As bitcoin continues to hit record highs, it has garnered much attention and fuelled an ongoing debate: Is bitcoin the next gold?

The current economic environment has helped to support bitcoin as an alternative asset in the search for safety. Today, central banks continue to push the limits of monetary policy by expanding their balance sheets, while government stimulus spending has been unprecedented, increasing debt to levels not seen before. As a result, some investors have turned to bitcoin when looking for a store of value — to act as a hedge against uncertainty and the potential for currency depreciation or inflation.

Gold — and Bitcoin? — As a Store of Value

Traditionally, gold has been considered the preeminent safe-haven asset. Its qualities make it a recognized store of value: it is durable, fungible, divisible, portable and scarce. Proponents of bitcoin would argue that it, too, possesses these qualities. However, while other precious metals, like platinum, may also have these characteristics, what distinguishes gold — and now increasingly, bitcoin — is the collective belief in its shared value.

Bitcoin: The Move to Mainstream

Over recent years, one of the most significant changes has been bitcoin’s move into the mainstream. There has been an increasing acceptance of bitcoin, perhaps partially driven by its rise in value. Many high-profile institutional investors and companies now hold and accept bitcoin, which has helped increase its utility. Millennials have been leading the charge to support the adoption of digital currencies* — attracted by the price gains, but more importantly frustrated by governments and elitists in a financial system they believe has failed their generation.

As digital payment systems have become more mainstream, even governments and central banks have begun to adopt, accept and develop digital currencies. Bitcoin is now one of hundreds of cryptocurrencies that exist today.

While it is likely that cryptocurrencies are not going away any time soon, there are reasons to exercise caution when considering bitcoin as an alternative asset. Here are three:

Unclear Valuation — There is considerable debate over what is the fair value of bitcoin, since it is simply the product of open- source software. Some argue that bitcoin lacks an intrinsic value when compared to other assets: stocks represent companies that produce goods and services with tangible value; even gold’s physical properties may make it useful outside of being a safe- haven asset, such as utility in jewellery or electronics. However, proponents of bitcoin would argue that its fixed limited supply, decentralized and transparent nature, and growing acceptance has given it relevancy as a store of value.

Significant Volatility — Since its inception in 2009, bitcoin has been subject to unpredictable and drastic price swings, perhaps a consequence of being a new asset. In January alone, the price dropped by almost 20 percent on two occasions. Some note that gold experienced similar volatility in the 1970s as it became a trusted store of value; prices appreciated by 2,300 percent in that decade.

Security Concerns — Like many things of value, bitcoin has been targeted by unscrupulous individuals. Platforms that buy and sell bitcoin are often unregulated. Bitcoin transactions can be subject to fraud and theft, perhaps facilitated by the anonymity of the digital world. In 2014, the world’s leading bitcoin exchange was hit by a cyberattack; customers had a significant amount of bitcoin stolen without recourse and the exchange filed for bankruptcy. Today, the controversial cryptocurrency Tether is under investigation for potentially manipulating the price of bitcoin.

For now, the risks are likely to challenge bitcoin’s viability as a stable safe-haven asset. However, as the world continues its digital transformation, cryptocurrencies continue to gain increasing relevancy. Will bitcoin become the gold of our future?

* fintechmagazine.com/digital-payments/millennials-are-driving-bitcoin-economy

This article was originally published in the newsletter, "Challenging the Trend." Click here to view.

The views expressed are those of Wes Ashton, Director of Growth Strategy and Portfolio Manager, and not necessarily those of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.