Gold and Bitcoin Positioned for Record Highs Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
Investment experts project rising values for precious metals and cryptocurrencies as tariffs and geopolitical tensions drive demand for safe-haven assets.
Investment specialists are forecasting significant opportunities in gold and Bitcoin as global economic uncertainty drives investors toward safe-haven assets.
Potential trade tariffs from the United States and ongoing geopolitical tensions are contributing to a shift away from traditional markets.
At the Thailand Investment Forum 2025, three prominent financial experts articulated their bullish outlook for alternative investments while acknowledging the continued volatility in traditional equity markets.
Kritcharat Hirunyasiri, chairman and chief executive of MTS Gold Group, projected that gold could reach record highs of $3,000 to $4,000 per ounce in the latter half of 2025.
This projection is based primarily on the uncertainty surrounding proposed U.S. tariffs, whose implementation remains ambiguous amidst ongoing negotiations.
"The uncertainty creates an attractive environment for investors seeking safe-haven assets that currently offer high returns," Hirunyasiri stated.
The gold market has exhibited remarkable momentum; prices have increased by 30% in the first three months of 2025 alone, a significant rise compared to a 35% gain for the entirety of 2024.
This acceleration follows an average annual increase of 15% in the three years preceding recent global conflicts.
"Gold has surged from $2,000 two years ago and has now firmly established itself at $3,000," Hirunyasiri noted.
He emphasized that the weakening U.S. dollar enhances gold's position as a premier safe-haven asset.
Meanwhile, Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder and group chief executive of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, discussed the cyclical nature of Bitcoin's market, highlighting a pattern wherein every fourth year is statistically a "golden year" for the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin has previously experienced historical surges of up to 10,000% during such cycles.
Currently valued with a market capitalization of $2.078 trillion, Bitcoin has garnered significant institutional adoption, surpassing gold in holdings among individual investors in the U.S. Notably, the U.S. government holds approximately 200,000 Bitcoin, with additional holdings by China (over 100,000) and the UK (80,000).
"I anticipate China will further increase its Bitcoin holdings, possibly matching the U.S. position," Srupsrisopa remarked.
He compared Bitcoin's investment potential to prime real estate, suggesting that major nations are likely to hoard rather than sell the cryptocurrency, which could support long-term price growth.
Additionally, Srupsrisopa pointed out the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating investment across all asset classes, including Bitcoin.
Trawut Luangsomboon, chief executive of Jitta Wealth, acknowledged the substantial volatility affecting capital markets in the first half of 2025, primarily resulting from the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs.
However, he noted that market sentiment experienced some relief following President Trump's recent decision to postpone new tariffs for 90 days.
"No one can definitively predict the conclusion, especially regarding negotiations with the EU bloc," Luangsomboon stated.
He added that even though psychological impacts have affected capital markets, the outcome of ongoing negotiations could determine future market conditions.
Despite prevailing uncertainties, Luangsomboon expressed some optimism regarding equity performance, suggesting that implemented tariffs might be less severe than initially projected.
Leading investment managers in Thailand project a gradual improvement for the local stock market in the latter half of 2025 after a challenging period characterized by global economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.
While sentiment indicates that the market may have passed its lowest point, lingering uncertainties continue to affect investor confidence.
Chavinda Hanratanakool of Krungthai Asset Management suggested that successful tariff negotiations, however minor, could serve as a positive catalyst, with clearer market direction anticipated by July.
Poj Harinsut of One Asset Management highlighted the ongoing uncertainties and warned that renewed tariffs could disrupt global monetary and fiscal policies, potentially leading to higher inflation and limiting interest rate reductions—factors that may hinder economic growth.
Win Phromphaet of Kasikorn Asset Management concurred that while the worst might be behind, caution is warranted concerning changes in global policy dynamics.
He emphasized the necessity for proactive investment management to navigate forthcoming uncertainties effectively.
