Standard Chartered has introduced a revised version of the widely followed “Magnificent 7” index, replacing Tesla with Bitcoin in a test that delivered stronger returns and lower volatility.
Named “Mag 7B,” this alternative index suggests that Bitcoin may have a rightful place alongside the world’s leading tech giants.
Originally, the Magnificent 7 tech stocks consist of:
Bitcoin’s market capitalisation now exceeds $1.7 trillion—more than double Tesla’s—raising the question of whether the cryptocurrency is a better fit for a tech-heavy investment portfolio.
Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, highlighted Bitcoin’s growing correlation with the Nasdaq, stating that it “should be seen as serving multiple purposes in investor portfolios.”
Performance analysis of Mag 7B versus the original Magnificent 7 showed that the adjusted index outpaced the traditional version by 5% since December 2017.
Over the past seven years, Mag 7B delivered superior returns in five of them.
More significantly, it also demonstrated nearly 2% lower volatility on average, making it a more stable option for institutional investors.
Kendrick pointed out that Bitcoin’s inclusion would have been even more valuable in recent years, especially with the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024.
These ETFs have made Bitcoin trading as seamless and cost-effective as major stock investments.
Since the beginning of 2025, Bitcoin has exhibited trading behaviour more aligned with Nvidia, while Tesla’s volatility-adjusted movements now resemble Ethereum.
This shift further supports the argument that Bitcoin has transitioned from a niche asset into a mainstream investment vehicle.
Institutional adoption of Bitcoin has grown significantly, with more investors viewing it as both a tech asset and a hedge against traditional financial risks.
“If it were included, the implication would be more institutional buying,” Kendrick noted, reinforcing the view that Bitcoin is now serving multiple functions in global portfolios.
This change, Kendrick notes, could drive more institutional investment into Bitcoin, considering its dual role as both a tech asset and a hedge.
Kendrick said,
“Bitcoin should be seen as serving multiple purposes in investor portfolios; this would open up the possibility of even more institutional buying.”
The increasing alignment of Bitcoin with the Nasdaq, rather than with gold, suggests it could be considered a more stable, tech-oriented investment.
Since January 2025, Bitcoin’s volatility-adjusted behavior has mirrored that of Nvidia, while Tesla now behaves more similarly to Ethereum, according to Kendrick.
The outlook for Bitcoin remains positive, especially as the Nasdaq struggles through a weak quarter.
Analysts suggest that some investors may rebalance their portfolios, shifting capital from underperforming tech stocks into Bitcoin.
Additionally, a major U.S. tariff decision expected on 2 April 2025 could influence market movements.
Kendrick believes that Bitcoin could rise toward $90,000 if conditions remain favourable, stating,
“Higher Nasdaq will equal higher Bitcoin.”
The possibility of a softer announcement could further spur investor interest in Bitcoin and crypto markets in general.
Bitcoin’s rise has already pushed the total cryptocurrency market cap to $2.9 trillion, with major coins like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin also seeing gains.
With institutional acceptance on the rise and Bitcoin showing promising returns with lower volatility, its position as a valuable asset alongside tech giants looks increasingly plausible.
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Catherine