Why Gen Z is “Turning Back” to Gold Instead of Crypto & Stocks? 2025 Trend: Safety Takes the Lead

December 2, 2025

Southeast Asian Gen Z in 2025 is “Rushing” to Buy Gold: Wiser After Risky Shocks

Amid a highly volatile financial market – with crypto potentially losing 50–100% in a year (CoinMarketCap 2025) and U.S. stocks easily dropping 15% during recession cycles (S&P 500 data) – Southeast Asian Gen Z (ages 18–35) is making a surprising investment shift: returning to gold.

Gold, the “classic” asset, is becoming the most sought-after safe haven. Data from the SEA Youth Investment Survey 2025 (n=12,000) confirms this trend:

Capital Preservation is the Top Priority: 68% of Gen Z choose “capital preservation” over high returns (up 25% vs. 2024).

Breakthrough Shift: 41% bought gold or gold tokens in the past 12 months (up 120% YoY, Statista SEA 2025).

Fear of “Going to Zero”: 87% worry that crypto could lose >50% of its value in 48 hours, as seen with LUNA in 2022.

Gen Z is not “conservative”; they are simply becoming smarter and more pragmatic. High returns always come with high risks. With annual volatility of only 8–12% (World Gold Council 2025), gold offers superior stability compared to crypto’s 80–200% swings.

4 Reasons Gen Z Wisely Shifts to Gold

SEA Gen Z once led the FOMO crypto trend (76% invested in meme coins, Chain lysis 2021–2023), but 2024–2025 marks a return to caution based on real data:

Heavy Losses from Risky Channels

Crypto fell an average −65% from its 2021 peak (CoinGecko); stocks fluctuate 20–30% cyclically (Fed data).

71% of Gen Z admit to losing money in crypto (CFA Institute 2024), leading to risk-averse behaviour.

Inflation and Economic Uncertainty (Hedging Against Inflation)

SEA inflation is 4–6% (World Bank 2025), eroding savings.

Gold grows +28% YTD 2025 (Kitco forecast Q4: $3,300/oz), confirming its role as the best inflation hedge.

Job Market Uncertainty (Financial Safe Haven)

55% of SEA Gen Z worry about job loss due to AI development (McKinsey 2025).

Demand for a financial “safe haven” like gold increased 35% among under-30s (World Gold Council).

More Accessible Than Ever: Tokenized Gold (Gold RWA)

Traditional barrier: 63% of Gen Z don’t buy physical gold due to bulkiness and theft risk.

Modern solution: Gold RWA tokens allow buying 0.01g for ~50,000 VND.

Result: SEA Gold RWA token trading volume increased 540% YoY (Tovest internal data Q3 2025) – Gen Z drives this “digital gold” trend.

Gold – The Asset Gen Z Trusts Due to 3 “Sustainable” Factors

Gold may not be as “sexy” as meme coins, but stability and asset protection are why 78% of SEA Gen Z choose it as their “investment gateway” (Statista 2025).

Gen Z does not abandon risk – they choose smart risk.

Tokenized Gold (Gold RWA) is the perfect bridge: as safe as physical gold + as flexible as crypto. With gold projected to reach $3,500/oz in 2026 (Goldman Sachs), it’s an ideal long-term investment platform.

Will Gold Outperform Crypto in 2025–2026?

Gold is not a “fast-wealth king” but is a superior insurance asset in uncertain times.

Why Gold Wins as a Hedge: Gold’s price has grown an average 12.8% per year over 5 years (World Gold Council), far exceeding SEA inflation at 4–6%. This provides crucial safety for Gen Z with unstable incomes (53% worry about job loss).

Conclusion: Gen Z Invests in Gold for “Practicality,” Not “Classic Style”

Gen Z’s return to gold is not about being “old-fashioned” – they’ve learned a key lesson: 63% prioritize safety over risk (SEA Youth Survey 2025). Gold is a financial anchor helping them survive market swings, especially when crypto and stocks can easily “go to zero.”

Search Trends Surge (Google Trends & Statista 2025):

“Gold investment 2025” Vietnam: +340% YoY

“Should I buy gold or crypto”: +280% SEA

“Safe assets Gen Z”: +420% (sharp increase from Q2 2025)

If early-2020s Gen Z chased “meme” and “hype,” Gen Z in 2025 pursues safety, long-term growth, and transparency through digital gold.

