Home
/
Industry news
/
Bitcoin and ethereum news
/

Bitcoin's inflation adjusted returns are alarmingly low

Bitcoin's Returns Raise Questions | Skepticism Grows Amid Market Adjustments

By

Liam Johnson

Jul 19, 2025, 11:35 PM

Edited By

Anya Singh

Updated

Jul 20, 2025, 02:43 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A chart showing Bitcoin's price rise to $120,000 with a downward trend indicating low investor returns.

Bitcoin's recent surge to nearly $120,000 has investors buzzing, yet many face annual returns ranging from 9% to 19%. With inflation outpacing these gains, a significant conversation has ignited on various forums, stirring both worry and skepticism.

Pricing and Liquidity Concerns

Despite the asking price nearing heights not seen in years, trading volumes have dwindled since 2020-2022. A user lamented, "There's no way to know because nobody knows how much actual liquidity there is in the market." Analysts highlight that timing in the markets is crucial, as buying at peak prices can lead to dismal outcomes. A commentator noted, "Many bought high and are now selling low. It’s a tough lesson."

Deep Dive into Bitcoin's Performance

Movchan's Group employed a volume-weighted price (VWAP) model, revealing concerning insights:

  1. Analyzed Bitcoin data from January 2014 to June 2025.

  2. Compared monthly trading volumes before and after significant price changes.

  3. Assessed yields across various purchasing periods.

The findings show investors from the past five years experiencing annual yields as low as 2%. One user remarked, "Retail investors may not realize they're playing a risky game as speculators exit."

"Bitcoin isn’t an investment; it’s a game of crowd sentiment," notes Movchan's Group.

Energy Consumption Concerns

Additionally, the environmental impact is stirring discussions. One individual pointed out, "Bitcoin uses far more electricity than it takes to print, mint, and manage physical money." This emphasis on sustainability raises more questions about Bitcoin’s long-term viability.

Lessons from the Past: History Repeats?

Market observers can’t help but draw parallels to the late 90s tech bubble, where hype led to downfall. Many positioned themselves at high points, and as the market shifts, the risk of further declines is prevalent. People are left to ponder: will they recognize the warning signs in time?

Investor Sentiments

The community expresses mixed feelings:

  • ⚠️ Returns failing to meet inflation are alarming.

  • πŸ“‰ Many entered the market at highs, distorting expected gains.

  • πŸ” Calls for scrutiny over trading volumes and speculative effects grow stronger.

Key Insights from Community Feedback

  • β–³"Many will find it hard to sell at a profit."

  • β–½"Investing in Bitcoin right now feels like chasing old gains."

  • β€» "This isn’t just a trend; it’s potentially dangerous for new investors."

As Bitcoin navigates these turbulent times, many will reflect on their strategies. Will the current volatility push them toward more stable investments? It's an evolving saga in the world of crypto.