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Opinion: For these big players, investing in bitcoin is all about power
Governments increasingly are using cryptocurrency to gain geopolitical clout and decouple from the dollar

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bitcoin-still-has-one-thing-going-for-it-that-investors-are-missing-d2988d9b

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Quick Summary:
The MarketWatch article argues that despite volatility and skepticism, Bitcoin’s enduring advantage lies in its scarcity and fixed supply. This unique characteristic continues to differentiate it from other assets and remains underappreciated by many investors.

Key Points from the Article
• Scarcity as Core Value
• Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins, making it fundamentally different from fiat currencies that can be printed in unlimited amounts.
• This scarcity is what gives Bitcoin its long-term appeal, especially in times of inflation or monetary expansion.
• Investor Blind Spot
• Many investors focus on short-term price swings, regulatory uncertainty, or competition from other cryptocurrencies.
• The article emphasizes that these concerns often overshadow Bitcoin’s most important feature: its fixed supply.
• Comparison to Other Assets
• Unlike gold, which can still be mined, or fiat currencies, which can be expanded, Bitcoin’s supply is mathematically predetermined.
• This makes it a unique hedge against inflation and monetary policy shifts.
• Market Sentiment
• Current investor sentiment may be cautious due to volatility and macroeconomic factors.
• However, the article suggests that long-term holders recognize Bitcoin’s scarcity as its enduring strength.
• Broader Implications
• Bitcoin’s scarcity could play a larger role in institutional adoption as investors seek assets with predictable supply dynamics.
• The piece implies that this overlooked factor may drive future demand, even if short-term trading remains turbulent.

Why It Matters for You
Given your interest in institutional finance and Bitcoin ETF analysis, this article reinforces the narrative that scarcity—not just price action—is the key driver of Bitcoin’s long-term value. For your Gulf Coast community, where inflation and economic resilience are pressing concerns, highlighting Bitcoin’s fixed supply could help frame discussions about its role as a hedge or alternative store of value.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/podcasts/larry-fink-and-brian-armstrong-are-not-worried-about-another-crypto-winter.html

Here’s a concise 4‑bullet summary of the New York Times podcast article featuring Larry Fink (BlackRock) and Brian Armstrong (Coinbase):

• Larry Fink and Brian Armstrong both expressed confidence in crypto’s resilience, arguing that institutional adoption and regulatory clarity are making another “crypto winter” unlikely.
• Fink highlighted BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF success, noting strong investor demand and positioning crypto as a legitimate asset class alongside traditional investments.
• Armstrong emphasized Coinbase’s role in mainstreaming crypto, pointing to growing retail participation and the integration of blockchain into financial infrastructure.
• Both leaders framed crypto as entering a new maturity phase, where volatility remains but long‑term growth is supported by broader acceptance and global financial integration

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/bitcoin-down-nearly-30percent-from-record-high-history-shows-thats-normal.html

AD says

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/bitcoin-down-nearly-30percent-from-record-high-history-shows-thats-normal.html

Obviously I could be way wrong but I don't expect any huge drops from here. At least if the reference frame is bitcorn. Maybe it drops to 70 or 50 if we don't have a crazy recession.

But I also don't expect the crazy upside anymore either.

Mostly because of institutional investors replacing retail. If it goes up a lot their 1% will now be 2% so they have to rebalance so they sell. If it drops too much they have to buy more to get back to 1%.

Now if we have a financial crisis then I could see a lot more selling to get cash to cover other positions, because it's still a risk-on asset.

Maybe a good entry point approaching again. :)

AD says

• Scarcity as Core Value
• Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins, making it fundamentally different from fiat currencies that can be printed in unlimited amounts.

I don't bitcoin but Isn't a single bitcoin infinitely divisible? Can't one transfer say, .5 bitcoin or .000000000005 bitcoin or are the smallest transferrable units 1.0?

stfu says

AD says

• Scarcity as Core Value
• Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins, making it fundamentally different from fiat currencies that can be printed in unlimited amounts.

I don't bitcoin but Isn't a single bitcoin infinitely divisible? Can't one transfer say, .5 bitcoin or .000000000005 bitcoin or are the smallest transferrable units 1.0?

You are correct. And it's likely a small handful of people who are in direct control of it. They can move the market at will. It's a video game where a few people got a ton of credits when the game came out and stashed them. At some point they will have enough credits/cash and will get bored with it and just stop playing #sellitall.

It's a trading vehicle. Not investment. And I will stick to my guns on this, it will be worthless at some point. Don't be holding the bag. Be awake and watching 24/7 because at some point it will drop way more than 30%. Full panic has yet to hit this realm. It can take a decade or two. Look at housing during the baby boomer housing boom from the late 80's to 2006. Took a while to play out. Thing is you could at least live in a house. What does bitcoin do?

At some point the stripper that got 7 houses will go broke. Don't be the stripper.

WookieMan says

It's a trading vehicle. Not investment. And I will stick to my guns on this,

Holding about 5% of your savings in Bitcoin over the next 30 years is considered smart because it provides diversification, inflation protection, and exposure to one of the best-performing assets of the past decade, while limiting risk by keeping the allocation small.

📈 Key Reasons Why a 5% Bitcoin Allocation Makes Sense
• Scarcity & Supply Cap
Bitcoin’s supply is permanently capped at 21 million coins, making it inherently scarce. Unlike fiat currencies that can be printed indefinitely, Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it a potential hedge against inflation.
• Historical Performance
Over the past decade, Bitcoin has been the top-performing asset in 8 of 10 years, rising more than 48,000% in value. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns, this track record shows its potential as a long-term growth asset.
• Institutional Adoption
Major institutions, pension funds, and even governments (like El Salvador) are now holding Bitcoin as part of their reserves. This growing adoption strengthens its legitimacy as a long-term store of value.
• Diversification Benefits
A small allocation (around 5%) balances risk and reward. If Bitcoin continues to grow, that slice of your portfolio could significantly boost overall returns. If it fails, the limited exposure prevents catastrophic losses.
• Inflation Hedge
Bitcoin is increasingly seen as “digital gold.” With fiat currencies subject to inflationary pressures, Bitcoin offers a decentralized alternative that isn’t tied to government monetary policy.
• Retirement Strategy Shift
Traditional retirement portfolios rely on stocks and bonds. But as financial markets evolve, Bitcoin is being considered a legitimate component of long-term retirement planning.