NextMicroStrategy adds 3K BTC as Bitcoin ETFs are poised to surpass gold ETFs

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December 5, 2025

Top 7 Platforms to Buy Fractional Tokenized U.S. Stocks in 2025

The year 2025 marks a major surge in investing in tokenized U.S. stocks. The combination of fractional share ownership and blockchain tokenization is democratizing the stock market, enabling global investors to access U.S. blue-chip equities with small capital. Concise Definition: Fractional Tokenized U.S. Stocks are digital representations of equity shares, allowing investors to own a fraction of a share rather than a whole unit, with transactions often recorded on a blockchain for enhanced security and transparency. This article provides a transparent, data-driven guide to the top seven platforms that allow investors to buy fractional tokenized U.S. stocks online most effectively. Quick Comparison Table: Best Fractional & Tokenized Stock Trading Platforms 2025 Top Platforms to Buy Fractional Tokenized U.S. Stocks 1. ToVest: The Leading Tokenization Bridge in Southeast Asia ToVest positions itself as a leading fintech platform specializing in the tokenization and fast trading of Real World Assets (RWA), including fractional U.S. stocks. Core Value: ToVest focuses on bridging access for young, tech-savvy Southeast Asian retail investors to tokenized U.S. equities with ultra-low latency, transparent market data, and high security. Unique Selling Point: Highly accessible investment minimums (well below industry averages), robust educational support via ToVest Academy, and integration with local payment providers. ToVest is especially suitable for first-time investors or those with limited capital. Workflow Example: Users can buy U.S. stock fractions in USD or stablecoins, receive digital ownership tokens in their secure ToVest wallet, and track market prices and earnings with comprehensive charts and indicators. 2. Fidelity Investments: The Optimal Choice for Beginners Fidelity stands out for its beginner-friendly approach, low fees, and excellent customer service. Feature: Offers “Stocks by the Slice,” allowing fractional buys for over 7,000 stocks and ETFs starting at just $1. Fees: Commission-free trades. Advantage: Renowned for its A+ BBB-rated customer support and advanced research tools, making it a top choice for new investors. 3. Charles Schwab: Reliable Traditional Broker Schwab appeals to traditional investors seeking fractional shares of top U.S. companies using a reputable, regulated brokerage. Feature: Its "Stock Slices" feature allows users to buy fractional shares of up to 30 S&P 500 companies with as little as $5. Advantage: Strong research and tools, including market commentary and earnings reports from Reuters and Morningstar. 4. Interactive Brokers (IBKR): For Professional Active Traders IBKR is the institutional-grade option tailored for active traders or professionals seeking advanced trading tools and global access. Feature: Supports fractional share trading via desktop TWS or IBKR Global Trader mobile apps, emphasizing its global reach. Advantage: Highlights low margin rates, extensive asset coverage, and deep analytics. 5. Robinhood: Leading Simplicity and Accessibility Robinhood pioneered accessible, commission-free trading and strongly appeals to mobile-first users. Feature: Provides commission-free trading and a simple mobile interface. Advantage: Noted for 24/5 trading support for tokenized stocks and ETFs via Arbitrum layer-2, enhancing flexibility and liquidity. 6. E-Trade: Balancing Education and Accessibility E-Trade blends accessibility for beginners with robust research and education resources for long-term investors. Feature: Supports fractional shares with no minimum deposit, offering an easy onboarding path. Advantage: Comprehensive educational content, investment tools, and community support structures. 7. SoFi Active Investing: Holistic Finance Integration SoFi Active Investing is a user-centric platform integrating investing with broader financial tools for holistic money management. Feature: Ability to buy fractional shares starting at $5, blending investment with budgeting and debt management tools. Advantage: Appeals to users interested in managing investments alongside student loans, credit, and personal finance education. Core Benefits: How Tokenization is Changing Stock Ownership Tokenization is the conversion of traditional assets, such as stocks, into digital tokens stored and traded on a blockchain, improving transferability and transparency. The advantages of owning Fractional Tokenized Stock include: Lower Barriers to Entry: Fractional shares let investors own a portion of high-value equity (like Meta or Costco) without buying a whole share. 24/7 Access & Liquidity: Tokenized shares allow for continuous trading and easier cross-platform transferability. New Use Cases: Enables the use of tokenized equities as collateral in DeFi lending protocols for extra yield. Security and Compliance: Ensuring Safe Digital Investments Compliance is the adherence to securities regulations (like the SEC in the U.S.), including proper platform registration or use of legal exemptions for token offerings. Tokenized stocks are treated as securities. Leading platforms, such as ToVest, build trust by employing industry-leading security protocols (blockchain verification, secure storage) and strictly adhering to compliance standards, safeguarding investors' digital assets.

