Prominent American macroeconomist Lyn Alden has made a bold prediction regarding the long-standing rivalry between Bitcoin and gold. Speaking on the New Era Finance podcast, Alden stated that Bitcoin is likely to outperform gold over the next two to three years, citing diverging market sentiment as a key factor.
Alden explained that while gold recently reached a new all-time high of approximately $5,608 per ounce in January, investor sentiment toward the precious metal has become "a little too euphoric." The JM Bullion Fear and Greed Index for gold registered a "Greed" reading of 72 out of 100 on January 27. In contrast, Alden argued that market perception of Bitcoin is unfairly negative. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index recorded an "Extreme Fear" reading of 18 out of 100 on the same day, with Bitcoin trading about 44% below its October 2025 all-time high of $126,000.
"If someone held a gun to my head and I had to say which one performed better, I’d say Bitcoin," Alden remarked, emphasizing her preference if forced to choose between the two assets for the coming years. She described a historical pattern where the two assets take turns leading market performance, suggesting the current cycle could shift back in Bitcoin's favor.
Alden clarified that her view does not constitute a definitive statement against gold, noting that the rise in gold is not a bubble and that both assets can rise or fall together. "I try to avoid commenting too much on how certain these things are. Gold and Bitcoin can rise together, and they can fall together," she concluded, acknowledging the complex and sometimes uncorrelated relationship between the two markets, which are influenced by different macroeconomic forces.
This perspective contrasts with that of billionaire investor Ray Dalio, who remains skeptical of Bitcoin as a long-term store of value due to concerns over its lack of central bank backing and technological risks, while continuing to view gold as a premier reserve asset.
