BILL GATES: ID SHORT CRAZIER, SPECULATIVE BITCOIN IF I COULD

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 21:27 | Written by: Chris Larsen

Bill Gates: Id Short Crazier, Speculative Bitcoin If I Could
Bill Gates: Id Short Crazier, Speculative Bitcoin If I Could

The world of cryptocurrency is never short on opinions, and when prominent figures like Bill Gates weigh in, the market listens. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Monday he would bet against bitcoin if he could.On May 7th, the Microsoft co-founder didn't mince words about his skepticism towards Bitcoin, branding it a ""greater fool theory"" investment and stating he would short it if an accessible avenue existed.This declaration, made during a CNBC ""Squawk Box"" segment, echoes his long-held reservations about digital currencies.Gates' concerns stem from his belief that cryptocurrencies lack intrinsic value and contribute little to society beyond speculation. Billionaire Bill Gates is a notorious bitcoin skeptic who says he would bet against it if he could because he believes cryptocurrencies are worthless investments that people profit from byThis perspective contrasts sharply with proponents who champion Bitcoin's decentralized nature and potential to revolutionize finance.But what exactly fueled Gates' strong statement, and what does it mean for the future of Bitcoin and the broader crypto market?We'll delve into the details of his comments, explore the ""greater fool theory,"" examine the implications for investors, and discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the value and sustainability of cryptocurrencies. Evelyn Cheng CNBC.com Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are kind of a pure 'greater fool theory' type of investment, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Monday on CNBC's Squawk Box. I agree I would short it if there was an easy way to do it, he said. Gates added someone once gave him some bitcoin for his birthday, butWe will also address concerns Gates has voiced in the past, including the environmental impact and potential for illicit activities associated with Bitcoin. 6.2M subscribers in the Bitcoin community. Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money. UnlikeUltimately, understanding these viewpoints is crucial for navigating the complex and often volatile landscape of the digital asset world.

Bill Gates' Bitcoin Critique: A ""Greater Fool Theory"" Investment

Gates' criticism centers around the ""greater fool theory,"" a concept that suggests an investment's value is based solely on the expectation that someone else will be willing to pay even more for it in the future, regardless of its intrinsic worth.In essence, it's a speculative bubble driven by hype rather than fundamentals.He clearly stated that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies fall into this category, implying they lack any real-world utility or inherent value generation. Bill Gates expressed deep skepticism about the prospects of bitcoin despite faith in the cryptocurrency's underlying technology. Gates told CNBC Squawk Box journalist Becky Quick onThis lack of tangible output is a crucial element in his argument. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Monday he would bet against bitcoin if he could. As an asset class, you re not producing anything and so you shouldn t expect it to go up. It s kind of a pure greater fool theory type of investment, Gates said on CNBC s Squawk Box.He argues that genuine investments, like companies, produce goods or services, while Bitcoin simply relies on continual inflows of new investors to maintain its price.

Understanding the ""Greater Fool Theory""

The ""greater fool theory"" is a behavioral economics concept that explains how assets with questionable underlying value can experience rapid price appreciation.It hinges on the belief that you can profit from an overpriced asset as long as there's a ""greater fool"" willing to buy it from you at a higher price. Following Warren Buffet s claims about Bitcoin being rat poison squared, Bill Gates, the former richest man in the world said that he believes Bitcoin will decrease in value in the future. In an interview with CNBC s Squawk Box, Gates sat [ ]However, the theory also acknowledges the inherent risk: when the supply of ""greater fools"" dries up, the bubble bursts, and prices plummet.This is a major concern for those like Gates who believe Bitcoin's value is purely speculative.

Consider this example: imagine a collectible item with no practical use but significant hype surrounding it. 據Cointelegraph,微軟創辦人比爾.蓋茨在5月7日發布了關於比特幣的批判性評論,他告訴CNBC這是一個「更蠢的」投資,他「如果可以的話就會做空」。Its price skyrockets as people rush to buy it, convinced they can sell it for even more later. Il 7 maggio, il fondatore di Microsoft Bill Gates ha rilasciato delle dichiarazioni negative su Bitcoin alla CNBC, sostenendo che avrebbe intenzione di shortarlo (ossia scommetterebbe sul calo del prezzo, n.d.r). Durante il programma Squawk Box dell'emittente televisiva, Gates, che in passato avevaEventually, the hype fades, and fewer people are interested in buying. El fundador de Microsoft Bill Gates, emiti comentarios cr ticos sobre el Bitcoin el 7 de mayo, diciendole a CNBC que era una inversi n m s tonta y que lo suspender a si pudiera . En comentarios durante el segmento Squawk Box de la red, Gates, que en febrero afirm que las criptomonedasThe price collapses, leaving those who bought in late with significant losses.This scenario illustrates the potential pitfalls of investing based solely on the ""greater fool theory.""

