Bitcoin More Popular Than Gold Among Americans
Bitcoin now has 49.6 million US owners, surpassing gold for the first time.
For the first time, the number of Bitcoin owners in the United States has exceeded the number of people investing in gold. According to data from River, around 49.6 million Americans own BTC, compared with 28.8 million who invest in gold.
One reason for this shift is the growing interest in digital assets among younger investors. Bitcoin is easily accessible, can be purchased in small amounts, and can be traded around the clock.
Confidence in Bitcoin has also been strengthened by the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Purchases by institutional investors and the growing number of major companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets have also played a role.
Gold, however, remains one of the most important stores of value. Many investors continue to turn to it during periods of high inflation, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty. River’s data nevertheless shows that Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly common part of individual investors’ portfolios.
According to analysts, Bitcoin’s lead is more than just a statistical curiosity. It reflects a broader shift in investment habits. As digital assets become more deeply integrated into the financial system, competition between Bitcoin and traditional forms of investment is likely to intensify.