Gold Outpaces Bitcoin in 2025, But BTC Still Dominates Over the Long Haul
Gold has taken the lead among major asset classes in 2025, but Bitcoin’s long-term performance remains unmatched, continuing to eclipse traditional assets in cumulative returns.
Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at $116,702, down slightly by 0.11% in the past 24 hours, according to CoinDesk. Despite the modest pullback, BTC is up 25% year-to-date, placing it second only to gold, which has gained 29% in the same timeframe, according to data shared by financial analyst Charlie Bilello on X.
Both assets are outperforming traditional markets. Emerging market equities (VWO) are up 15.6%, the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) has gained 12.7%, and U.S. large-cap stocks (SPY) have risen 9.4%. Mid- and small-cap indexes have shown more muted gains, with MDY up just 0.2% and IWM up 0.8%.
Notably, this is the first time both gold and bitcoin have taken the top two spots in Bilello’s annual rankings.
Bitcoin’s Long-Term Dominance Is Undisputed
While gold leads in 2025, Bitcoin’s historical returns leave every other asset class in the dust.
Since 2011, Bitcoin has delivered a staggering 38,897,420% return — far surpassing gold’s 126% over the same period. BTC’s gains also outpace the Nasdaq 100 (1,101%), U.S. large caps (559%), mid-caps (316%), small-caps (244%), and emerging markets (57%).
Put simply, Bitcoin has outperformed gold by more than 308,000 times in cumulative return over the last 14 years.
On an annualized basis, Bitcoin’s average return stands at 141.7%, compared to 5.7% for gold. The Nasdaq 100 has averaged 18.6%, while U.S. large caps posted 13.8%. Other asset classes range between 4.4% and 16.4% annually.
Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Value Debate Continues
Veteran trader Peter Brandt weighed in on the debate, stating that while gold is a reliable store of value, Bitcoin could ultimately prove superior.
“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, alongside a chart showing the steady erosion of the U.S. dollar’s purchasing power.
His comments reflect a growing narrative that Bitcoin’s fixed supply, decentralization, and independence from traditional financial systems give it a unique long-term advantage over legacy assets.
Market Focus Shifts to BTC’s Next Move
BTC’s ability to remain above six figures through 2025 — and near the top of global asset performance rankings — speaks to its resilience in the current macroeconomic environment.
Markets now await whether Bitcoin can retest its yearly high near $123,000, as traders look to upcoming macro data for direction. Long-term holders continue to cite BTC’s historical outperformance as a reason to stay invested, regardless of short-term volatility.
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