""I'd Short It If I Could"": Gates' Bearish Stance

Gates' willingness to short Bitcoin if it were easily accessible highlights his strong bearish outlook. Shorting, or short selling, is an investment strategy where an investor borrows an asset (in this case, Bitcoin) and immediately sells it, hoping to buy it back at a lower price later and profit from the difference.It's a bet that the asset's price will decline. Topic: Bill Gates to Bitcoin (Read 538 times) Nerman. Full Member Offline Activity: 364 Merit: 107. Re: Bill Gates to Bitcoin.Gates' statement reveals his conviction that Bitcoin's value is unsustainable and will eventually fall.

Why Shorting Bitcoin Can Be Risky

While shorting can be a profitable strategy, it's inherently risky, especially with volatile assets like Bitcoin.The potential losses are theoretically unlimited because there's no limit to how high the price can rise. 據Cointelegraph,微軟創辦人比爾.蓋茨在5月7日發布了關於比特幣的批判性評論,他告訴CNBC這是一個「更蠢的」投資,他「如果可以的話就會做空」。 比爾.蓋茲在CNBC節目《Squawk Box》中對比特幣做出評論,據動區先前報導,比爾.蓋茨在2月份聲稱加密貨幣「以相當直接的方式造成了死亡」,但同時If the price of Bitcoin increases instead of decreasing, the short seller will have to buy it back at a higher price, incurring a loss. Gates told CNBC that Bitcoin is one of the crazier, speculative things he's seen, and that he would short it if there was an easy way to do it. In the investment world, shorting is whenFurthermore, shorting involves borrowing fees and margin requirements, adding to the cost and complexity.

For example, suppose an investor shorts 1 Bitcoin at a price of $30,000, hoping the price will fall to $25,000.If the price does drop to $25,000, the investor can buy back the Bitcoin and pocket a $5,000 profit (minus fees and expenses). We would all think Bill Gates, the founder of the most popular operating system in the world Microsoft Windows would be up to date with technology. However, he proved otherwise, by stating to CNBC that he would short Bitcoin if he could. Bill Gates is an American business magnate, investor, author and humanitarian well known Continue reading Bill Gates Bitcoin is a Greater FoolHowever, if the price rises to $35,000, the investor will have to buy back the Bitcoin at that price, resulting in a $5,000 loss.

Gates' Past Criticisms of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

Gates' recent comments are not isolated incidents.He has a history of expressing skepticism about Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Microsoft founder Bill Gates issued critical comments about Bitcoin May 7, telling CNBC it was a greater fool investment and he would short it if he could. In comments during the network s Squawk Box segment, Gates, who in February claimed cryptocurrencies had caused deaths in a fairly direct way, nonetheless did not discount the idea of engaging with it himself.He has previously voiced concerns about their energy consumption, potential for illicit activities, and lack of regulation. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are kind of a pure 'greater fool theory' type of investment, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Monday on CNBC's Squawk Box. I agree I would shortIn February, he even claimed that cryptocurrencies had ""caused deaths in a fairly direct way,"" likely referring to their use in funding criminal activities and the potential for scams and fraud.

The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin mining, the process of verifying transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain, requires significant computational power, which translates to high energy consumption.This has raised concerns about its environmental impact, especially if the energy source is fossil fuels.Critics argue that Bitcoin's energy footprint is unsustainable and undermines efforts to combat climate change.

For example, some studies estimate that Bitcoin mining consumes more electricity annually than entire countries. Bitcoin and ICOs, I believe completely that [they re some] of the crazier, speculative things [you could invest in]. Gates whose net worth tops $91 billion thanks to the de facto monopoly Microsoft has enjoyed for decades said someone once gave him bitcoin for his birthday, but he sold it. Of course, if Gates really wanted toWhile some miners are transitioning to renewable energy sources, the overall environmental impact remains a significant concern.

Bitcoin and Illicit Activities

The decentralized and pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin has made it attractive to criminals who use it for illicit activities, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and ransomware attacks.While blockchain technology allows for transaction tracing, it's still difficult to identify the individuals behind the transactions.This anonymity can hinder law enforcement efforts to combat crime.

For instance, ransomware attacks often demand payment in Bitcoin, making it difficult for victims to recover their funds and bring the perpetrators to justice.The use of Bitcoin in these activities has further fueled skepticism among those who see it as a tool for enabling criminal behavior.

The Debate: Intrinsic Value vs.Perceived Value

The core of the debate surrounding Bitcoin lies in its perceived value. 微软联合创始人比尔 盖茨在 5 月 7 日发布了关于比特币的批评性评论,告诉 cnbc 这是一种纯粹的 傻瓜理论 式投资,如果可以的话,我会做空比特币。Proponents argue that Bitcoin's value stems from its scarcity, decentralized nature, and potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. マイクロソフトの創業者ビル・ゲイツ氏は7日、米CNBCの番組でビットコインについて批判的な見方を示し、「非常に愚かな投資であり、もしするなら空売りする」と述べた。They see it as a store of value, a hedge against inflation, and a means of facilitating cross-border transactions without intermediaries.Opponents, like Gates, argue that Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value because it doesn't produce anything tangible or generate any cash flow. Microsoft founder Bill Gates issued critical comments about Bitcoin May 7, telling CNBC it was a greater fool investment and he would short it if he could. In comments during the network s Squawk Box segment, Gates, who in February claimed cryptocurrencies had caused deaths in a fairly direct way, nonetheless did notThey view its value as purely speculative, driven by hype and the ""greater fool theory.""

