Macroeconomics Expert Weighs In on Bitcoin’s Role

Well-known macroeconomics expert Lyn Alden remains skeptical about Bitcoin (BTC) serving as a reliable means of exchange.

Alden notes in a recent analysis that while Bitcoin can help individuals facing specific payment challenges, like managing capital, low-volatile stablecoins often provide a short-term fix for those same issues.

“Many prominent Bitcoin advocates encourage holders to spend their BTC. Personally, I don’t see that as a sustainable approach. Spending Bitcoin isn’t a solid practice, especially when you factor in capital gains taxes applicable to transactions and the need for low volatility in short-term spending.”

She believes Bitcoin holds value largely because of the “options” it provides.

“Owning Bitcoin gives people access to a portable store of value that’s still in the adoption phase—it’s liquid and usable. This offers benefits that other assets might not. While it can be used universally, holders often find ways to convert it into local currency or even pay directly with it in certain environments.”