Bitwise says Bitcoin could outgrow gold’s $34T market if used as currency
Bitwise CIO: Bitcoin can top gold’s $34T if it works as money; Iran mulls crypto toll
87% of Argentines say crypto boosts financial independence. Bitwise’s Matt Hougan argues Bitcoin must be both money and savings to surpass gold.
Hougan says Bitcoin’s total addressable market could exceed gold’s ~$34T if it serves as a store of value and a working currency. He outlined the view in posts this week and linked it to wartime finance and sanctions risk. His tweet drew wide reaction.
Iran proposed letting ships pay a Strait of Hormuz toll in crypto. The plan, reported amid escalating tensions, is now a key watchpoint for Bitcoin’s currency use case. Chainalysis summarized the proposal. Conflict coverage continues on Al Jazeera.
Key facts for investors:
- 87% of Argentines in a January poll see crypto and blockchain as tools for financial independence. Coinbase published the survey.
- Hougan argues Bitcoin needs a dual role to expand beyond the gold comparison. His post amplified the thesis.
- Iran’s crypto toll idea could test Bitcoin’s viability as a transactional medium under sanctions. Details here.
- Gold’s market is estimated above $33–34T for context. Gold price data.
What to watch next: whether state-level crypto payments move beyond proposals, and whether Bitcoin adoption shifts from savings to spending in high-inflation or sanctioned markets.
