Bitcoin's volatility has always been a subject of intense debate, especially during times of economic uncertainty. As geopolitical tensions rise and global markets fluctuate, the cryptocurrency's behavior continues to intrigue both seasoned investors and newcomers. In a recent discussion, Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson, Rebecca Barkin, CEO and Co-Founder at Lamina1, and Sam Price, Host of Crypto Lifer, shared their insights on the market's recent turbulence and bitcoin's long-term potential.

Rob Nelson kicked off the discussion by addressing the prevailing panic in the crypto market. He emphasized that while the price fluctuations might seem extreme, they are understandable given the broader economic context. Nelson pointed out the influence of various macroeconomic factors, such as the potential for a major conflict in the Middle East and the strength of the dollar against other currencies.

Rebecca Barkin highlighted the significant impact of macroeconomic influences on the crypto market. She noted that the overall market was performing poorly, with bitcoin experiencing an 18% drop partly due to Japan's Nikkei index falling by 12% on Monday — it's largest one-day drop since 1987. Barkin also mentioned other contributing factors, such as a less-than-stellar jobs report and cooling interest in AI investments. She emphasized that while bitcoin has become a more stable asset class, it is not immune to broader economic trends.

Adding to the discussion, Sam Price compared bitcoin to gold, underscoring the long-term investment potential of the cryptocurrency. Price argued that, like gold, bitcoin should be considered a long-term hold, typically for a decade or more. He stressed the importance of not getting caught up in short-term price movements, viewing bitcoin as a highly secure asset in times of economic turmoil.

Nelson echoed Price's sentiment, and acknowledged that while bitcoin might experience volatility, it remains a robust digital asset, offering a hedge in uncertain economic conditions. Nelson and Price both underscored the unique advantages of bitcoin, such as its portability and the ability to cross borders with memorized seed phrases, distinguishing it from traditional gold.