Bitcoin’s Wild Ride: Don’t Buy Unless You’re Ready for it

Invest in Bank of Montreal and avoid Bitcoin because of its wild fluctuations making headlines once again.

| More on:
Road sign warning of a risk ahead

Image source: Getty Images.

The cryptocurrency market was all that every investor could talk about a few years ago. However, it fell out of the limelight in 2018 after a large cryptocurrency sell-off.

Cryptocurrencies are back in the headlines in 2021, because Bitcoin has been on a bit of a wild run lately. The world’s most popular virtual currency began rallying more followers to its cause, as it witnessed a stratospheric price increase since mid-December 2020.

The crypto rally is stoking the fires among investors. Many investors who stayed away from the digital currency are trying to get into the cryptocurrency market, while others have become more fearful of its consequences.

January 8, 2021, saw Bitcoin post its all-time high of US$40,797.61. The troubled economy and uncertainty due to the continuing pandemic led to an almost 400% year-over-year surge. However, a large pullback early in 2018 ended a substantial rally for cryptocurrencies.

I will discuss the current rally and situation with Bitcoin and why you should be very cautious if you want to invest in the digital currency that has no intrinsic value.

Drastic pullback

Investors who stayed away from Bitcoin for the longest time suddenly began flocking to it when it broke its all-time high valuation in January. However, the cryptocurrency suddenly seemed to lose steam. The price declined by 13% to US$35,595.57 on January 12, 2021. The cryptocurrency’s valuation is up again, with a single Bitcoin worth US$36,554.10 at writing.

The highly volatile price changes for the cryptocurrency highlight its erratic nature. The price decline also indicates that many crypto investors simply flocked to the stock and pulled out to take out significant profits before Bitcoin corrected itself.

Crypto stocks swing with Bitcoin

Many investors seek to ride the cryptocurrency’s momentum by investing in crypto stocks like HIVE Blockchain Technologies and Hut 8 Mining. Typically, crypto stocks can be safer investments than the digital commodity itself. However, danger lurks, as both crypto stocks are mirroring Bitcoin’s price swings.

Hut 8 posted a 25% decline in one day on January 11, 2021. HIVE also began the year on a good note but declined 17% on the same day Hut 8 declined.

Stable long-term investment

If you are looking to invest in an asset that can provide you with significant returns in the long run, I would strongly advise staying away from Bitcoin and crypto stocks. Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) stock is a picture of long-term reliability and prosperous growth for its investors. There are several reasons why it could be a far better investment for you than Bitcoin.

BMO has long been a staple investment for Canadians who have a long-term investment horizon. It is the oldest Canadian dividend-paying stock with a dividend streak of almost 200 years. It means that the bank has continued paying its shareholders their dividends without fail and provided returns through capital gains over the years.

BMO is a well-diversified bank that has grown its footprint in the United States. The Canadian housing market continues to be a concern for its peers, but BMO’s exposure to the U.S. markets can provide it relative safety.

BMO can take a beating in a volatile market, but it never fails to deliver on its dividends. The stock has a wide financial moat and tangible assets that hold value, even during the worst economic conditions.

Foolish takeaway

Bitcoin is highly volatile. It can make you a millionaire and just as easily sink all your capital. It is a very high-risk investment that I would advise being cautious with if you consider investing in the cryptocurrency. If you have a long-term investment horizon, I advise staying away from Bitcoin.

BMO already has a track record that proves its reliability in the long run. The stock is trading for $101.23 per share at writing, and it pays its shareholders at a juicy 4.19% dividend yield. Investing in the stock can help you leverage the returns from any capital gains as the economy recovers and earn free-flowing cash through its reliable dividends.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »