How to know if gold is still your best investment option: Bitcoin offers an alternative

The gold rush has reached every corner of society. My aunts, my neighbors, even the vendors at the market are discussing bars and jewelry. But when even the least investment-inclined people start asking if “it’s still a good time to buy gold,” it’s worth taking a step back to analyze the situation calmly.

Gold prices: from 260 to 1,180 yuan in a decade

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2016, one gram of gold was priced around 260 yuan, the equivalent of a casual dinner. By 2020, it had risen to 380 yuan per gram. But this year of 2026 has been particularly notable: the price has reached 1,180 yuan per gram. This represents a multiplication that surprises anyone observing these historical metrics.

The speed of the rise seems almost unreal. Every dip in prices is followed by a rebound, almost as if there were a predictable pattern. Market observers note that each correction is often revitalized by political statements from influential figures like former President Donald Trump. His comments on monetary volatility seem to act as catalysts that drive new increases in gold prices.

Gold: emotional refuge, not wealth generator

Now, it’s crucial to understand what gold truly is from an investor’s perspective. Gold functions as a “fear hedge.” When the world faces uncertainty, when global nerves are heightened, gold shines like never before. Its fundamental value doesn’t lie in making you wealthy but in being a universally accepted currency in any crisis scenario. It’s like financial life insurance: it guarantees your safety but doesn’t promise to multiply your capital.

The current market environment shows warning signs. When euphoria reaches all levels of society, when even people outside the investment world start actively participating, we are looking at a classic indicator of a saturated market. It’s similar to reaching the end of a party where the music is at its loudest: there’s still food, but identifying the safe pieces becomes difficult.

Bitcoin: the asset proposing a different logic

While gold dominates conversations, Bitcoin remains in a consolidation phase. It currently hovers around $68.60K, well below previous highs. Many investors consider it to have lost appeal. But here lies an opportunity for a contrarian perspective.

The logic is simple: when speculative capital is exhausted chasing an asset like gold, it invariably seeks the next destination. What is the most viable candidate? An asset with excellent liquidity, established market consensus, and a solid future narrative. Bitcoin meets these three conditions.

There’s also a fundamental practical advantage: portability. Physical gold requires secure storage and is practically impossible to transport from one country to another in an emergency. Bitcoin, on the other hand, travels with you through a simple mnemonic phrase. In an increasingly digitalized world, this feature becomes more relevant every day.

Smart strategy: how to evaluate your next move

The worst investment decision is chasing trends. Instead, consider this approach:

For gold: If you’ve already made significant gains, consider gradually taking profits. If you haven’t entered this asset yet, the current market excitement suggests observing before acting.

For Bitcoin: Stay alert for corrections. The capital that exhausts itself chasing gold could be redirected toward digital assets with better fundamentals. Although the approval of spot ETFs has altered part of Bitcoin’s historical dynamics, the underlying cycles remain valid.

The most critical factor is your mindset: FOMO (fear of missing out) is the silent enemy of investors. Markets always generate opportunities. What is often scarce is available capital in your portfolio and mental serenity to act intelligently.

The final question

When everyone celebrates the same asset, it’s worth quietly asking yourself: “Do I really have the opportunity to make money amid this noise?” If the answer is clear and based on your own analysis, not emotions, then you have identified your best move.