Billionaire Ray Dalio Explains Why He Prefers Gold Over Bitcoin

Ray Dalio, the billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, made noteworthy statements on the global financial system, impending economic risks, and asset allocation. Dalio stated that investors should turn to “solid money” assets like Bitcoin and gold, which cannot be printed, in the event of a potential financial collapse, while also sharing his own preferences and reservations about cryptocurrencies.

Dalio, known for predicting the 2008 global financial crisis, pointed out that a serious AI-focused bubble is forming in the markets.

Dalio added that the combination of high debt levels, income inequality, and geopolitical tensions puts the economic order at great risk.

The renowned investor, stating that capital should not be eroded by inflation and that preparations should be made for crisis periods, said that asset portfolios should be diversified. Ray Dalio revealed that he holds approximately 1% of his personal portfolio in Bitcoin. He stated that investors should allocate 5% to 15% of their portfolios to “hard money” assets, which cannot be printed in unlimited amounts by central banks.

Despite classifying Bitcoin as a non-printable currency, Dalio stated that he considers gold a safer haven compared to Bitcoin. He listed the main reasons for his cautious approach to Bitcoin as follows:

Dalio stated that governments have the power to tax, restrict, or control Bitcoin, arguing that central banks would not hold significant amounts of Bitcoin due to privacy and control concerns.

The potential for emerging technologies like quantum computers to damage cryptocurrency infrastructures, as well as a lack of privacy, have been cited as key risk factors for Bitcoin.

He added that gold, with its millennia of accumulated history, retains its status as the most tangible financial asset that is not the sole liability of one party.

Ray Dalio stated that instead of relying on a single asset to protect against financial fluctuations, a balanced portfolio diversification across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, gold, and Bitcoin is necessary.

*This is not investment advice.