Got ChatGPT to summarise my discussion reg bitcoin with one of my friend
In a recent conversation with a friend, the topic of Bitcoin and stocks emerged, highlighting the contrasting views on investment philosophies. The exchange delved into the essence of value, belief systems, and the underlying principles that govern the financial choices we make.
The discussion initiated with a friendly reminder from one party, urging the other to invest in Bitcoin the previous year. The response, while acknowledging Bitcoin's significant price increase, expressed skepticism about the cryptocurrency's intrinsic value compared to traditional investments like stocks.
The friend argued that fiat currencies and stocks derive their value from tangible measures, such as a country's GDP growth, stable inflation, military strength for currencies, and business growth, stable revenue streams for stocks. However, Bitcoin, in their opinion, seemed to rely solely on belief, making it a less appealing investment option.
The counterargument presented an interesting perspective on stocks, particularly citing Microsoft, the world's most valued stock by market capitalization. The speaker pointed out Microsoft's high Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 38, indicating that for every $38 invested, the return is $1, roughly equating to a 2.68% annual return. This return rate aligns with global fixed deposit rates, prompting the question of why people invest in Microsoft despite its seemingly high cost.
The explanation provided focused on belief as the driving force behind stock investments, breaking it down into two key components:
Belief in Company Performance: Investors have faith that the company, in this case, Microsoft, will continue to perform well, delivering sustained growth and profitability.
Belief in Market Dynamics: Investors believe that there will always be buyers in the market, even at a high P/E ratio, contributing to the perpetual demand for the stock.
Drawing attention to Microsoft's impressive 68% increase over the past year, the analysis suggested that a significant portion of this growth (65%) was attributed to belief rather than tangible factors like revenues. This observation raised thought-provoking questions about the nature of value, the psychology of investors, and the role of belief systems in shaping financial markets.
In conclusion, the conversation between friends unveiled the multifaceted nature of investment decisions, bringing to light the interplay between tangible and intangible factors. Whether in Bitcoin or stocks, belief emerged as a common thread influencing financial choices, offering a glimpse into the diverse philosophies that guide investors in navigating the complex world of finance.