As investors have fled riskier assets recently amid interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and signs of a worsening economy, cryptocurrencies have fared even worse than traditional stocks. The benchmark S&P 500 index, for example, is still up 35.6% compared to where it was in December 2017, even though it’s currently in a bear market. Deflated prices for Bitcoin and other digital currencies have led to layoffs at crypto exchanges such as Coinbase and Crypto.com. That’s given ammunition to critics of cryptocurrencies who argue that, instead of being payment systems of the future, as their promoters tout, the currencies are in a speculative bubble. The value of cryptocurrency is “100% based on the greater fool theory,” Microsoft founder Bill Gates said at a TechCrunch conference Tuesday. He was referring to the idea that overvalued financial assets can be sold at inflated prices to the next investor in line—right up until the time the bubble bursts, leaving somebody holding the bag. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Diccon at dhyatt@thebalance.com. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
