Is Crypto a Good Investment in a Market Pullback?

Bitcoin and crypto stocks like Hut 8 Mining Corp. (TSX:HUT)(NASDAQ:HUT) are worth considering in the face of a market pullback.

| More on:
Diagonal chain made of zeros and ones. Cryptocurrency and mining.

Image source: Getty Images

Global markets were throttled to close out the previous week after the reported emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were not spared from the bloodbath. Fortunately, markets have bounced back to kick off the week as of late-morning trading on November 29. Today, I want to discuss whether cryptos are a good hold in a potentially volatile environment. Let’s dive in.

How did cryptocurrencies perform during the 2020 market pullback?

Bitcoin and its peers were not spared from the market carnage when the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent in the late winter. However, Bitcoin’s slip at the time seems quaint when we consider its price point at the time of this writing. It plunged from over US$8,000 to below the US$5,000 mark during the March 2020 market pullback.

The crypto space would thrive in the year that followed. There has been no shortage of liquidity, as central banks have pursued highly accommodative policy in order to mitigate the impact of pandemic-related disruptions. Oddsmakers now project that central banks will be spurred to move on several rate hikes in 2022 in order to combat runaway inflation.

Are Bitcoin and its peers the new safe haven?

Earlier this month, I’d discussed whether crypto or gold was the better bet ahead of the New Year. Gold soared to record levels of US$2,000/ounce in the first half of 2020, as investors were eager to flock to a safe haven in the early weeks of the pandemic. However, the yellow metal has since retreated below the US$1,800 mark at the time of this writing.

Cryptos have continued to outperform gold in this inflationary environment. The emergence of the Omicron variant may make it difficult for policymakers to pull the trigger on rate hikes in 2022, especially if its spread proves as disruptive as previous waves. Investors should look to target crypto assets in this environment.

Here are some crypto assets to consider in the months ahead

Canada launched the very first Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded fund in February 2021. Purpose Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCC.B) has climbed 64% over the past six months at the time of this writing. However, its shares have dropped 4.5% in the month-over-month period. This allows Canadian investors to seek exposure to Bitcoin in a registered account.

Hut 8 Mining (TSX:HUT)(NASDAQ:HUT) is a Toronto-based cryptocurrency mining company. Shares of this crypto miner have soared 317% in 2021 as of early afternoon trading on November 29. The stock has shot up 747% in the year-over-year period. Meanwhile, it has expanded its Bitcoin held in reserve.

It unveiled its third-quarter 2021 earnings on November 11. The company held a total Bitcoin balance of 4,729 as of September 30, 2021. Hut 8 delivered its third straight quarter of record revenue at $50.3 million. Meanwhile, net income rose to $23.3 million over a loss of $900,000 in the third quarter of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $30.7 million — up from $2.53 million in the previous year.

This crypto stock last had a favourable price-to-earnings ratio of 29. It may be worth jumping on the slight dip it has suffered since early November.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Canadian Dollars
Stock Market

Where to Invest $5,000 in April 2024

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are five companies to invest $5,000 in next month.

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Stocks for Beginners

Up 53% From its 52-Week Low, Is Cargojet Stock Still a Buy?

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) stock is up a whopping 53%, nearing closer to 52-week highs from 52-week lows, so what's next for…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Alamos Gold Jumped 7% on Wednesday

Alamos (TSX:AGI) stock and Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) surged after the companies announced a friendly acquisition for $325 million.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Record-Breaking Rally Could Extend on Thursday, March 28

The main TSX index closed above the 22,000 level for the first time yesterday and remains on track to post…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »