Crypto vs Traditional Assets: Who Won the Decade?

Over the past decade, the investment landscape has undergone a seismic shift. Cryptocurrencies, once considered speculative gambles, have now outperformed traditional asset classes by a wide margin. According to the data, Ethereum leads the charge with an astonishing 1,867.47% total return and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 71.98%, followed closely by Bitcoin at 1,407.54% total return and 63.84% CAGR.

In contrast, traditional assets like the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500—long considered pillars of stability—delivered CAGRs of 19.93% and 14.37%, respectively. Gold, often seen as a safe haven during economic uncertainty, returned 117.7% overall, with a 15.20% CAGR.

Commodities, developed and emerging markets, and even US real estate investment trusts (REITs) trailed far behind. US Bonds barely held ground with a 0.42% CAGR, while Oil investors saw a negative return over the period, shrinking -11.70%.

This data paints a clear picture: despite volatility, cryptocurrencies have become the most lucrative asset class of the decade, reshaping investor behavior and challenging traditional financial norms. As the world increasingly embraces decentralization and digital assets, the question remains—is this just the beginning, or are we nearing the peak?