November 21, 2025

Bitcoin ETFs Set to Surpass Gold ETFs, Truly Achieving BTC > Gold

As the scale of spot BTC ETFs rapidly expands, analysts predict that BTC ETFs could soon surpass gold ETFs in assets under management. This trend highlights the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a store of value, with many viewing BTC as evolving from a speculative asset to a digital “gold” alternative. In fact, BTC ETFs have already reached $84 billion in assets under management, approximately 66% of the assets managed by gold ETFs, and this figure continues to grow. According to Bloomberg ETF senior analyst Eric Balchunas, the rapid growth of BTC ETFs could lead them to surpass gold ETFs within two months — a timeframe significantly shorter than the initial forecast of four to five years. Balchunas notes that this trend not only reflects the rising popularity of Bitcoin as an investment tool but also signals increasing acceptance of the crypto market among traditional investors. A key driver behind this shift is the confidence in Bitcoin’s scarcity and inflation-resistant qualities, particularly amid global inflation and monetary policy uncertainties. This growth has also spurred greater interest in cryptocurrency among financial institutions. For instance, as major asset management firms like BlackRock and Fidelity submit applications for spot BTC ETFs, the market sees an increase in liquidity and acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs. The involvement of these industry giants not only offers BTC ETFs enhanced structural support but also eases institutional investors’ concerns about risk. If BTC ETFs’ market value does surpass that of gold ETFs, it would mark a further strengthening of cryptocurrency’s position in mainstream finance. At that point, Bitcoin could become not only a representative of digital currencies but also a serious competitor to traditional assets like gold. BTC ETF vs. Gold ETF: Market Positioning When Bitcoin ETFs were first introduced, many in the industry compared them to digital gold ETFs, noting Bitcoin’s scarcity and blockchain technology, which provide it with unique inflation- and manipulation-resistant properties. Traditionally, gold has been the go-to asset for investors seeking to safeguard their assets during market turbulence. The launch of BTC ETFs, however, offers investors the liquidity they desire, coupled with the potential for Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation. At its core, gold’s supply is stable and limited, making it a favored inflation hedge. Bitcoin’s supply, on the other hand, is even scarcer, capped at 21 million coins — a “digital scarcity” feature that is especially appealing in inflationary times. Unlike gold, whose supply can increase annually through mining, Bitcoin’s scarcity effect acts as a powerful draw for investors in emerging markets seeking a hedge against inflation. Market Trends and Regulatory Support Since 2024, global regulatory attitudes toward crypto assets have become increasingly open. In the United States in particular, the SEC has gradually relaxed restrictions on cryptocurrency ETF products, allowing spot BTC ETFs to enter the market legally. Financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity have moved into the crypto space, reflecting their interest in Bitcoin and the market’s response to regulatory policy. The participation of traditional finance giants has not only injected substantial liquidity but also stabilized market sentiment, instilling confidence in more investors. Additionally, this regulatory openness has increased investor confidence in BTC ETFs, posing a direct competitive pressure on gold ETFs. Gold has held value as an asset for thousands of years, while Bitcoin has only existed for about 15 years. Yet, Bitcoin’s unique digital and decentralized nature offers investors unprecedented flexibility and autonomy. As more countries implement favorable regulatory policies, Bitcoin ETFs may gain broader global recognition, attracting more international investors. The Significance of BTC ETFs Surpassing Gold ETFs Should Bitcoin ETFs’ market value successfully exceed that of gold ETFs, it would signify a major milestone for Bitcoin as a mainstream asset and could potentially drive a significant transformation in financial markets. First, an increase in BTC ETF value could catalyze the rise of other crypto asset ETFs, prompting greater market attention to the entire crypto sector and ultimately establishing a digital asset ecosystem centered on BTC. Second, the growth in BTC ETF market value reflects a shift in investor trust and demand, with a growing preference for decentralized, transparent, and inflation-resistant assets. Meanwhile, gold’s traditional status as a safe haven might face challenges, as some investors may reduce their gold holdings in favor of Bitcoin and other digital assets. This shift in market preferences is likely to drive more financial innovation. The technological and digital transformation of financial markets will deepen with the adoption of crypto assets, leading traditional financial institutions to focus more on blockchain applications and crypto-financial integration. For example, crypto assets may gradually integrate with traditional banking services, insurance, and payment systems, forming a more flexible and diversified financial ecosystem. In conclusion, if BTC ETFs’ market value successfully surpasses that of gold ETFs, it will mark a significant milestone in crypto asset history. This would represent not only broad recognition of Bitcoin’s investment value but also a reflection of the financial market’s ongoing digital transformation.

