Bitcoin Outperforms Tech Stocks by 5% in Mag 7B Index

Recent analysis suggests that Bitcoin may function more like a technology stock than a hedge against traditional market volatility. Standard Chartered analyst Geoff Kendrick highlights that integrating Bitcoin into a portfolio of tech giants could have yielded significant returns. Kendrick’s findings show that if investors had converted Bitcoin into the Mag 7B index since 2017, they would have realized a 5% higher return compared to sticking with the standard Mag 7 index. This shift highlights the substantial price appreciation and resilience of Bitcoin, especially as it holds the position of the sixth largest asset in terms of market cap within this group at approximately $1.7 trillion.

Kendrick’s analysis proposes a transformative view of Bitcoin, suggesting that it aligns more closely with tech stocks than with its traditional role as a safe haven asset. By creating an innovative index, dubbed “Mag 7B,” Kendrick replaces Tesla in the celebrated “Magnificent 7” portfolio, consisting of major tech players like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, with Bitcoin. This index serves to illustrate how Bitcoin’s performance compares to that of established tech companies.

Another critical aspect highlighted by Kendrick is the volatility comparison between the altered Mag 7B index and the traditional Mag 7. He notes that the average annualized volatility of Mag 7B is strikingly almost 2% lower, making Bitcoin a more stable option relative to conventional tech stocks over the same period. This lower volatility alongside similar returns suggests strategic advantages for those integrating Bitcoin alongside traditional tech investments.

Further insights from Kendrick indicate that traders are experiencing heightened confidence in Bitcoin, as evidenced by a more than 10% increase in open interest for Bitcoin futures contracts in recent days. The overall market for Bitcoin derivatives has surged to an impressive $57 billion, illustrating a noteworthy recovery from earlier lows in the month, amidst concerns over macroeconomic factors.

This analysis does not just reflect current market trends; it also revisits historical parallels. Kendrick notes that Bitcoin’s fluctuations have closely mirrored those of major tech stocks, particularly since the dawn of the Trump administration. He elaborates: “If we compare price declines against volume levels over this period, BTC trades in a similar vol-adjusted fashion to NVDA, while TSLA trades a lot like ETH.” This insight enriches the conversation around Bitcoin’s market behavior vis-à-vis equities.

“Perhaps more importantly than returns is Mag 7B’s lower volatility relative to Mag 7 in every year,” Kendrick explained, pointing to the trading patterns observed. The shifting dynamics of Bitcoin’s market identity, as illustrated by Kendrick’s analysis, reveal a potential redefinition of investment strategies. Rather than being viewed solely as a hedge against volatility, Bitcoin’s integration into technology-oriented portfolios may unlock new opportunities for investors. As trading patterns evolve, maintaining a keen eye on both returns and volatility will be essential for navigating the landscape of crypto investments efficiently.