Arguments in Favor of Bitcoin's Value

  • Scarcity: Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, making it a scarce asset like gold. Microsoft founder Bill Gates issued critical comments about Bitcoin May 7, telling CNBC it was a greater fool investment and he would Facebook Instagram Mail Pinterest Reddit RSS Telegram Twitter YoutubeThis scarcity is believed to drive up its value over time.
  • Decentralization: Bitcoin is not controlled by any central authority, making it resistant to censorship and manipulation.This decentralization is seen as a key advantage over traditional financial systems.
  • Store of Value: Some investors view Bitcoin as a store of value, similar to gold, that can protect their wealth from inflation and economic instability.
  • Cross-Border Transactions: Bitcoin can be used to send and receive money across borders quickly and cheaply, without the need for intermediaries like banks.

Arguments Against Bitcoin's Value

  • Lack of Intrinsic Value: Critics argue that Bitcoin has no inherent value because it doesn't produce anything or generate any cash flow.
  • Volatility: Bitcoin's price is highly volatile, making it a risky investment.
  • Regulation: The lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market creates opportunities for fraud and manipulation.
  • Environmental Impact: Bitcoin mining consumes a significant amount of energy, raising concerns about its environmental impact.

Investing in Bitcoin: Should You Listen to Bill Gates?

The question of whether to invest in Bitcoin is a personal one, and there's no easy answer.Gates' skepticism should be taken into consideration, but it shouldn't be the sole factor in your decision.It's crucial to do your own research, understand the risks involved, and assess your own risk tolerance.Consider the potential for both significant gains and significant losses.If you do decide to invest, only allocate a small portion of your portfolio to Bitcoin that you can afford to lose.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Bitcoin

  1. Your Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with the volatility of Bitcoin?Can you handle the possibility of losing a significant portion of your investment?
  2. Your Investment Goals: What are you hoping to achieve by investing in Bitcoin? Bill Gates: I d Short Crazier, Speculative Bitcoin If I CouldAre you looking for short-term gains or long-term growth?
  3. Your Knowledge of Cryptocurrency: Do you understand the technology behind Bitcoin and the risks involved?
  4. Your Financial Situation: Can you afford to lose the money you invest in Bitcoin?

Diversification is Key

Regardless of your opinion on Bitcoin, diversification is a fundamental principle of sound investing. Business, Economics, and Finance. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. CryptoDon't put all your eggs in one basket.Spread your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.This can help mitigate risk and protect your portfolio from market downturns.

Beyond Bitcoin: Gates' Perspective on Blockchain Technology

It's important to note that while Gates is critical of Bitcoin, he doesn't necessarily dismiss blockchain technology altogether. O fundador da Microsoft, Bill Gates, emitiu coment rios cr ticos sobre Bitcoin em 7 de maio, dizendo CNBC que era um investimento de maior tolice, e ele encurtaria se pudesse. Em coment rios durante o segmento Squawk Box da rede, Gates, que em fevereiro alegou que criptomoedas tinham causado mortes de forma bastante direta, noHe acknowledges its potential applications in various industries, such as supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems.His skepticism is primarily directed at cryptocurrencies as speculative assets rather than the underlying technology itself.

Potential Applications of Blockchain Technology

  • Supply Chain Management: Blockchain can be used to track goods and materials throughout the supply chain, improving transparency and efficiency.
  • Healthcare: Blockchain can be used to securely store and share medical records, improving patient care and data privacy.
  • Voting Systems: Blockchain can be used to create more secure and transparent voting systems, reducing the risk of fraud.
  • Digital Identity: Blockchain can be used to create decentralized digital identities, giving individuals more control over their personal data.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complex World of Cryptocurrency

Bill Gates' strong stance against Bitcoin, stating he would short it if he could due to its ""greater fool theory"" nature, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the value and sustainability of cryptocurrencies.While he acknowledges the potential of blockchain technology, his concerns about Bitcoin's lack of intrinsic value, environmental impact, and potential for illicit activities are valid and should be considered.Whether you agree with Gates or not, his perspective serves as a reminder to approach the cryptocurrency market with caution, do your own research, and understand the risks involved. [新聞] 比爾蓋茲:如果可以,我想做空比特幣 已回收Investing in Bitcoin, or any cryptocurrency, should be a carefully considered decision based on your individual risk tolerance, investment goals, and financial situation.Remember that diversification is key, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.The world of crypto is complex, volatile, and ever-evolving, so stay informed and make informed decisions.

Chris Larsen can be reached at [email protected].

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