US Federal Reserve of St. Louis’ Bullish Views on Bitcoin: Cool Feature, Value & Becoming Gold

Bitcoin, like the dollar, has no intrinsic value but is seen as digital gold. Its costly mining makes it a valuable portfolio diversifier.
By Sagar Saxena
Updated October 15, 2024
bitcoin

The latest US Federal Reserve of St. Louis report along with the previous ones share a great deal of Bitcoin potential: Cool features of Bitcoin, Bitcoin has no intrinsic value, but so does the U.S. dollar & others, Bitcoin to assume similar role as gold, Bitcoin’s POW mining expensive, so is centralized payments systems and its evolution into a valuable portfolio diversification instrument.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Bitcoin is cool

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is one of the 12 regional Reserve Banks of the US that make up the country’s central bank. Unlike other banks, it has been pretty positive about cryptocurrencies as it repeatedly shares its report on Bitcoin.

In one of its latest report that has been published last month, Charles Kahn in his post “Payment Systems and Privacy” shared:

“There is a legitimate market for privacy of transactions. Bitcoin is in this market. The providers of stored value cards are in this market. To a certain extent, PayPal is in this market, as are the credit card companies with their tokenization programs for internet transactions. And government-provided currency is also in this market.

One of the cool features of Bitcoin is its ability to permit transactions across the internet while maintaining privacy from the Bitcoin system.”

Decentralized cryptos are a welcome addition to the existing currency system

In a previous report shared by the Federal Bank in the first quarter of 2018 titled “A Short Introduction to the World of Cryptocurrencies” by Aleksander Berentsen and Fabian Schär:

“Bitcoin units have no intrinsic value…. The price of Bitcoin, therefore, reacts highly elastically to changes in the expectations of market participants and is reflected in extreme price volatility.

However, Bitcoin is not the only currency that has no intrinsic value. State monopoly currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, the euro, and the Swiss franc, have no intrinsic value either. They are fiat currencies created by government decree. The history of state monopoly currencies is a history of wild price swings and failures. This is why decentralized cryptocurrencies are a welcome addition to the existing currency system.”

Also, read: Bitcoin Hashrate Going Insane with over 50% Jump, Experts say a New ATH Coming

Bitcoin: Similar role as gold

Discussing the potential of blockchain technology which “will become apparent only many years, or possibly decades, after it becomes generally adopted”, its most apparent application is Bitcoin as an asset:

“It is likely that crypto assets such as Bitcoin will emerge as their own asset class and thus have the potential to develop into an interesting investment and diversification instrument. Bitcoin itself could over time assume a similar role as gold.”

Bitcoin’s POW mining expensive so is centralized payments systems

As for energy wastage, “Proof-of-work mining is expensive, as it uses a great deal of energy” but:

“Centralized payment systems are also expensive. Besides infrastructure and operating costs, one would have to calculate the explicit and implicit costs of a central bank. ”

Bitcoin can evolve into a valuable portfolio diversification instrument

Though as a payment instrument it raises concerns, as an asset Bitcoin should not be neglected:

“…lead to the creation of a new asset class that can mature into a valuable portfolio diversification instrument.”

In its February publication, contemplating central bank cryptocurrencies, it shares:

“We believe there is great demand for a virtual asset issued by a trusted party that can be used to save outside of the private financial system.”

Advertisement
Sagar Saxena
Passionate about Blockchain and has been researching and writing about the Blockchain technology for over a year now. Also holds expertise in digital marketing.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.