Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 in market value, making it the seventh most valuable asset globally with a market capitalization of $1.95 trillion.
- Only six assets are currently more valuable than Bitcoin: Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Apple, and gold.
- Companies capitalized on the AI boom and thrived on ecosystem integration while gold, despite its long-standing dominance, faces challenges from new mines that impact its scarcity.
- As a decentralized, fixed-supply asset, Bitcoin may increasingly appeal to investors as a hedge against inflation and economic instability.
It may well have been the most significant year in Bitcoin‘s history, with the end of 2024 heralding Bitcoin’s first tenuous steps beyond the $100K mark. This meteoric rise cements Bitcoin’s status as one of the most valuable assets on the planet by market cap, recently surpassing silver and even some of the world’s largest corporations.
According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s total market capitalization now exceeds $1.9 trillion, a staggering feat for a digital asset born just 15 years ago. As we look forward to a brand-new U.S. government and evolving global markets, Bitcoin’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. In this article, we’ll explore six assets with a market cap higher than Bitcoin.
6 Remaining Assets With a Greater Market Cap Than Bitcoin
Here are the six assets that remain ahead of Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization.
| Stock/Asset | Ticker | Country | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphabet | GOOGL | United States | $2.12 trillion |
| Amazon | AMZN | United States | $2.32 trillion |
| Microsoft | MSFT | United States | $3.29 trillion |
| Nvidia | NVDA | United States | $3.55 trillion |
| Apple | AAPL | United States | $3.67 trillion |
| Gold | AUX | N/A | $17.7 trillion |
6. Alphabet (GOOGL) – $2.12 Trillion
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and is currently led by CEO Sundar Pichai. Known for its dominance in digital advertising, Alphabet generates most of its revenue through Google Ads, which remains the backbone of its business. In addition, the company has made significant strides in cloud computing with Google Cloud and artificial intelligence through projects like DeepMind.
Alphabet’s success also extends to hardware with products like the Pixel smartphone and Google Nest devices, solidifying its position in multiple tech markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for digital services skyrocketed, further boosting Alphabet’s valuation. Most recently, the company has faced backlash and a lawsuit over its “Incognito” feature, part of the Chrome browser.
Despite Bitcoin’s massive increase in value over the past year, Alphabet’s ecosystem of services and innovation ensures its standing among the world’s most valuable assets.
5. Amazon (AMZN) – $2.32 Trillion
Amazon, based in Seattle, Washington, has transformed global commerce and cloud computing under the guidance of CEO Andy Jassy. The current CEO succeeded founder Jeff Bezos in 2021. Initially an online bookstore, Amazon has expanded into nearly every corner of consumer life, from groceries to streaming services, effectively turning into a global marketplace.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Amazon’s growth as demand for online shopping and cloud services surged. Its Amazon Web Services (AWS) division, which powers a significant portion of the internet, is a cornerstone of its success and a major driver of its valuation. Amazon continues to diversify, venturing into healthcare, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Despite Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, Amazon’s omnipresence across industries ensures its position as a dominant global force.
4. Microsoft (MSFT) – $3.29 Trillion
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft is a technology giant that has most recently evolved under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella. Once known primarily for Windows and Office software, Microsoft has diversified its portfolio. Today it includes cloud computing with Azure, gaming through Xbox, and artificial intelligence via collaborations with OpenAI.
Microsoft’s recent successes are closely tied to its cloud platform, Azure, which competes with Amazon’s AWS for dominance in the cloud computing industry. In addition, the company’s strategic investments in AI research and partnerships have made it a key player in this booming sector.
The company has suffered some damage to its reputation after getting hacked in January 2024. Despite that, Microsoft’s adaptability and commitment to innovation make it one of the most enduring tech companies globally. The company’s diversified revenue streams and ongoing success in enterprise technology keep it ahead for now.
3. Nvidia (NVDA) – $3.55 Trillion
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Nvidia has emerged as a global leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and cutting-edge computing technologies. Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s co-founder and CEO, has steered the company to new heights, capitalizing on the growing demand for AI and machine learning applications.
The company’s GPUs are foundational to industries like gaming, scientific research, and cryptocurrency mining. However, it was the recent AI boom, driven by technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, that pushed Nvidia’s valuation into the stratosphere. Its GPUs power the infrastructure for training and running AI models, making Nvidia indispensable in the tech world.
While Bitcoin’s market cap is growing steadily, Nvidia’s integral role in AI-driven innovation keeps it at the forefront.
2. Apple (AAPL) – $3.67 Trillion
Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, is the most valuable technology company in the world, led by CEO Tim Cook. Known for its premium hardware products like the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch, Apple has built a loyal customer base. The company has also created an interconnected ecosystem of devices and services.
The company has also seen tremendous growth in its services division, which includes Apple Pay, Apple Music, and iCloud. This diversification has allowed Apple to maintain steady revenue streams even as hardware sales fluctuate. Apple’s ability to innovate, such as its ventures into augmented reality and other fields, keeps it ahead of the curve.
The company continues to innovate with a steady stream of new products that aim to set a new standard. Apple’s unmatched brand loyalty and ecosystem integration make it a formidable competitor in terms of market capitalization.
1. Gold (XAU) – $17.7 Trillion
Gold remains the world’s most valuable asset, with a market cap of $12.5 trillion. As a tangible commodity, gold has served as a haven during economic uncertainty. It’s also widely used in jewelry and electronics, as well as a hedge against inflation.
Recently, a massive gold mine discovery in China has captured global attention. Estimated to be worth more than $80 billion, this deposit could add hundreds of tons of gold to the global supply, potentially impacting its scarcity value.
Unlike gold, Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, ensuring its scarcity is immutable. New gold discoveries dilute its value over time, Bitcoin’s capped supply could make it the more attractive store of value. Especially for investors seeking long-term protection against inflation. This key difference may enable Bitcoin to close the gap with gold in the coming years.
What Is an Asset?
An asset is any resource with economic value that can be owned, controlled, or traded to generate income or hold wealth. Assets can take many forms, including tangible items like real estate and commodities. They can also be intangible entities like stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin’s inclusion among the world’s most valuable assets changes how we define value in a digital-first economy. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin operates without central control, instead relying on a decentralized blockchain to verify ownership and transactions. Its prominence reflects the growing demand for alternative investment options in an increasingly interconnected world.
Closing Thoughts
Bitcoin’s ascent past $100,000 and its entry into the world’s most valuable assets is a testament to its appeal. Bitcoin is often perceived as digital gold and its unique characteristics position it as a strong contender.
While challenges remain, Bitcoin’s ability to adapt and attract institutional interest suggests its best days may still lie ahead.
