In a surprising turn for the crypto world, a recent tweet from Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots Podcast, highlights Bitcoin's underperformance compared to US Treasuries this year. The chart shared shows Bitcoin (often ticker XBT) normalized against the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT), revealing that as of early November 2025, Bitcoin has dipped below the safe-haven asset in terms of returns.

Understanding the Chart

The yellow line represents Bitcoin's price trajectory, starting strong but facing volatility and a downward trend later in the year. In contrast, the white line for US Treasuries shows a steadier path, ending higher relative to the starting point. US Treasuries are essentially government bonds—loans to the US government that pay interest over time. They're seen as low-risk investments, especially the long-term ones like those in TLT, which tracks bonds maturing in 20 years or more.

This comparison is normalized to December 31, 2024, meaning both start at the same baseline to show percentage changes fairly. For crypto enthusiasts, this is a stark reminder that even Bitcoin, often called "digital gold," isn't immune to market shifts.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

At Meme Insider, we focus on meme tokens—those fun, community-driven cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin or newer entrants inspired by internet culture. While Bitcoin is the big brother of crypto, its performance often sets the tone for the entire market, including memes.

If Bitcoin is lagging behind boring old Treasuries, it could signal broader caution in risk assets. Meme tokens, being even more volatile, might amplify this trend. Investors chasing high returns in memes could face steeper losses if sentiment turns sour. On the flip side, this might push innovation in the meme space, with projects emphasizing utility or community strength to stand out.

Reactions from the Community

The tweet sparked lively replies on X (formerly Twitter). One user joked about Bitcoin achieving "reserve currency status," poking fun at its stability—or lack thereof. Another highlighted the sloppiness of Bitcoin's chart compared to Treasuries, while others called for longer-term comparisons, noting Bitcoin's historical outperformance over five years.

These responses underscore the divide: traditional finance folks see this as validation for safe assets, while crypto die-hards view it as a temporary blip.

Broader Crypto Implications

This development comes amid ongoing debates about crypto's role in portfolios. With interest rates fluctuating and economic uncertainty, Treasuries have regained appeal. For blockchain practitioners, it's a cue to diversify—perhaps blending meme token plays with more stable crypto strategies.

If you're diving into meme tokens, tools like on-chain analytics can help spot trends early. Remember, while memes offer excitement, they're high-risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consider the bigger picture, like this Bitcoin-Treasury dynamic.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on how traditional finance intersects with the wild world of memes. What's your take on Bitcoin's 2025 slump? Share in the comments below!