Bitcoin News: Bitcoin Trails Gold in 2025 but Outshines All Assets in Long-Term Returns

Key TakeawaysGold leads 2025 gains with +29%, while Bitcoin is up 25.2% YTD, securing second place among major asset classes.Since 2011, Bitcoin’s total return is over 308,000x higher than gold’s, and it has beaten equities, real estate, and commodities.BTC’s annualized gain since 2011 stands at 141.7%, compared to 5.7% for gold and 18.6% for the Nasdaq 100.Analysts say BTC’s scarcity and decentralization could make it the ultimate store of value over the long term.Gold Leads in 2025, Bitcoin Holds StrongAs of Aug. 8, 2025, Bitcoin is up 25.2% year to date, second only to gold’s 29% rise, according to data from financial strategist Charlie Bilello. Both have outperformed equities this year, including emerging market stocks (+15.6%), the Nasdaq 100 (+12.7%), and U.S. large caps (+9.4%).This is the first time gold and bitcoin have taken the top two spots in Bilello’s annual performance rankings since records began.The Long-Term Picture: Bitcoin DominatesDespite trailing gold in 2025, Bitcoin has delivered a 38,897,420% total return since 2011, dwarfing all other asset classes. Gold’s 126% cumulative return over the same period trails far behind equity indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 (+1,101%) and S&P 500 large caps (+559%).Annualized, Bitcoin’s 141.7% average gain since 2011 far exceeds gold’s 5.7%, the Nasdaq 100’s 18.6%, and all other major equity or real estate indexes.Gold vs. Bitcoin as a Store of ValueVeteran trader Peter Brandt argued on Aug. 8 that while gold remains a proven store of value, Bitcoin’s scarcity, decentralization, and fixed supply make it poised to outperform all fiat alternatives over time.“Some think gold is a great store of value — and it is. But the ultimate store of value will prove to be bitcoin,” Brandt said on X.With BTC holding above $116,000 and macro conditions still volatile, traders are eyeing a retest of 2025’s peak near $123,000. Market watchers say upcoming U.S. inflation data and shifts in risk appetite across stocks and commodities could determine the next breakout move.