Architectural Cases

In a recent declaration, renowned economist Peter Schiff has reiterated his long-standing skepticism towards Bitcoin, advising its current holders to divest their digital assets, which he provocatively labels 'fool's gold,' and instead channel their investments into the tangible allure of silver. This counsel comes on the heels of a notable upswing in Bitcoin's valuation, a rebound Schiff views as an opportune moment for exit. His recommendation is underscored by silver's remarkable market performance, which has recently achieved an unprecedented peak, starkly contrasting with Bitcoin's substantial depreciation of over half its value when measured against the lustrous precious metal over the preceding year.

Economist Peter Schiff Champions Silver Over Bitcoin Following Price Dynamics

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Peter Schiff, a prominent economist and fervent proponent of tangible assets, renewed his critique of Bitcoin, urging investors to capitalize on a recent rally by converting their Bitcoin holdings into silver. His advice came after silver surpassed the $60 per ounce mark, reaching a new all-time high with an impressive almost 5% intraday surge. Schiff, using his platform on X (formerly Twitter), proudly noted that silver's ascent aligned with his predictions, stating that once it breached the $50 long-term resistance level, it was destined for a significant rally. In a direct challenge to Bitcoin enthusiasts, he mockingly suggested that Bitcoin's modest 2% rally presented a 'good opportunity to unload some fool's gold and buy silver!'

The financial narrative of the past month has seen a compelling divergence between these two assets. Bitcoin has experienced a decline of over 12%, whereas spot silver has surged by 21% within the same timeframe. However, a broader five-year perspective reveals Bitcoin's substantial lead, with its value appreciating fivefold compared to silver's 155% gain. This nuanced performance history sets the stage for ongoing debate between cryptocurrency and precious metal advocates.

A more detailed comparison over the past year highlights a significant shift in Bitcoin's purchasing power relative to silver. A year ago, one Bitcoin could acquire approximately 3,030 ounces of silver; today, that figure has drastically fallen to 1,508.01 ounces, marking a more than 50% reduction in Bitcoin's value against silver, even as its dollar value only decreased by 5.5%. This dramatic shift positions silver as a top-performing asset not only against Bitcoin but also against a spectrum of major asset classes throughout the current year. This includes traditional stalwarts like gold, the S&P 500 (represented by Vanguard’s S&P 500 ETF), the Nasdaq-100 (via Invesco QQQ), and long-term bonds (tracked by the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF).

Schiff's persistent criticism of Bitcoin continues to frame the cryptocurrency as an asset devoid of intrinsic utility, relying solely on collective belief for its value. Last month, he further elaborated on this view, suggesting that Bitcoin's market behavior was becoming a 'mirror image' of silver's, implying an inverse relationship where silver's gains often coincide with Bitcoin's downturns. Despite Schiff's steadfast opposition, figures like Binance founder Changpeng Zhao have speculated that Schiff might be closer to acknowledging Bitcoin's inherent potential than he lets on, suggesting a certain stubbornness in his stance.

The ongoing discourse between economists like Peter Schiff and the cryptocurrency community highlights a fundamental ideological divide in investment philosophy. While Schiff advocates for the enduring value of precious metals, rooted in centuries of economic history, the digital asset proponents argue for the innovative and transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. This debate not only shapes individual investment strategies but also reflects broader societal questions about the nature of value, currency, and the future of finance. As both traditional and digital markets continue to evolve, understanding these contrasting perspectives becomes crucial for investors navigating the complex landscape of global economics.

SpaceX, the groundbreaking space enterprise helmed by Elon Musk, is reportedly on the cusp of a monumental initial public offering in 2026. Projections indicate a staggering valuation of $1.5 trillion, positioning the company to potentially eclipse even Tesla's market capitalization. This eagerly anticipated event has sparked considerable interest among investors seeking to engage with the burgeoning space sector. While direct investment in SpaceX remains unavailable to the public at present, there are several indirect routes for keen investors to gain exposure to the company's future growth.

SpaceX's Impending Market Debut and Pre-IPO Investment Options

As the year 2026 approaches, discussions surrounding SpaceX's potential IPO are intensifying. Despite recent clarifications from CEO Elon Musk regarding immediate fundraising, the prospect of a public offering within the next two years continues to gain traction. A recent report by Bloomberg highlighted that SpaceX is contemplating an offering exceeding $30 billion, which would set a new record, surpassing the $29 billion achieved by Saudi Aramco in 2019. This potential IPO could see SpaceX valued at an astounding $1.5 trillion, solidifying its position as one of the world's most valuable entities.

Musk attributes the company's increasing valuation to the significant advancements in its Starship and Starlink projects. He has also indicated that SpaceX has been cash-flow positive for several years, facilitating semi-annual stock buybacks to offer liquidity to its employees and early investors. Current secondary offerings by employees reflect a company valuation of approximately $800 billion. The Bloomberg report further suggests that the IPO, although potentially subject to delays until 2027, is bolstered by Starlink's robust performance, with an estimated revenue of $15 billion in 2025 and $22 billion to $24 billion in 2026, primarily driven by Starlink operations. Proceeds from the IPO could be allocated towards developing space-based data centers.

For those eager to invest in SpaceX before its public listing, several indirect pathways exist. Notably, Alphabet Inc, the tech giant, made a substantial $900 million investment in SpaceX in 2015 when the latter was valued at around $12 billion. Alphabet's reported 7% ownership, despite being a small fraction of its overall business, could be worth over $100 billion. Similarly, Bank of America Corp invested $250 million in 2018 when SpaceX was valued at approximately $30 billion, representing a potentially lucrative stake for the bank. More recently, EchoStar Corp struck a deal to sell spectrum licenses to SpaceX, receiving $8.5 billion in cash and an equivalent amount in SpaceX stock. This transaction, made when SpaceX was valued at $400 billion, means EchoStar's stake could now be worth over $32 billion, significantly impacting its market capitalization.

Additionally, specialized investment funds offer exposure to SpaceX. The Destiny Tech 100 Inc fund lists SpaceX as its largest holding, accounting for 23.3% of its portfolio, primarily through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The ERShares Private-Public Crossover ETF also provides indirect exposure, with SpaceX being its third-largest holding at 5.28% of assets, also via SPV investments. Furthermore, the Ark Venture Fund, accessible to retail investors through platforms like SoFi, holds a stake in SpaceX, as do some Fidelity mutual funds.

Reflections on the Future of Space Investment

The impending IPO of SpaceX marks a pivotal moment for the space industry and the broader investment landscape. It underscores the growing maturity and commercial viability of space exploration and related technologies. For investors, the opportunity to participate, even indirectly, in a company of SpaceX's caliber presents a chance to be part of a transformative era. While Elon Musk has previously expressed a preference for offering investment opportunities in Starlink to Tesla shareholders, the exact details of the IPO will shape how these preferences are implemented. A successful and highly sought-after SpaceX IPO could generate a ripple effect, boosting the entire space sector and drawing attention to companies like Rocket Lab Corp, a close public competitor, and space-focused ETFs such as the Procure Space ETF and Ark Space & Defense Innovation ETF. This development highlights the increasing integration of space ventures into mainstream finance and the potential for significant returns for forward-thinking investors.