Bitcoin's significant decline from its latest record high has nullified its gains for the year, prompting skepticism regarding ambitious future price predictions for the cryptocurrency looking ahead to 2026. Beyond its price trajectory, a key concern is its role in an investment portfolio: When will Bitcoin reliably act as a store of value?
"It's still going to have to prove itself as that digital store value over a longer period of time," stated Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, during an appearance on CNBC's "ETF Edge" podcast.
For many years, Bitcoin has been likened to "digital gold," a comparison that resonates strongly with investors who value gold for its capacity to safeguard portfolios during times of market uncertainty, moving independently of stocks and other risk assets. However, the digital gold narrative for Bitcoin becomes questionable whenever it behaves like a risk asset amidst stock market selloffs. After experiencing two notable phases of volatility in 2025, Bitcoin has yet to definitively establish itself as the digital gold many hoped it would be.
"The track record thus far is mixed," Geraci remarked.
He referenced the "tariff tantrum" period in April following President Trump's announcement of extensive global tariffs as a phase of market volatility during which Bitcoin performed admirably. "That caught a lot of investors' attention," he explained.
Nevertheless, more recent market fluctuations led by weaknesses in technology stocks have resulted in widespread selloffs across most cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Geraci pointed out that Bitcoin, in particular, declined more sharply than the stock market during this downturn.
"The jury is still out," Geraci concluded.