Swan Signal Live - A Bitcoin Show Why Bitcoin Went Sideways in 2025: ETF Flows, Gold Outperformance, and the Patience Edge
Dec 20, 2025
Brady and John explore the sluggish performance of Bitcoin in 2025, highlighting a 'crab market' and examining why public expectations are often misaligned. They dive into the roots of the HODL meme and how it underscores the need for long-term investment discipline. The discussion turns to Bitcoin's relationship with gold, ETF flows, and why patience is a key edge for investors. They also critique the push for universal stock ownership and analyze current fiscal deficits and market dynamics, bringing a mix of humor and insights throughout.
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2025 Became A Crab Market
- 2025 felt set up for a big Bitcoin rally but instead became a sideways “crab market” around the high-$80Ks.
- The ETF launches and pro-Bitcoin politics didn't translate into rapid price adoption this year.
Origin Of The HODL Meme
- The HODL meme began from a drunk forum post in December 2013 that mistakenly typed "hodling."
- That accidental post became a lasting cultural badge for long-term Bitcoin holders.
Changing Your Mind Is A Strength
- Michael Saylor's 2013 tweet "Bitcoin's days are numbered" is now a teaching moment about changing views.
- Willingness to update on evidence is a hallmark of smart investors, John says.