Bitcoin doubles in value in one year and outperforms traditional assets

According to a study by Bitso¹, a crypto-based financial services company, an investment of US$1,000 in Bitcoin would have yielded US$1,981 over the past 12 months (equivalent to approximately R$11,000 at the dollar exchange rate on July 21, 2025), representing an appreciation of 98.1%—the highest performance among 15 other investment alternatives analyzed during the same period.

In a context of global economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and monetary policy reassessments, Bitcoin led the ranking of the highest returns over the past year among major market assets such as stocks, funds, commodities, bonds, currencies, and other cryptocurrencies. Reinforcing its position as a solid portfolio diversification alternative—now in direct competition with traditional options—Bitcoin outperformed assets such as gold (+39%), silver (+25.3%), coffee (+21.5%), as well as key Brazilian economic indicators like the Ibovespa (+11.7%). Meanwhile, stocks such as Vale (-14%) and Petrobras (-17%) recorded losses during the period, alongside oil (-19%).

The appreciation of the world's largest cryptocurrency is accompanied by significant institutional movement. Bitcoin, which in recent days reached a new all-time high (ATH), surpassing US$123,000, has been driven by factors such as growing institutional adoption, regulatory optimism, and the consolidation of Bitcoin ETFs in the United States. “Cryptocurrencies are no longer a secondary option for investors. They now stand on the same level as major traditional assets and, in many cases, offer superior performance, with the added advantages of global liquidity and decentralization,” comments Bárbara Espir, Country Manager of Bitso in Brazil.

Brazilian regulation strengthens investor security

Brazil is consolidating itself as one of the most structured markets in Latin America for the use and regulation of cryptoassets. Progress in discussions regarding the Central Bank's guidelines for exchanges—even amid recent tax controversies—has helped maintain confidence in the strengthening of legal security for both institutional and retail companies and investors.

In addition to the expanding regulatory framework, data from Chainalysis² shows that 60.7% of crypto activity in Brazil today occurs through centralized exchanges. This demonstrates Brazilians' trust in platforms that adopt robust governance practices, compliance, and alignment with the traditional financial system. The global average for the use of centralized platforms is 48.1%, placing Brazil above the international average and reflecting a more regulated and transparent market.

Bitcoin consolidates its role as a key component in modern finance

“With performance that surpassed major traditional assets over the past year, Bitcoin reinforces its position as a key element in current investment strategies. Growing institutional adoption, regulatory maturity—especially in Brazil—and increasing investor confidence are clear signs that cryptoassets have not only gained legitimacy but are already occupying a central role in the future of finance,” adds Bárbara.

The executive points out that, in the coming months, the expectation is that the combination of technological innovation, stable regulation, and expanded everyday use will continue to strengthen the role of BTC and other digital assets in the portfolios of individual and institutional investors.