Bitcoin News Today: Gold and Crypto Collide as Nations and Tech Giants Hedge Uncertainty

With gold prices reaching over $3,600 an ounce and showing no signs of slowing, a convergence of institutional players and national strategies is redefining how gold is perceived and allocated in the global economy. Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is making notable moves in the gold space, while El Salvador’s central bank has made its first gold purchase in decades as part of a broader strategy to diversify international reserves.

Tether, which operates the USDT stablecoin with a market capitalization of $168 billion, has been engaging in discussions with gold mining and investment groups to expand its footprint across the entire gold supply chain. These discussions span mining, refining, trading, and royalty companies, reflecting the company’s strategic pivot toward physical assets. Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s chief executive, has described gold as “natural bitcoin,” positioning it as a complement to digital assets. Tether has already accumulated $8.7 billion worth of gold in a Zurich vault, and in June, Tether Investments, the firm responsible for deploying the company’s profits, acquired a minority stake in Elemental Altus, a Toronto-listed gold royalty company [1].

Tether’s gold investments are not the only developments in the intersection of digital assets and gold. The company has also launched XAUt, a token backed by physical gold, though it has not achieved the same level of adoption as USDT. Industry insiders suggest that Tether is considering further royalty deals, including additional investments in Elemental Altus, which has acquired $70 million in gold royalty agreements in Australia and Liberia. Tether’s interest in gold reflects a broader industry trend where traditional and digital assets are increasingly being viewed as complementary rather than competitive.

Meanwhile, El Salvador’s central bank has taken a significant step in gold accumulation, purchasing 13,999 troy ounces of gold for $50 million. This acquisition marks the nation’s first gold purchase since 1990 and brings El Salvador’s total gold holdings to 58,105 ounces, valued at approximately $207 million. The move is part of a strategic effort to diversify the country’s international reserves, which stand at $4.7 billion as of July 2025. About $700 million of these reserves are in Bitcoin, which El Salvador adopted as legal tender in 2021. This dual approach underscores a cautious recalibration of the country’s economic strategy, balancing exposure to digital assets with traditional stores of value [4].

El Salvador’s gold purchase also aligns with a global trend in gold accumulation by central banks. Over the past three years, central banks have collectively purchased over 1,000 tons of gold annually, with gold accounting for nearly 20% of global central bank reserves. Analysts attribute this trend to macroeconomic uncertainties and a desire to hedge against the volatility of fiat currencies. El Salvador’s move follows similar strategies by other central banks, including China’s recent gold purchases, as governments seek to secure long-term financial stability amid shifting economic conditions [4].

The surge in gold prices has also been driven by broader economic and geopolitical dynamics. Gold prices have risen by over 36% year-to-date, with global central banks and institutional investors contributing to sustained demand. According to Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, gold’s appeal lies in its role as a safe-haven asset during times of uncertainty. The asset’s physical nature and finite supply make it a compelling alternative to fiat currencies, particularly in an environment marked by inflationary pressures and fluctuating interest rates [6].

Political developments in the United States have further fueled demand for gold. The announcement of Trump-backed tariffs and the potential for a weaker U.S. dollar have led to increased investor interest in gold as a hedge against currency devaluation. Kyle Rodda of Capital.com noted that falling interest rates make gold relatively more attractive, as investors seek returns in an environment where traditional yield-bearing assets offer diminishing returns. This dynamic has been mirrored globally, with countries such as China, India, and Turkey increasing their gold reserves amid economic uncertainties [6].

The intersection of digital assets and gold is also gaining momentum in the private sector. Companies like Blue Gold are exploring digital tokens backed by future gold production, aiming to blend the tangibility of gold with the flexibility of digital currencies. CEO Andrew Cavaghan emphasized the potential of such tokens to serve as a bridge between physical and digital economies, allowing for seamless conversions into goods or other assets.

In summary, the convergence of Tether’s gold investments and El Salvador’s strategic gold accumulation reflects a broader shift in how gold is being utilized in the modern financial landscape. As economic uncertainties persist and digital assets continue to evolve, gold remains a cornerstone for institutional and national strategies, reinforcing its status as a timeless store of value and a hedge against global volatility.

Source:

[1] Stablecoin group Tether holds talks to invest in gold miners (https://www.ft.com/content/135fb3dd-2395-4f04-8cc6-7fb0e87cd092)

[2] Santiment's Take on Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/06/santiment-highlights-five-of-this-week-s-top-trending-coins-btc-eth-doge-usdt-egld)

[3] El Salvador Adds 14,000 Troy Ounces of Gold After Bitcoin ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/el-salvador-adds-14-000-103930646.html)

[4] El Salvador buys $50M in gold for reserve diversification (https://www.mining.com/el-salvador-buys-50m-of-gold-for-reserve-diversification/)

[5] Tether, El Salvador Deepening Ties to Gold, the 'Natural Bitcoin' (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tether-el-salvador-deepening-ties-142211843.html)

[6] Why is the price of gold hitting record highs? (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/4/why-is-the-price-of-gold-hitting-record-highs)