Group 1: Bitcoin Price Forecasts - Gautam Chhugani and Geoff Kendrick predict Bitcoin will reach $200,000 by 2025, implying a 110% upside from its current price of $95,000 [2][4] - The price of Bitcoin is closely linked to demand, which is expected to rise as retail investors shift from gold to Bitcoin due to economic uncertainties [4] Group 2: Institutional Investment Trends - Several hedge fund billionaires increased their positions in the iShares Bitcoin Trust, with notable purchases including 6.3 million shares by Israel Englander (27% increase), 7.4 million shares by David Shaw (345% increase), and 3.6 million shares by Paul Tudor Jones (82% increase) [6][8] - The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC in January 2024 has led to rapid adoption by institutional investors, with the number of large asset managers holding Bitcoin exposure nearly doubling in the last two quarters [8] Group 3: Advantages of Spot Bitcoin ETFs - Spot Bitcoin ETFs like the iShares Bitcoin Trust simplify the investment process by eliminating the need for separate cryptocurrency exchange accounts and reducing transaction fees [9][10] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust has a low annual expense ratio of 0.25%, making it more cost-effective compared to traditional cryptocurrency transaction fees [10] Group 4: Bitcoin's Performance Comparison - Bitcoin has seen a price increase of 240% since May 2023, outperforming gold (45% increase) and the S&P 500 (40% increase) during the same period [11] - Despite its strong performance, Bitcoin remains the most volatile asset, with price drops exceeding 25% from record highs, contrasting with gold and the S&P 500's lower volatility [11]

Group 1: Company Strategy - Company Strategy purchased over $1.4 billion of Bitcoin on April 28, signaling confidence in the coin's increasing value [1] - Company Strategy now holds approximately $52 billion of Bitcoin, representing about 2.6% of the total supply, and has been acquiring around 2,087 bitcoins daily, significantly exceeding the daily mining rate of approximately 450 bitcoins [2] - Company Strategy has stated it does not intend to sell its Bitcoin unless absolutely necessary, and its financing strategy relies on issuing convertible debt, which is contingent on Bitcoin's appreciation [3] Group 2: Market Performance - Company Strategy's stock has increased by 190% over the past 12 months, outperforming Bitcoin's gain of 51% and the broader market's gain of 8% [4] - The company's aggressive purchasing strategy could lead to a supply constraint that may drive Bitcoin's price higher, but a significant drop in Bitcoin's price could trigger creditor demands for liquidation, negatively impacting both the stock and Bitcoin prices [4][5] Group 3: Investment Thesis - The investment thesis for Bitcoin remains strong, supported by the limited supply of 21 million coins, with about 19.9 million already in circulation, and increasing competition for existing supply from governments and corporations [6][7] - The concentration of Bitcoin in the wallets of large holders poses a risk of price volatility, but any short-term declines are not expected to affect the long-term value of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation [8] - Investors are encouraged to consider a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy for gradual exposure to Bitcoin, emphasizing a long-term investment perspective [9]

Core Viewpoint - The global capital markets are experiencing significant volatility, with traditional safe-haven assets like gold and foreign currencies gaining strength amidst geopolitical risks and inflation concerns Group 1: Safe-Haven Assets - Gold is gaining prominence due to central bank purchases and a trend towards de-dollarization, highlighting its value retention properties [2] - The Japanese yen is expected to appreciate as the Bank of Japan signals tightening, making it an attractive option for short-term forex arbitrage [2] - The Swiss franc is viewed as a safe haven amid European instability, bolstered by the recovery of trust in the Swiss banking sector [3] Group 2: Alternative Assets - Bitcoin is being recognized for its anti-inflation properties following the approval of Bitcoin futures ETFs, although its volatility remains a concern [4] - Rare earth resources are becoming strategic assets due to supply constraints and rising prices, making them suitable for long-term investment [4] Group 3: Pitfalls of Pseudo-Safe Assets - Oil is facing demand weakness despite OPEC+ production cuts, leading to a return to its commodity nature [5] - Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are losing appeal due to rising interest rates, increasing liquidity risks [5] - Emerging market bonds are under pressure from a strong dollar, with heightened default risks in countries like Turkey and Argentina [5] Group 4: Investment Strategies - Conservative strategy suggests a portfolio of 60% gold ETFs, 30% yen cash, and 10% government bond reverse repos [6] - Aggressive strategy includes 50% Bitcoin, 30% rare earth stocks, and 20% Swiss franc deposits [6] - Balanced strategy recommends dollar-cost averaging in gold, holding Bitcoin, and hedging with yen forex options [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - The search for the next "gold" is ongoing, with potential shifts in value driven by blockchain technology and green energy [7] - The core principles of scarcity and consensus value remain central to identifying safe-haven assets [7]

Core Insights - Velcan Holdings reported strong financial results for 2024, with a significant increase in net income and stable turnover from the Rodeio Bonito plant despite operational challenges [2][6][19]. Financial Performance - Revenues for 2024 reached EUR 3.0 million, a 2% increase from EUR 2.9 million in 2023 [2]. - Net income surged to EUR 11.2 million, up 2005% from EUR 0.5 million in 2023 [2][6]. - EBITDA for the year was negative at EUR -5.6 million, compared to EUR 1.8 million in 2023 [2][36]. - Cash and financial assets increased by 8% to EUR 135 million from EUR 125 million in 2023 [2]. Portfolio Allocation - As of December 31, 2024, the portfolio consisted of 43% cash and short-term Western sovereign bonds, 22% in gold mining and silver-linked securities, and 25% in other equity-long positions [3][9]. - The financial portfolio's value increased significantly, driven by investments in precious metals and Japanese stocks [2][4]. Rodeio Bonito Plant Operations - The Rodeio Bonito plant generated 52,190 MWh in 2024, an increase from 50,190 MWh in 2023, despite operational disruptions due to turbine damage [5][20]. - Turnover from electricity sales was EUR 3.0 million, up 2% in Euros and 10% in BRL compared to 2023 [5][23]. - The plant's EBITDA decreased by 22% in BRL terms due to lower turnover and increased expenses related to turbine repairs [24]. Regulatory Changes - A new regulation proposal by ANEEL may adjust guaranteed energy for power plants based on actual availability, potentially impacting profitability for the Rodeio Bonito plant [25][26]. Investment Strategy - The company has maintained a diversified investment strategy, focusing on safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures [2][8]. - Significant investments were made in the Japanese hotel REIT industry and the Filipino markets, with exposure exceeding EUR 2 million in various sectors [11][12]. Shareholder Actions - Velcan Holdings continued its share buyback program in 2024, purchasing a total of 92,892 shares for EUR 1.29 million [30].

Since October 2023, the spot price of gold is up about 75%. That outperformed most stocks at that time. But what most investors don’t realize is that if you go back 25 years, gold has climbed over 1,100% or nearly 12 times its price in 1999. And this isn’t the first time there’s been a gold rush. Since the world moved away from the gold standard in 1971, there have been about four different bull markets. According to economist and author Jim Rickards, gold rose 2,185% from 1971 to 1980, and 670% from 1999 t ...