Quick Comparison: Bitcoin vs S&P 500
| Feature | Bitcoin | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Ticker | BTC | SPY |
| Type | Cryptocurrency | Stock Index |
| Since | 2009 | 1957 |
| Volatility | Very High | Moderate |
| Avg Return | ~100%/yr* | ~10%/yr |
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin has been the best-performing asset of the last 15 years — not close. From $0.01 to $100K+, early believers saw 10,000,000%+ returns. Even buying at "bad" times (2017 peak, 2021 peak) still beats traditional assets if you hold long enough.
The catch: volatility. Bitcoin has crashed 80%+ multiple times. If you can't stomach watching your investment drop by half, BTC isn't for you. But for those with conviction, the risk/reward is asymmetric.
What is S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is 500 of America's largest companies — Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. It's the benchmark for "the market." Across 100+ years, it returns ~10% annually including dividends.
You won't get rich quick on SPY, but you also won't go broke. For most people, a simple S&P 500 index fund (like VOO) is the smart, boring, effective choice. 10% per year compounds to massive wealth over decades.
Key Differences
- Returns: BTC averages ~100%/yr*, S&P 500 averages ~10%/yr
- Volatility: BTC can drop 80%, S&P rarely drops 50%
- History: S&P 500 has 70 years of data, BTC has 15
- Regulation: Stocks are heavily regulated, BTC less so
- Accessibility: Both available 24/7 via various brokers
- Correlation: BTC increasingly correlates with risk assets
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bitcoin if: You're younger, have disposable income, and can stomach volatility. A small allocation (1-10%) to BTC has historically improved portfolio returns.
Choose S&P 500 if: You want proven, steady growth with minimal stress. It's boring but effective. Most people should have SPY as their core holding.
*BTC returns are historical and volatile. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
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