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US reserves status quo: Gold, oil and the emerging role of Bitcoin The US government has long relied on gold and oil as reserve assets, but with the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin BTCUSD , its potential role as a strategic reserve has increased substantially. This possibility and potential of the Bitcoin strategic reserve have seen a major tailwind as the new administration took charge in the US in January 2025. While gold has historically backed monetary systems and oil remains a key economic and security asset, Bitcoin represents a new kind of digital reserve that challenges traditional financial paradigms.  The United States holds substantial reserves in gold and oil, but its Bitcoin holdings are comparatively small and primarily acquired through asset seizures. As of the third quarter of 2024, the US holds approximately 8,133.46 metric tons of gold, valued at around $789. 87 billion (on March 8, 2025), making it the largest sovereign holder of gold reserves.  These reserves have historically been used as a hedge against economic uncertainty and to back the dollar before the gold standard was abandoned in 1971. In the case of oil, the US maintains a Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which, as of August 2024, holds around 372 million barrels. The SPR was established in the 1970s in response to the oil crisis and is valued at approximately $28 billion at current market prices. These reserves manage supply disruptions, control inflationary pressures, and stabilize energy markets during geopolitical crises. Bitcoin, unlike gold and oil, is not an official reserve asset, but the US government possesses a significant amount through confiscations. Estimates suggest the government controls roughly 200,000 BTC, worth around $15.90 billion at a Bitcoin price of $79,515 (as of March 10).  However, unlike gold and oil, these holdings are not stored as strategic reserves but rather as assets pending auction or liquidation by the Department of Justice and the US Marshals Service. Liquidity and market dynamics of gold, oil and Bitcoin Gold, oil and Bitcoin each exhibit unique liquidity and market dynamics, with gold being the stablest, oil driven by geopolitical factors and Bitcoin characterized by high volatility and 24/7 accessibility. The depth of liquidity of an asset in a market is an extremely important indicator of the asset’s health. Typically, the higher the liquidity, the better the options investors have around pricing and risk management.  Let’s understand how gold, oil and Bitcoin differ from each other in terms of liquidity and market dynamics: Gold: It remains one of the most liquid financial assets, with daily trading volumes exceeding $200 billion across futures markets, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and over-the-counter (OTC) trades. Its deep liquidity and universal recognition make it a preferred asset for central banks, institutional investors and governments looking to hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. While gold’s price varies, it has historically maintained lower volatility than most other assets. Oil: It is traded at immense volumes in both spot and futures markets, with daily future volumes reaching about 1 million barrels globally. Unlike gold, oil’s liquidity is largely tied to its industrial demand and geopolitical developments. The price of oil is highly sensitive to supply chain disruptions, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decisions and macroeconomic policies. Given its role in energy markets, oil volatility is much higher than gold, with price swings that can result from political instability, production cuts or major conflicts. Bitcoin: Bitcoin, despite being a relatively new asset, is highly liquid, with daily trading volumes often exceeding $30 billion–$50 billion across global exchanges. While BTC has gained legitimacy among institutional investors, it remains significantly more volatile than gold and oil due to speculative demand, regulatory uncertainty and market structure. Unlike gold and oil, Bitcoin operates on a 24/7 trading cycle, making it unique in terms of accessibility and global liquidity. Storage and security concerns for reserve assets Storage and security concerns are crucial for any reserve asset, with each asset presenting unique challenges and costs. Gold: It is typically stored in highly secure facilities such as Fort Knox, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and other vaults worldwide. The cost of storing gold varies, but large-scale sovereign reserves require substantial security infrastructure, transportation costs and insurance. Additionally, physical gold is vulnerable to theft and requires constant auditing to ensure authenticity and weight accuracy. Plus, custody fees for institutions storing gold in vaults range from 0.10% to 0.50% per year, depending on the storage provider. Oil: Unlike gold and Bitcoin, oil presents logistical challenges as it must be stored in underground salt caverns, refineries or tanker fleets. The cost of maintaining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve requires billions of dollars in infrastructure, maintenance and security. Moreover, oil storage is subject to depreciation due to environmental conditions, evaporation and contamination risks, making it more expensive to maintain than gold or Bitcoin. Bitcoin: Bitcoin storage differs fundamentally, as it is a digital asset. Governments and institutions typically use cold storage wallets and multisignature security to protect their holdings. While Bitcoin custody does not require physical storage facilities, cybersecurity risks such as hacking, private key mismanagement and regulatory oversight present major challenges. Institutional-grade custody solutions like BitGo, Fireblocks and Coinbase Custody charge anywhere from 0.05% to 0.25% per year, significantly lower than gold storage costs. However, the irreversibility of Bitcoin transactions increases the risks associated with mismanagement or unauthorized access. Strategic and economic role of reserve assets Gold, oil and Bitcoin each play strategic roles in global economics, with gold as a hedge, oil influencing geopolitical stability, and Bitcoin emerging as a decentralized asset for inflation protection. All of these assets have gained strategic and macroeconomic significance over time. Their narrative with relevance to the broader capital markets is perhaps what is needed to drive investors’ interest.  