Silver has surpassed $72, hitting a new record high, while Bitcoin remains flat. Has the story of digital gold really collapsed? Are you ready to take a calm, objective look at the market, understanding the crucial difference between industrial demand and non-existence?
#Bitcoin #Silver
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Now, as we approach the end of 2025, things are getting interesting in the market. According to the news, silver isParabolic PeakIt is soaring, hitting a record high. Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are being left behind. The commonly-held narrative that Bitcoin is a "hard asset" seems to be wavering. While traditional precious metals such as gold and silver are shining, the price of Bitcoin isStagnantThis is said to be due to industrial demand and geopolitical tensions, but let's dig deeper.
🔰 Difficulty:Elementary to Intermediate
🎯 Recommended:People who want to understand technology trends
Bitcoin's "hard asset" narrative collapses as silver surges, leaving crypto behind
Key points of this article (3 points)
- Why Silver's Rise Calls Bitcoin's "Store of Value" Image into Question
- Industrial Demand vs. Speculative Demand: Explaining the Difference Between Precious Metals and Crypto with Everyday Examples
- Market Trends: Tips for Diversifying Your Risk (But Not Investment Advice)
📑 Table of Contents
Background and Issues
Let's start by taking stock, like we're talking with friends at a coffee shop. As 2025 draws to a close, the price of silver is$72Bitcoin is currently at a record high, surpassingFlatSo, the market enthusiasm has not spread to crypto.
The news is saying this is evidence that Bitcoin's "hard asset" narrative is crumbling. What are hard assets? Simply put, they are solid assets that protect their value during times of inflation and economic crisis. Bitcoin was called "digital gold" and was supposed to have a finite supply and be less likely to lose value.
Imagine your wallet as a "hard box" that won't melt even if it falls out of your pocket on a rainy day. But right now, silver, a "real hard box," is skyrocketing due to industrial demand (it's used heavily in solar panels and electronic devices), while Bitcoin is being left behind, as if to say, "Is the box empty?" It sounds like a joke, but we need to think about it seriously.
Here's the problem: Crypto's value is driven by speculation and has little connection to the real economy like silver. While precious metals are bought due to geopolitical tensions (e.g., the Venezuelan oil field issue), Bitcoin is subject to news like "regulatory progress" and "miner AI shift," but these news events don't directly affect its price. Beginners often find themselves feeling excited or depressed by the charts, but not understanding the underlying reasons.
To put this in terms of everyday life, Bitcoin is like a trendy pair of sneakers. Everyone wants it, so the price rises, but silver is like rice, an essential part of daily meals. Its real value soars when there's a supply shortage or increased demand.
The core of the technology
Now, back to the main topic. Let's start by looking at how Bitcoin works and see why the "hard asset" narrative is in disarray. First, Bitcoin is a distributed ledger powered by blockchain technology. In a world without a central bank, transactions are recorded collectively. Its finite supply (up to 2100 million) creates a "scarcity" that has been described as similar to gold.
But silver and gold are different. Silver has "real demand" for industrial use, and its price is directly linked to the real economy. Bitcoin mainly relies on "storage of value" and "speculation." In the news, industrial demand for silver (EV batteries and solar power) is exploding.Parabolic (a sudden rise like a parabola)However, it has been pointed out that Bitcoin's price has not moved even with regulatory success (the talk of strategic stockpiling).
The joke here is that Bitcoin is the "star of the party," but silver is the "factory staple." If the party isn't lively, the star is lonely.

The diagram above compares the Bitcoin blockchain with the market structure of precious metals. Bitcoin blocks are created by accumulating transactions on "everyone's notes," but silver is connected to physical mines and factories.
Furthermore, if we break down tokenomics (token economics), the supply of Bitcoin is reduced by halving. This is like "everyone shares a cake, but it gradually gets smaller." In contrast, the supply of silver changes depending on mining output and recycling. The point of the news is that while the silver supply shortage is pushing up prices, the effect of Bitcoin's halving is fading.
| Item | Conventional (precious metals: gold/silver) | This time (Bitcoin/Crypto) |
|---|---|---|
| Source of value | Industrial demand (electronics, jewelry) and storage value | Speculation and Digital Storage, Regulation News |
| Price fluctuation factors | Supply shortages, geopolitical risks, and increased actual demand | Market Sentiment, Regulatory Changes, and Mining Trends |
| Risk Examples | Mining strikes and recessions | Hacking and increased regulation |
| 2025 trends | Silver: surged above $72, Gold: $4540 | Bitcoin: Flat, Sentiment Deteriorates |
Looking at this table, we can see that traditional precious metals have strong "real-world ties." Bitcoin is technologically innovative, but the market "narrative" is prone to change.
Applications and Market Impact
So how will this impact the market? From a developer's perspective, Bitcoin's narrative shift may drive the evolution of DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFTs. For example, the number of Layer 2 solutions based on Bitcoin will increase, enhancing their practicality.
From a user perspective, it's a hint for asset diversification. While the surge in silver is a good example of an "inflation hedge," cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. The news is that Bitcoin's "structural victory" (regulatory approval) hasn't translated into price growth, which is disappointing. Across the market, precious metal ETFs are seeing increased inflows, while crypto ETFs may be stagnating.
To use an everyday example, a portfolio is like a "lunch box." If you only fill it with Bitcoin, you will become malnourished without a "side dish" like silver. As an impact, the Q4 crash in 2025 has worsened sentiment, but crypto innovation may lead to a long-term recovery.
However, if you are a resident of Japan, you should be aware that there are risks outside of legal protection when using overseas exchanges. Prioritize domestic regulatory-compliant platforms.
Actions by level
The focus is on understanding and experiencing, not buying. Beginners: First, read the Bitcoin white paper. It's free to download. Create a wallet and try sending small amounts of money. You might get a real feel for "digital gold."
Intermediate: Wrap Bitcoin in a DeFi app and borrow/lend it. Learn the risks, compare silver news and charts, and take notes. To put it humourously, "Grab a coffee and study before the charts keep you up at night!"
Action starts with DYOR (do your own research). It's important to look at the news from multiple angles and be able to judge the market's "story" for yourself.
Future prospects and risks
Future Outlook: Bitcoin may become stronger in the long term due to regulatory developments (strategic stockpiling). Once the silver rally ends, there is a possibility that funds will shift to crypto. AI-integrated mining is likely to improve efficiency.
However, it is full of risks. Technical: The threat of 51% attacks (exploited by many miners). Legal: Prices may plummet due to changes in regulations in various countries. Operational: Value may melt due to volatility. Because it cannot be physically touched like silver, the risk of hacking is high.
Just kidding: Bitcoin is a "magic coin," but when the magic wears off, it becomes just data. The outlook is bright, but don't underestimate the risks. Don't forget to file your tax return in Japan.
My Feelings, Then and Now
Now that the surge in silver is testing Bitcoin's hard asset story, let's understand how it works and look at the market objectively. While the technical value remains the same, don't forget the speculative aspect. Reaffirm the importance of DYOR! The best part of crypto is researching and making your own decisions.
💬 What do you think?
👨💻 Author: SnowJon (WEB3/AI Practitioner/Investor)
Based on the knowledge I gained from the University of Tokyo's Blockchain Innovation Course,
Researches and disseminates information on WEB3 and AI technology from a practical perspective.
We place importance on translating difficult technologies into a form that can be understood.
*AI is used as an auxiliary tool, and the author is responsible for final confirmation and responsibility of the content.
