What is Bitcoin and Why It’s Trending: And How to Trade Bitcoin vs Gold, Forex & Indices
ACY Securities - Jasper Osita
“Bitcoin isn’t just a coin. It’s a concept shift - and every trader needs to decide if they’re here for the volatility or the vision.”
Goal of This Lesson:
To help you understand why Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is trending, what makes it different from traditional assets like gold (XAU/USD), forex, or indices, and how to build a strategy that respects Bitcoin's behavior without abandoning sound trading principles.
Why Bitcoin is Back in the Spotlight
Bitcoin is once again in the headlines - but why?
- ETF Approvals & Institutional Adoption: With the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, institutional money is flowing into crypto.
- Monetary Policy Hedge: Investors see BTC as a digital hedge against inflation and central bank debasement - similar to gold, but with more upside.
- Halving Cycles & Scarcity Narrative: The Bitcoin halving in 2024 triggered renewed interest in its scarcity-driven price model.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: In times of war, sanctions, and banking distrust, Bitcoin appeals as a sovereign, borderless asset.
For New Traders: What You Must Understand First
| Principle | Why It Matters in Crypto |
| Volatility is NOT Risk | BTC swings fast. You need risk control, not just predictions. |
| Timeframe Discipline | Don’t mix HODLing with intraday trading. Know your approach. |
| Liquidity is Life | BTC is liquid. Altcoins often aren't - you can get stuck. |
| Trend Is King | Bitcoin often sets the tone for the entire crypto market. |
“When Bitcoin sneezes, altcoins catch a cold.”
Why Bitcoin is Greater than Other Cryptos (For Now)
| Bitcoin (BTC) | Other Crypto Assets |
| First-mover, most trusted | Newer, often experimental |
| Scarce (21 million fixed supply) | Many have unlimited or poor tokenomics |
| Highest market cap | Smaller caps = higher risk |
| Most decentralized | Many altcoins are run by founders or VCs |
| Global recognition & adoption | Most alts rely on hype or trends |
| Store of value narrative | Alts often follow trends (AI, DeFi, gaming) |
Bitcoin is digital gold.
Other cryptos are like startups in different sectors (finance, gaming, storage, etc). They may boom, but they may also go to zero.
Bitcoin vs Traditional Assets (Gold, Forex, Indices)
| Asset Class | Nature | Volatility | Supply | Correlation | Use Case |
| Bitcoin | Decentralized digital asset | High | Fixed | Low | Speculation, hedge, innovation |
| Gold | Tangible store of value | Medium | Limited | Moderate | Inflation hedge, wealth preservation |
| Forex | Fiat currency pairs | Low–High | Centralized | High | International trade, monetary policy |
| Indices | Equity baskets | Medium | Dynamic | High | Economic growth, earnings cycles |
What’s the Advantage of Bitcoin?
- Fixed Supply, Unlimited Demand: Only 21 million BTC unlike fiat currencies printed at will.
- No Middlemen: You can own and transfer it without banks or institutions.
- Extreme Volatility = Opportunity: Traders love BTC for its wild price action - but it’s not for the faint-hearted.
- Early Adoption Curve: We're still in the early innings of crypto infrastructure maturity.
How Should You Approach Bitcoin vs Gold, Forex & Indices?
- Understand the Environment
- BTC behaves differently. It’s not moved by earnings or rate hikes the same way indices or forex pairs are.
- Bitcoin is more sentiment-driven, affected by crypto news, adoption, tech developments, and regulation.
- Adjust Your Strategy
- Short-Term: Trade it like a volatile tech stock using TA, breakout patterns, and liquidity sweeps.
- Medium-Term: Use macro narratives like ETF flows, halvings, and regulatory clarity.
- Long-Term: Consider BTC as a speculative store of value or hedge - similar to a long gold position.
- Respect the Volatility
- Use wider stops and smaller position sizes.
- Don’t trade BTC like EUR/USD - or you’ll get chopped up.
How to Trade Bitcoin as a New Trader
- Start Small
- Don’t go all-in. Trade micro positions or demo accounts.
- Use leverage carefully - it magnifies both wins and losses.
- Study BTC’s Behavior
- Bitcoin has clear price cycles: accumulation → markup → distribution → markdown.
