Is bitcoin really an inflation hedge? Experts say there’s little proof

The article argues that bitcoin is not a reliable inflation hedge despite renewed interest from rising 2026 inflation. Finance professors and investment advisers cited in the piece say there is little empirical evidence that crypto protects purchasing power, calling bitcoin a speculative asset rather than a store of value. The story notes bitcoin’s sharp volatility: it traded around $62,800 on June 18, 2026 after peaking above $124,000 in August 2025 and near $126,000 in October 2025, implying roughly a 50% decline in less than a year. While some bitcoin advocates still believe fixed supply makes it an eventual hedge, the article contrasts that view with safer alternatives such as I Bonds and common stocks/real estate. Market impact is largely sentiment-driven: the piece is bearish on the inflation-hedge narrative and reinforces the view that bitcoin remains high-risk and highly sensitive to macro conditions and liquidity.