Gold: Gold’s strategic role in the global economy dates back thousands of years, serving as a universal store of value and a medium of exchange. The US formally tied its currency to gold in the Bretton Woods system (1944–1971), which established the dollar as the world’s reserve currency backed by gold. Even after the US abandoned the gold standard in 1971, gold remained a key strategic asset held by central banks worldwide as a hedge against currency devaluation and inflation. Oil: It has evolved into an indispensable economic and security asset, with its price fluctuations directly impacting inflation, consumer spending and geopolitical stability. The formation of OPEC in 1960 and the subsequent oil crises in the 1970s demonstrated oil’s ability to drive inflation and shape economic policy. The petrodollar system, in which oil transactions are settled in US dollars, has further solidified oil’s role in global finance, ensuring sustained demand for the dollar and influencing US foreign policy. Bitcoin: BTC’s potential as a reserve asset lies in its decentralized nature, fixed supply (21 million BTC) and resistance to monetary debasement. Unlike gold and oil, which require extensive infrastructure, Bitcoin can be transferred globally in minutes and stored at near-zero cost.  As institutional adoption grows, Bitcoin’s strategic value as a hedge against inflation and government debt is increasingly recognized. The future of US government’s Bitcoin policy Policy moves suggest that the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve could position it alongside traditional assets like gold and oil in the future. In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” establishing the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to explore the creation of a national digital asset stockpile.  Building upon this initiative, on March 7, President Trump signed another executive order to create a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” and a “US Digital Asset Stockpile,” aiming to position the US as a leader in the cryptocurrency space. These reserves will be funded exclusively through cryptocurrencies seized during law enforcement operations, ensuring no taxpayer funds are utilized. However, the reserve will be funded using cryptocurrencies already held by the government, primarily obtained through asset forfeitures rather than through new government purchases. This strategy has had mixed reactions. While some view it as a positive step toward embracing digital assets, others express concern over the lack of new investments and the potential implications of using forfeited assets. As of March 10, 2025, Bitcoin’s value declined by more than 5% to approximately $79,515, reflecting market disappointment over the reserve’s funding approach.  Looking ahead, the US government’s Bitcoin policy is likely to continue evolving. The Presidential Working Group is expected to provide recommendations by July 2025, which could influence future regulatory frameworks, investment strategies and the integration of digital assets into the broader financial system.  As global interest in cryptocurrencies grows, the US may further refine its policies to balance innovation with security and economic stability alongside traditional assets such as gold and oil, which remain integral to the nation’s financial strategy. $BTC

The White House Crypto Summit marked a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry, paving the way for a digital future 🌟. President Donald Trump's administration aims to establish regulatory clarity, foster innovation, and safeguard economic liberty 🕊️. *Key Regulatory Frameworks* 📝 - *Strategic Bitcoin Reserve*: A store of value, akin to a digital Fort Knox, holding approximately 200,000 bitcoins seized by the government, without costing taxpayers 💰. - *Digital Asset Stockpile*: A separate reserve for other cryptocurrencies, also funded through forfeiture. - *Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets*: Tasked with developing a federal regulatory framework governing digital assets, including stablecoins, and evaluating the creation of a strategic national digital assets stockpile ¹. *Industry Insights* 💡 Experts believe the summit's outcome will be a defining moment for digital asset policy, with potential implications for institutional adoption and regulatory clarity. Some predict the U.S. will become a global leader in digital assets, while others caution that the reserve's structure and regulatory framework will be crucial in determining the market's response ². *Future Implications* 🌈 The summit marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. as it seeks to position itself as a global leader in the cryptocurrency space. By leveraging its existing bitcoin holdings, the government aims to benefit from the potential growth of digital assets while minimizing risks to taxpayers ³.$ETC