- Use tools like RSI, FVGs, Market Structure (just like other markets) - but adapt for speed.
- Avoid Altcoin Traps
- Altcoins can pump faster but crash harder. Stick to BTC and ETH if you’re new.
- Stay Updated
- Crypto is news-sensitive. Monitor regulatory updates, ETF flows, halving cycles, and macro narratives (like inflation or U.S. debt).
Strategies That You Can Use:
How To Trade & Scalp Indices at the Open Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
How to Trade Breakouts Effectively in Day Trading with Smart Money Concepts
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Day Trading Gold (XAU/USD) with Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
The Power of Multi-Timeframe Analysis in Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Forex Trading Strategy for Beginners
Mastering Candlestick Pattern Analysis with the SMC Strategy for Day Trading
Mastering Risk Management: Stop Loss, Take Profit, and Position Sizing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FOMO buying green candles
- Mixing investing and trading strategies
- Over-leveraging in a volatile asset
- Ignoring macro conditions and dollar (DXY) strength
- Thinking Bitcoin = Crypto. (Not always true.)
Final Thought:
Bitcoin isn't better than gold or stocks - it’s different. It’s a digital wild card, and in the right hands, it can be a powerful part of your trading arsenal.
If you’re a trader, Bitcoin offers volatility, cycles, and liquidity - but you need a framework to survive it.
If you’re an investor, BTC offers long-term scarcity, decentralization, and adoption - but you need patience and conviction.
“Don’t compare Bitcoin to gold or Ethereum just to pick a winner. Compare them to choose the right weapon for the right battle.”
How To Trade News:
Why Smart Money Concepts Work in News-Driven Markets - CPI, NFP, and More
How to Trade NFP Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)-A Proven Strategy for Forex Traders
How to Trade CPI Like Smart Money - A Step-by-Step Guide Using SMC
Learn How to Trade US Indices:
How to Start Trading Indices and Get into the Stock Market with Low Capital (2025 Guide)
Best Indices to Trade for Day Traders | NASDAQ, S&P 500, DAX + Best Times to Trade Them
How To Trade & Scalp Indices at the Open Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
NAS100 - How to Trade the Nasdaq Like a Pro (Smart Money Edition)
How to Trade CPI Like Smart Money - A Step-by-Step Guide Using SMC
Why Smart Money Concepts Work in News-Driven Markets - CPI, NFP, and More
How to Start Trading Gold:
How to Swing Trade Gold (XAU/USD) Using Smart Money Concepts: A Simple Guide for Traders
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Day Trading Gold (XAU/USD) with Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
The Ultimate Guide to Backtesting and Trading Gold (XAU/USD) Using Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Why Gold Remains the Ultimate Security in a Shifting World
How to Start Day Trading:
5 Steps to Start Day Trading: A Strategic Guide for Beginners
8 Steps How to Start Forex Day Trading in 2025: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
3 Steps to Build a Trading Routine for Consistency and Discipline - Day Trading Edition
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Market Trends and Price Action
Learn how to navigate yourself in times of turmoil:
How to Identify Risk-On and Risk-Off Market Sentiment: A Complete Trader’s Guide
How to Trade Risk-On and Risk-Off Sentiment - With Technical Confirmation
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Market Trends and Price Action
Want to learn how to trade like the Smart Money?
Mastering the Market with Smart Money Concepts: 5 Strategic Approaches
Mastering Candlestick Pattern Analysis with the SMC Strategy for Day Trading
Understanding Liquidity Sweep: How Smart Money Trades Liquidity Zones in Forex, Gold, US Indices
The SMC Playbook Series Part 4: How to Confirm Trend Reversal & Direction using SMC
The SMC Playbook Series Part 5: The Power of Multi-Timeframe Analysis in Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
Fair Value Gaps Explained: How Smart Money Leaves Footprints in the Market
Trading Psychology and Continuous Improvement Contents:
The Mental Game of Execution - Debunking the Common Trading Psychology
5 Steps to Backtest a Trading Strategy with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Managing Trading Losses: Why You Can Be Wrong and Still Win Big in Trading
The Hidden Threat in Trading: How Performance Anxiety Sabotages Your Edge
Why You Fail in Trading: You Don’t Have Enough Capital to Survive
Why 90% of Retail Traders Fail Even with Profitable Trading Strategies
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This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplies by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.
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