The Importance of Bitcoin for Preserving Purchasing Power
According to Dr. Jeff Ross, the founder and CEO of Vailshare Capital, the reason why people hold and invest in Bitcoin is not for diversification purposes, but rather to preserve and gradually grow their purchasing power. This contradicts the conventional wisdom often espoused by financial advisors who recommend diversifying investments, including into assets like gold, to mitigate risk.
Ross argues that while traditional assets like bonds offer diversification, they can still be susceptible to inflation risks that erode purchasing power over time. In response to Robin Crooks, the former Chief FX Strategist at Goldman Sachs, who downplayed Bitcoin’s recent rally as a market adjustment due to anticipated changes in monetary policy by the United States Federal Reserve (Fed), Ross highlights Bitcoin’s historical performance in preserving and growing purchasing power.
The Debate Over Bitcoin’s Store of Value Property
Crooks suggests that Bitcoin’s rally is not due to its store of value property or diversification benefits but rather because of market adjustments and expectations of rate cuts by the Fed. However, Ross counters this argument by emphasizing Bitcoin’s deflationary nature and its ability to protect against the devaluation of traditional assets.
Despite Bitcoin’s impressive track record, critics remain skeptical, citing its volatility and lack of intrinsic value. Crooks even goes as far as calling it a “bubble.” However, Ross maintains that Bitcoin has proven itself as an asset that can preserve and grow purchasing power over time.
Positive Trends for Bitcoin Leading Up to Halving
Bitcoin has been on an upward trend since early 2024, with one notable factor being the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This has led to increased investment in the asset and subsequent price increases.
In addition, the upcoming halving event, which will reduce the block rewards for miners from 6.25 BTC, is expected to further drive Bitcoin’s value. The reduction in emissions could make Bitcoin an attractive hedge against inflation and an ideal store of value asset.