The financial world is abuzz as two of the most influential figures of our time—Elon Musk and Donald Trump prepare to inspect the gold reserves at Fort Knox. Their visit fuels fresh speculation about the integrity of America’s gold supply, sparking renewed interest in alternative wealth storage solutions. Meanwhile, digital assets like $FORTKNOX, DigiByte, and $KAITO are reshaping the landscape, offering decentralized and AI-powered innovations that challenge traditional financial systems. Current price: $0.00005949 Market cap:$41.64K Elon Musk and Donald Trump are preparing to visit Fort surname, one of the most secure military installations in the United States. The visit is expected to focus on the honour of the nation’s gold reserves, which have long been a subject of speculation. Fort surname, located in Bluegrass State, houses a significant portion of the country’s gold, managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The high profile visit has restarted debates on whether the gold remains intact or if it has become a symbolic relic. Current price: $0.009893 Market cap:$162.59K The renewed interest in gold reserves coincides with the rise of gold-backed digital assets. Inspired by the secrecy of the Fort surname, the cryptocurrency $FORT surname has gained traction among investors questioning the authenticity of traditional wealth storage. Built on Ethereum, this digital asset promotes itself as secure and Fixed, with the concept of blockchain technology. Unlike physical gold stored in vaults, $FORTKNOX operates on a decentralized network, making it accessible and resistant to central authority control. Current price: $0.01024 Market cap:$179.94M While Fort Knox remains a symbol of traditional wealth, blockchain technology is evolving to offer alternative solutions. DigiByte, an open-source blockchain platform, continues to enhance security and transaction speed. as a Bitcoin fork, DigiByte integrates five mining algorithms, reinforcing its security framework. Its three-layer architecture includes a smart contract platform, a public ledger, and a core communication protocol, further strengthening its reliability. Current price: $1.56 Market cap: $360.98M In the rapidly expanding blockchain sector, AI driven finance is becoming a dominant force. The $KAITO token serves as the backbone of an AI powered Purify network, enabling seamless transactions and governance. By integrating AI with blockchain, $KAITO supports decentralized decision-making, allowing token holders to participate in network developments. This system ensures community-driven financial ecosystems remain transparent and efficient. DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Trump Makes History With First-Ever White House Digital Asset Summit President Donald Trump announced the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve during the first-ever White House digital asset summit. Trump Sits Alongside Crypto Industry Leaders at Historic White House Summit Speaking at the historic event, Trump stated, “Yesterday, I signed an executive order officially creating our strategic Bitcoin reserve, and this will be a virtual Fort Knox for digital gold to be housed within the United States treasury.” He emphasized the significant holdings already owned by the federal government, which amount to around 200,000 bitcoin obtained through various law enforcement actions. Trump criticized past federal policies, particularly under President Joe Biden, noting the government “foolishly sold tens of thousands of additional Bitcoin that were worth billions and billions of dollars had they not sold.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed that the federal government will never sell its Bitcoin holdings under his leadership. Speaking at the first-ever White House Crypto Summit on Friday, Trump declared his ambition to make the United States the “Bitcoin superpower of the world and the crypto capital of the planet” emphasizing that his administration is taking historic steps to realize this vision. “As you know, around the table yesterday, I signed an executive order officially creating our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” Trump stated. “This will be a virtual Fort Knox for digital gold, housed within the U.S. Treasury. That’s a big thing.” Notably, the U.S. government holds nearly 200,000 Bitcoin, seized through civil forfeitures and enforcement actions. Trump made it clear that these holdings would form the foundation of the newly established reserve while blasting the Biden administration’s decision to liquidate tens of thousands of Bitcoin in recent years. “Unfortunately, in recent years, the U.S. government has foolishly sold tens of thousands of additional Bitcoin worth billions and billions of dollars,” Trump said. “From this day on, America will follow the rule that every Bitcoiner knows well: Never sell your Bitcoin. That’s a little phrase they have…so far, it’s been right, so let’s keep it that way.” To reinforce this long-term Bitcoin strategy, Trump has directed the Treasury and Commerce Departments to explore ways of accumulating additional Bitcoin holdings, without imposing costs on taxpayers. His executive order also mandates a federal inventory of all government-held crypto assets, with plans to consolidate them into a newly created U.S. digital asset stockpile. Beyond securing Bitcoin reserves, Trump aimed at what he described as the Biden administration’s hostility toward the crypto industry. He accused regulators of targeting crypto businesses and blocking financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions. “All of that will soon be over. We are ending Operation Choke Point 2.0,” Trump asserted, referring to alleged regulatory efforts to stifle the crypto sector. He also supported lawmakers drafting legislation to provide regulatory clarity for stablecoins and digital assets, calling it a “tremendous opportunity for economic growth and innovation.” Trump’s move comes amid reports that China is considering establishing its own Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. According to Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey, Beijing began closed-door meetings shortly after the November 2024 U.S. elections. While the Chinese government has yet to make an official announcement, Bailey claims several influential Bitcoin advocates are involved in discussions. Meanwhile, Deputy Anton Gorelkin says the establishment of a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies (SBR) is “not yet being discussed” at the state level in Russia. That said, creating a U.S. Bitcoin reserve marks a significant shift in how governments view digital assets, potentially accelerating Bitcoin’s role in global finance.