Asset manager VanEck has confirmed that China and Russia are now officially conducting some of their energy trade using Bitcoin.
Despite recent volatility, Bitcoin has continued to outperform the Nasdaq on every major timeframe over the past week, month, year-to-date, and decade, Sigel said.
“While slower economic growth alone is not bullish for Bitcoin, the policy response could be,” Sigel explained. “If tariffs put pressure on GDP without triggering a new round of inflation, the Fed may have room to cut interest rates, creating the liquidity conditions that Bitcoin has historically excelled at.”
According to VanEck, China and Russia have started using Bitcoin and other digital assets for some cross-border energy transactions. Additionally, Bolivia announced plans to import electricity using cryptocurrency, and French utility giant EDF is reportedly exploring the feasibility of mining Bitcoin using surplus electricity currently exported to Germany.
“These are early signs that Bitcoin is transforming from a speculative asset to a functional monetary instrument, particularly in economies looking to ditch the dollar and reduce exposure to U.S.-led financial systems,” Sigel said.
Sigel advised investors to keep a close eye on US Federal Reserve policy, noting that dovish shifts in interest rate expectations and increased liquidity have historically supported Bitcoin’s performance. Sigel also pointed to the US Dollar Index (DXY) as a key indicator: “Continued weakness in the dollar could support the narrative that Bitcoin is being used as a hedge, especially in an environment of geopolitical fragmentation.”
*This is not investment advice.
