The Impact of Bill Gates’ Bitcoin Short Call on Investment Returns

Bill Gates’ Bitcoin Short Statement and Its Financial Consequences

On December 10, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) generated major headlines when shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a corporate investment in Bitcoin (BTC) urged by MicroStrategy’s (NASDAQ: MSTR) Michael Saylor. This decision had negligible immediate effects on MSFT's stock price, yet it temporarily sent BTC into a tailspin. Contrastingly, Bill Gates, known for his bearish views on Bitcoin, suggested he would short BTC in early May 2018, a move that many now view as a missed opportunity.

How Much Would Your Investment Be Worth Today?

At the time of Gates’ bearish prediction, BTC traded at $9,373. Fast forward to December 13, 2024, BTC reached an impressive $100,273. This staggering increase of 969.8% implies that a $1,000 investment in Bitcoin when Gates advocated shorting would now be worth $10,698.07, equating to a profit of $9,068. An analysis reveals the tremendous impact of holding onto Bitcoin despite Gates’ call to short.

The Future Price Aspirations for BTC

Looking ahead, the sentiment surrounding Bitcoin for 2025 is overwhelmingly optimistic. Analysts predict BTC's price might skyrocket, with $250,000 being a commonly suggested target. High-profile figures like Robert Kiyosaki and Tom Lee have echoed these expectations. If such projections are met, initial Bear-like sentiment towards BTC may transform reluctant investors into savvy profit-makers, potentially turning a 2018 investment of $1,000 into a staggering $26,672.36.