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Crypto Long & Short: Bitcoin vs. gold: 26% relative undervaluation

coindesk.com

⦿ Executive Snapshot

  • What: The newsletter discusses Bitcoin's relative undervaluation compared to gold, suggesting a shift in its classification as a monetary asset.
  • Who: Dovile Silenskyte (WisdomTree), Joshua de Vos (CoinDesk), Francisco Rodrigues (CoinDesk).
  • Why it matters: This shift in perception could influence institutional investment strategies and the broader market dynamics of digital assets.

⦿ Key Developments

  • Actual bitcoin/gold ratio stands at 15.6, while the model fair value is 21.1, indicating a 26% undervaluation of Bitcoin relative to gold.
  • The model suggests three macro scenarios over the next 12 months: no shock, inflation shock where gold leads initially, and risk-off where gold outperforms.
  • Top-tier exchanges now hold 59% of Q1 spot volume, increasing from 40% in October 2025, indicating a consolidation of institutional capital towards verified venues.

⦿ Strategic Context

  • Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a competing monetary asset alongside gold, reflecting a broader evolution in the market's perception of digital assets.
  • The recent performance of Bitcoin against traditional assets like gold and stocks highlights the growing interest and confidence in cryptocurrencies as viable investment options.

⦿ Strategic Implications

  • Immediate consequences include potential shifts in institutional investment strategies favoring Bitcoin as a store of value.
  • Over the long term, the evolving narrative around Bitcoin could lead to increased adoption and integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial frameworks.

⦿ Risks & Constraints

  • Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant risk, with only 16 of 75 benchmarked exchanges holding a full license in the EU despite the MiCA regulation.
  • Market failures and systemic vulnerabilities were highlighted during recent exchange disruptions, indicating the need for improved infrastructure and oversight.

⦿ Watchlist / Forward Signals

  • The upcoming November 2026 cycle will open for exchange submissions in October, which may reveal shifts in institutional participation and regulatory compliance.
  • Monitoring the Bitcoin/gold ratio and macroeconomic indicators will be crucial for assessing future investment strategies and market trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current bitcoin/gold ratio?

The actual bitcoin/gold ratio stands at 15.6, while the model fair value is 21.1.

Why is Bitcoin considered undervalued compared to gold?

Bitcoin is suggested to be 26% undervalued relative to gold based on the current ratio compared to its model fair value.

How might institutional investment strategies change regarding Bitcoin?

The shift in perception of Bitcoin as a monetary asset could lead to potential shifts in institutional investment strategies favoring it as a store of value.

What risks are associated with the current cryptocurrency market?

Regulatory uncertainty and market failures, highlighted by recent exchange disruptions, pose significant risks to the cryptocurrency market.