Billionaire investor Jeremy Grantham has voiced strong skepticism regarding cryptocurrencies, labeling Bitcoin as a "useless, speculative mechanism" during an appearance on CNBC's “Squawk Box.” Grantham, co-founder of investment firm GMO, predicted that crypto will eventually fade away "with a whimper."
Grantham pointed to Bitcoin's significant 52% decline from its all-time high of $126,080 in October, despite a strong economic environment and gold's gains during the same period, as evidence of its instability as a store of value. He questioned its utility for serious trades or everyday purchases, suggesting its primary use is for illicit transactions.
While Grantham conceded that blockchain technology could have a transformative future, he explicitly stated his criticisms were directed at Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin has recently traded at $60,529, marking a 17% decrease over the past month. This sentiment echoes recent criticism from billionaire Mark Cuban, who also questioned Bitcoin's role as a store of value and stated he had sold most of his holdings.