NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 – Bitcoin is systematically displacing gold as the premier global safe-haven asset, according to a stark analysis from Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan. The digital asset's performance during recent geopolitical turmoil, which saw gold falter precisely when traditional theory demanded strength, signals a fundamental portfolio shift underway. Market data now suggests we are witnessing not a competition, but an outright replacement of the ancient store of value.

Bitcoin Vs. Gold: Better Safe Haven?

Since the start of the US-Iran War, the world has witnessed a peculiar narrative, the one where BTC won a great deal against gold. Iranians were noted for sorting refuge in the BTC, whereas gold was spiraling down the line, exploring new price lows. Per Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, Bitcoin’s total addressable market now exceeds that of gold, surpassing $34T in numbers. At the same time, BTC is up 12%, with gold at 10% leading the safe haven race.

“BITCOIN’S MARKET IS BIGGER THAN GOLD” — BITWISE CIO.

Matt Hougan says Bitcoin’s total addressable market exceeds gold’s $34 trillion. Since the Iran conflict started: BTC +12%. Gold -10%. S&P -1%.

Bitcoin is less than 4% of the store-of-value market. At 17%, it’s $1 million… pic.twitter.com/hdmTv2ewvs

In addition to this, Hougan went ahead to predict a bold BTC call, stating how the asset is capable of hitting $1M by 2035.

Bitcoin is increasingly acting as a hedge against geopolitical chaos, per Bitwise’s Matt Hougan:

''If Bitcoin starts to take on a dual role as both a store of value (like gold) and an actual currency (like the dollar), we may need to revise our targets higher.'' pic.twitter.com/zdg060WGrQ

Hougan’s Philosophy Behind His $1.5M BTC Predicted

Matt Hougan further shared his reasoning behind the aforementioned prediction. He shared how bitcoin may soon emerge as a key store of value competing with gold. In addition to this, it can also be used for offshore wealth tied to real estate or forex reserves, giving it more power to dominate the sector.

BULLISH: Bitcoin's 2035 $1,300,000 Price Target

Soaring Debt
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Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, predicts Bitcoin will be bigger than gold by 2035 and 25% of the broader market. pic.twitter.com/ze1PCoi16c