Bitcoin's 40% Gain Outpaces Gold, Stocks, Bonds in 2025

Russia’s Central Bank has released an official report indicating that Bitcoin has outperformed all other traditional investment options in 2025. The cryptocurrency has seen returns of nearly 40% over the past year, making it the top performer compared to gold, stocks, and bonds. This performance suggests a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among investors in Moscow for their daily financial transactions.

According to the Central Bank of Russia, Bitcoin’s cumulative return since 2022 has reached 121%. This figure significantly outpaces the gains seen in gold or corporate bonds during the same period. While gold managed only single-digit increases, Bitcoin has nearly doubled its value in three years. This substantial jump has attracted the attention of investors who are accustomed to slower returns from traditional banking or stock funds.

Bitcoin’s price experienced significant volatility in early 2025. The first four months of the year saw a nearly 20% drop, causing many traders to face nerve-racking weeks as prices slid. However, April brought a strong comeback, with Bitcoin climbing more than 10% that month, easing worries among those who had watched its dip. These fast moves highlight the extreme volatility that digital coins can experience in a short period.

The rise of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has made it easier for larger investors to enter the market. In various regions, new ETFs allow people to buy Bitcoin through their regular brokerage accounts. This convenience has helped push demand higher, as more individuals do not have to deal with crypto wallets or complex trading platforms. Instead, they can access Bitcoin through tools they already use for stocks and bonds.

Global uncertainty has driven some of this interest in Bitcoin. Big swings in currency values and low yields on bank deposits have left people searching for better returns. In Russia, a weaker ruble has nudged locals toward assets like Bitcoin that are priced in dollars. Additionally, countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine are exploring the use of cryptocurrency in their budgets, and firms are looking at Bitcoin as a way to shield against market swings.

According to the Central Bank’s findings, Bitcoin has paid off handsomely for investors who held through the drops. A 38% gain over a year is difficult to match with most safe havens. However, anyone tracking the 19% fall in early 2025 knows that investing in digital coins is not for the faint of heart. Digital coins can zoom higher one month and skid lower the next, making them a risky investment. This volatility is why many experts still advise limiting the amount of one’s portfolio that is allocated to cryptocurrencies.