?
Proponents of Bitcoin have often described the cryptocurrency as 'digital gold', pointing to a number of characteristics the two asset classes share. Indeed, there are several striking similarities. Like gold, Bitcoin is inherently scarce, with only 21 million bitcoins ever to be mined. This scarcity is why some investors believe Bitcoin can function as an effective inflation hedge.
Bitcoin is also outside the control of a central government and cannot be manipulated in the same way a country's currency can. That is another reason why investors are attracted to gold as an investment.
So if these two asset classes are so similar, it may come as a surprise to see how differently they have behaved in recent months. We've already discussed gold's near-25% rise in 2026. However, Bitcoin has floundered this year, currently down 3.7% year to date. The 12-month performance comparison is even more divergent.
Gold has almost doubled since this time last year, rising from around US$2,800 to the current price of US$5,350. In contrast, Bitcoin has slumped from US$105,430 per coin to the US$84,175 we are seeing today. That's a drop worth just over 20%.
Store of value? Perhaps not.
Image source: Getty Images
Why are investors 'going analogue' for gold over Bitcoin?
Ever since Bitcoin emerged onto the investing scene, its proponents have been making all sorts of ambitious claims. The 'digital gold' argument is one well-circulated. As is the idea that Bitcoin will eventually become so efficient that consumers will use it alongside the Australian dollar as everyday currency.
Well, the latter still appears to be a pipedream, and the former claim wilts under scrutiny.
Bitcoin bulls can point to the similarities between the cryptocurrency and gold all they like. But the last month has just reinforced the notion that investors are not ready to treat the two assets equally. Bitcoin has always been treated as a speculative, growth-stock-like investment, one that tends to rise and fall alongside market excitement.
In contrast, gold is arguably fulfilling its traditional 'safe haven asset' role right now (albeit more maniacally than usual), given ongoing global concerns and tensions in both the geopolitical and economic arenas.
Until I see evidence to the contrary, I don't believe Bitcoin is close to being treated as a gold-like asset by financial markets. As with many other things, it seems analogue is back in vogue.