Investment fund managers have advised a re-evaluation of portfolios, encouraging investors to acquire assets that offer resilience against inflationary pressures and market fluctuations, thereby ensuring portfolios are equipped to weather potential volatility while leveraging emerging opportunities.
Potential trade tariffs from the United States and ongoing geopolitical tensions are contributing to a shift away from traditional markets.
At the Thailand Investment Forum 2025, three prominent financial experts articulated their bullish outlook for alternative investments while acknowledging the continued volatility in traditional equity markets.
Kritcharat Hirunyasiri, chairman and chief executive of MTS Gold Group, projected that gold could reach record highs of $3,000 to $4,000 per ounce in the latter half of 2025.
This projection is based primarily on the uncertainty surrounding proposed U.S. tariffs, whose implementation remains ambiguous amidst ongoing negotiations.
"The uncertainty creates an attractive environment for investors seeking safe-haven assets that currently offer high returns," Hirunyasiri stated.
The gold market has exhibited remarkable momentum; prices have increased by 30% in the first three months of 2025 alone, a significant rise compared to a 35% gain for the entirety of 2024.
This acceleration follows an average annual increase of 15% in the three years preceding recent global conflicts.
"Gold has surged from $2,000 two years ago and has now firmly established itself at $3,000," Hirunyasiri noted.
He emphasized that the weakening U.S. dollar enhances gold's position as a premier safe-haven asset.
Meanwhile, Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder and group chief executive of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, discussed the cyclical nature of Bitcoin's market, highlighting a pattern wherein every fourth year is statistically a "golden year" for the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin has previously experienced historical surges of up to 10,000% during such cycles.
Currently valued with a market capitalization of $2.078 trillion, Bitcoin has garnered significant institutional adoption, surpassing gold in holdings among individual investors in the U.S. Notably, the U.S. government holds approximately 200,000 Bitcoin, with additional holdings by China (over 100,000) and the UK (80,000).
"I anticipate China will further increase its Bitcoin holdings, possibly matching the U.S. position," Srupsrisopa remarked.
He compared Bitcoin's investment potential to prime real estate, suggesting that major nations are likely to hoard rather than sell the cryptocurrency, which could support long-term price growth.
Additionally, Srupsrisopa pointed out the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating investment across all asset classes, including Bitcoin.
Trawut Luangsomboon, chief executive of Jitta Wealth, acknowledged the substantial volatility affecting capital markets in the first half of 2025, primarily resulting from the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs.
However, he noted that market sentiment experienced some relief following President Trump's recent decision to postpone new tariffs for 90 days.
"No one can definitively predict the conclusion, especially regarding negotiations with the EU bloc," Luangsomboon stated.
He added that even though psychological impacts have affected capital markets, the outcome of ongoing negotiations could determine future market conditions.
Despite prevailing uncertainties, Luangsomboon expressed some optimism regarding equity performance, suggesting that implemented tariffs might be less severe than initially projected.
Leading investment managers in Thailand project a gradual improvement for the local stock market in the latter half of 2025 after a challenging period characterized by global economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.
While sentiment indicates that the market may have passed its lowest point, lingering uncertainties continue to affect investor confidence.
Chavinda Hanratanakool of Krungthai Asset Management suggested that successful tariff negotiations, however minor, could serve as a positive catalyst, with clearer market direction anticipated by July.
Poj Harinsut of One Asset Management highlighted the ongoing uncertainties and warned that renewed tariffs could disrupt global monetary and fiscal policies, potentially leading to higher inflation and limiting interest rate reductions—factors that may hinder economic growth.
Win Phromphaet of Kasikorn Asset Management concurred that while the worst might be behind, caution is warranted concerning changes in global policy dynamics.
He emphasized the necessity for proactive investment management to navigate forthcoming uncertainties effectively.
Investment fund managers have advised a re-evaluation of portfolios, encouraging investors to acquire assets that offer resilience against inflationary pressures and market fluctuations, thereby ensuring portfolios are equipped to weather potential volatility while leveraging emerging opportunities.
