While the price of gold hits new highs, this is my alternative strategy

I recently found myself at a family gathering and heard something I had never heard before: my relatives, those who swore they didn’t understand investments, started asking if it was still a good time to buy gold. When I checked the numbers, I honestly was surprised by the magnitude of the change.

From 260 to 1180 yuan: when the price of gold becomes a topic of conversation

The data speaks for itself. In 2016, one gram of gold cost around 260 yuan, equivalent to a meal of huachinango. By 2020, that figure had risen to 380 yuan. But in 2026, the same gram reaches 1180 yuan. Do the math, and the price of gold has multiplied nearly five times in a decade. That’s the kind of growth that attracts anyone.

What’s most interesting is that this movement seems to follow a very particular pattern. I’ve noticed something almost comical: every time the price of gold experiences a correction, Donald Trump appears in the news saying something that triggers it again. Recently, he made a comment about how “playing with the dollar is like handling a yo-yo,” and almost instantly, gold prices accelerate once more. It’s not politics; it’s practically a “remote control” for the precious metals market.

Now, the entire ecosystem is talking about gold. Social media is flooded with photos of bars and jewelry pieces. Even in vegetable markets, vendors exchange opinions about assets. This shift in narrative is particularly revealing.

Gold as a refuge: utility without promises of wealth

But there’s something crucial we need to understand: gold, in its essence, is a “fear asset.” Its appeal grows as the world faces uncertainty. Its true value isn’t in making you a millionaire but in serving as a universally accepted currency when everything is teetering. It’s like an honest butler who guarantees that your essential wealth remains intact, but don’t expect it to lead you to prosperity.

This is why I’ve started to feel some unease. When even the least market-connected people start entering an asset en masse, it’s time to ask uncomfortable questions: Is there really room to make money when everyone is at the party? Or have we already reached the dessert of the celebration?

While gold prices seduce, Bitcoin waits for its moment

My perspective runs counter to the current trend. Just when others are concentrating resources in gold, I am examining Bitcoin. Bitcoin is currently around $72.96K, showing volatility and passivity. Many feel the moment has already passed. But I see things differently.

Once this gold boom loses momentum, smart capital always looks for a new destination. Considering the options available, what else offers deep liquidity, established consensus, and a future narrative? Bitcoin is practically the only one that combines these features. Plus, there’s a practical advantage that can’t be ignored: portability. If something serious happens, how would you transport a box of bars? With Bitcoin, you only need to remember a mnemonic phrase, and your wealth can accompany you anywhere in the world.

The ongoing wave of digitization won’t stop. This is the premise on which I base my analysis.

My strategy: caution with gold, activity with Bitcoin

I’m not suggesting you should throw your entire portfolio into it. The worst investment decision is blindly chasing trends. My approach is more deliberate:

Gold: if you’ve already accumulated gains, consider securing them in stages. Preserve those benefits. If you haven’t entered yet and the environment is one of widespread euphoria, observe before acting. The safest moment is paradoxically when fewer people are participating.

Bitcoin: stay vigilant. If the capital flowing into gold now experiences a reconfiguration, there could be an interesting correction. The four-year cycle that historically governed Bitcoin was altered after the approval of spot ETFs, but the underlying architecture persists.

The most critical thing is your mindset: don’t let FOMO — that fear of missing out — dictate your moves. The market always creates opportunities. What’s scarce is the capital in your pocket combined with a calm mind.

When you see everyone cheering for the same option, take a moment to ask yourself silently: “Do I really have the ability to generate profits in this widespread noise?” If your answer is clear, then you’ll know exactly what to do.