November 21, 2025

MicroStrategy adds 3K BTC as Bitcoin ETFs are poised to surpass gold ETFs

MicroStrategy’s acquisition follows predictions that Bitcoin ETFs could surpass gold ETFs in assets under management during the next two years. Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy has acquired an additional 3,000 Bitcoin for a total of $155 million at an average price of $51,813 between Feb. 15 and 25. This brings the company’s Bitcoin (BTC) holdings to 193,000 Bitcoin, acquired for $6.09 billion at an average price of $31,544, according to a Feb. 26 X post by Michael Saylor, the founder and chairman of MicroStrategy, which is the largest Bitcoin holder among publicly traded companies. MicroStrategy has acquired an additional 3,000 BTC for ~$155 million at an average price of $51,813 per #bitcoin. As of 2/25/24, @MicroStrategy now hodls 193,000 $BTC acquired for ~$6.09 billion at an average price of $31,544 per bitcoin. $MSTR https://t.co/micudbYf3P — Michael Saylor The announcement of the purchase came as MicroStrategy’s X account was hacked. The hacker posted a series of malicious links to fake token airdrops, seeking to steal user funds. The fraudulent announcement led to over $440,000 being stolen, according to pseudonymous on-chain investigator ZachXBT. MicroStrategy’s latest Bitcoin acquisition follows promising predictions from senior Bloomberg analysts who foresee Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) potentially overtaking gold ETFs in assets under management (AUM) in the next two years. Gold's Pain is Bitcoin ETFs' Gain in Store of Value Smackdown.. new from me on how gold being in the gutter is like the cherry on top for bitcoin fans who just got to witness the biggest ETF launch ever. Decent chance bitcoin ETFs pass gold ETFs in aum in less than 2yrs w… pic.twitter.com/rXJra1dyhF — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) February 26, 2024 According to a Feb. 26 research report shared on X by senior Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas and associate analyst Andre Yapp, the successful launch of Bitcoin ETFs will signal more competition for the precious metal. The 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States have amassed a total of 5,500 Bitcoin since launching on Jan. 11, according to Farside Investors data. “The Bitcoin ETFs, though barely six weeks old, have taken in over $8 billion more than gold peers, already have 40% as much in assets and could pass them in size in less than two years.” While Bitcoin ETFs have absorbed over $5 billion in net assets since launching, gold ETFs amassed $3.6 billion during the same period. Gold ETFs could potentially struggle to keep their $90 billion in assets due to gold’s price performance, noted Balchunas and Yapp in the report. Gold prices are down 0.01% in the past 24 hours to $2,033 per ounce, according to data from Gold Price. On Feb. 20, MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor said he would be buying Bitcoin forever, adding that he has no plans to sell the asset that is technically superior to gold, real estate and the S&P 500. “Bitcoin is technically superior to those asset classes. And that being the case, there’s just no reason to sell the winner to buy the losers.” Bitcoin fell 0.67% in the 24 hours to trade at $51,314, according to CoinMarketCap.