Why Some Investors Choose to Hold Spot Bitcoin Over Stocks, ETPs, and Gold

Why Do Some Investors Choose to Hold Spot Bitcoins?

From coin-related stocks to ETPs and gold, investors have many ways for long term investing. But an increasing amount of investors have been choosing to hold spot Bitcoin, the actual digital asset, because it offers direct ownership, control, and long-term potential. Spot Bitcoin isn’t just a price speculation, it’s a way to accumulate a scarce digital asset that may appreciate over time.

How Spot Bitcoin Is Different from Stocks, ETPs, and Gold?

While all these options may track price movements, they don’t all offer the same ownership, utility, or risk profile. Here’s how spot Bitcoin compares to these asset classes:

1. Stocks that Hold Bitcoin

Crypto miners, blockchain companies, and other public firms can go up or down in price when Bitcoin’s price changes. But when you buy these stocks, you're buying a part of a company, not Bitcoin itself. These stocks can rise if Bitcoin goes up, but they also come with business risks.

Some people like these stocks because they offer a way to get indirect exposure to Bitcoin or digital assets. But they are still just company shares, not the digital assets themselves. Their prices can be affected by things like business decisions, earnings reports, and overall market trends, which don’t always match how Bitcoin or other digital assets move.

2. Bitcoin ETPs

ETPs offer regulated exposure to Bitcoin’s price, by tracking the price of Bitcoin (The Motley Fool, 2025; Alphapoint, 2024). However:

• Investors do not actually hold Bitcoin

• You cannot withdraw or use the Bitcoin

• Management fees may reduce long-term returns

• You rely on a custodian’s operations and disclosures

ETPs can be convenient way to invest in Bitcoin but comes at the cost of ownership (The Motley Fool, 2025).

3. Gold

Gold is a time-tested store of value—but Bitcoin offers:

• Smaller footprint (no vault needed)

• Can easily send a small amount or value (from $0.01 worth of value)

• Borderless transfer (24/7 access)

Gold is physical. Bitcoin is programmable, mobile, and lightweight —especially in a digital-first economy.

Summary: Possible Advantages of Spot Bitcoin

Spot Bitcoin offers what many proxy assets cannot: direct ownership, borderless access, and control over how it’s stored and used. While stocks and ETPs may serve as short-term exposure tools, and gold remains a legacy hedge, spot Bitcoin provides the clearest path to participating in the digital asset economy — not just watching it from the sidelines. Still, it’s important to understand that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin carry distinct and elevated risks:

• Extreme Price Volatility: Bitcoin’s value can fluctuate dramatically in short periods, leading to rapid gains or losses

• Regulatory Uncertainty: Rules around crypto vary by country and are subject to sudden changes. This can impact access, taxation, or the legality of certain platforms.

• Cybersecurity and Custody Risks: Unlike traditional financial assets, crypto holdings may be vulnerable to exchange hacks, wallet thefts, or loss of access due to forgotten passwords or private keys.

• Limited Investor Protections: Unlike bank deposits or regulated brokerage accounts, cryptocurrencies are typically not insured, and recovery options may be limited if something goes wrong.

• Liquidity Risk: During market stress or platform outages, it may be difficult to convert crypto to cash quickly or at expected prices.

Cryptocurrencies are not suitable for all investors, and any allocation should be made with careful consideration of personal risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon.

Why Consider Bitcoin on Moomoo*

If you already use Moomoo to trade stocks*, you can also access cryptocurrency trading Bitcoin*** through the same platform. This means:

✅ Seamless access without switching between multiple platforms or apps

✅  Access to crypto trading through a regulated partner with established operational and security standards

✅  Integrated market data, news, and tools for education

Bitcoin is now available on the moomoo app. With just a few taps, you can initiate a Bitcoin spot purchase strategy—similar to placing a stock order. This service is offered through Moomoo Crypto Inc. and requires approval to open and fund a separate crypto account within the app.

• Reference

  Timmer et al. (2024). The Case for Bitcoin. The case for bitcoin

  Diaconaşu et al. (2022). An analysis of investors’ behavior in Bitcoin market. An analysis of investors’ behavior in Bitcoin market

  Nzokem, A. & Maposa, D. (2024). Bitcoin versus S&P 500 Index: Return and Risk Analysis. mdpi.com/2297-8...

  Nakamoto, S. (2008). Bitcoin: A peer-to-peer electronic cash system. bitcoin.org/bit...

  Alphapoint (2024). Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin ETFs: How They Differ and What Exchanges Need To Know. Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin ETFs: How They Differ and What Exchanges Need To Know

  The Motley Fool (2025). Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Best Buy Right Now, According to a Wall Street Analyst Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Best Buy Right Now, According to a Wall Street Analyst

  RiverLearn (2024). Bitcoin vs. Gold. Bitcoin vs. Gold | River Learn - Bitcoin Basics

  Jagielski, D. (2025). MicroStrategy vs. Bitcoin: What's the Better Crypto Investment? MicroStrategy vs. Bitcoin: What's the Better Crypto Investment? | The Motley Fool

  Daly, L. (2024). Crypto vs. Stocks: What's the Better Choice? Crypto vs. Stocks: What Should I Invest In? | The Motley Fool

  Loo, A. (2025). Cryptocurrency vs Stock. Cryptocurrency vs Stocks

  Baur, D. G., Hong, K., & Lee, A. D. (2018). Bitcoin: Medium of exchange or speculative assets? Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, 54, 177–189. Redirecting

  U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (2024). Investor alert: Bitcoin and other virtual currency-related investments. Investor Alert: Bitcoin and Other Virtual Currency-Related Investments | Investor.gov

  World Gold Council (2023). Gold and Cryptocurrencies. Gold and cryptocurrencies

• Disclosure

  This presentation is for information and educational use only and is not a recommendation or endorsement of any particular investment or investment strategy. Investment information provided in this content is general in nature, strictly for illustrative purposes, and may not be appropriate for all investors. It is provided without respect to individual investors' financial sophistication, financial situation, investment objectives, investing time horizon, or risk tolerance. You should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your relevant personal circumstances before making any investment decisions. Past investment performance does not indicate or guarantee future success. Returns will vary, and all investments carry risks, including loss of principal. All participants shall be responsible for the comparison and consideration of any relevant fees, charges and costs involved before investing.

  Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, not backed by any government, and not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risk and potential loss of principal. It is subject to volatile price swings, market manipulation, and can become illiquid at any time. For more information see Moomoo's Crypto Risk Disclosure

  Moomoo is a financial information and trading app offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc.

  *Access to products requires separate accounts with affiliated entities.

  **Securities offered through Moomoo Financial Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

  ***Crypto services are offered by Moomoo Crypto Inc. (NMLS ID 2287314), a money services business registered with FinCEN (MSB Registration Number: 31000288349013). Crypto services are not available in all states. See our full licensing disclosures here.