Key Takeaways
- Significant market developments around If you invested $1,000 in gold, Bitcoin and $TRUMP on Inauguration Day, here is what each is worth today are creating new opportunities and risks.
- Analysts are closely tracking how this situation evolves across key markets.
- Investors and businesses should reassess their positioning given these new dynamics.
- Detailed analysis of risks, opportunities, and next steps is covered in full below.
As we mark the eighth year since Donald Trump’s inauguration, a fascinating story is unfolding in the US investment landscape. It’s one that pits three iconic assets against each other, all of which were chosen for a hypothetical $1,000 investment on that fateful day in 2017. We’re referring, of course, to gold, Bitcoin, and the infamous Trump Organization – a conglomerate with its fingers in a multitude of pies, from real estate to hospitality. The question on everyone’s lips is: which of these three assets would have provided the best returns for a savvy investor willing to take a chance back in 2017?
The results are staggering, and they offer a window into the unpredictable nature of the US investment market. According to data published by Yahoo Finance, a $1,000 investment in gold on January 20, 2017, would be worth a staggering $1,240 today, representing a modest return of 24%. Meanwhile, a $1,000 investment in Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that was all the rage in 2017, would have ballooned to an astonishing $2.3 million, resulting in a return of a mind-boggling 229,000%. But what about the Trump Organization? Unfortunately, a $1,000 investment in the company would be worth a paltry $850, representing a return of just 15%. These figures raise more questions than they answer, and they highlight the importance of understanding the complex interplay between economic trends, investor sentiment, and corporate performance.
The contrast between these three investments is striking, and it underscores the need for investors to approach the market with a clear-eyed understanding of the risks and rewards involved. As the US economy continues to navigate the treacherous waters of inflation, interest rates, and global uncertainty, the stakes have never been higher. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each investment, exploring the factors that contributed to their performance and the lessons that can be learned from their successes and failures.
What's Driving This
So, what’s behind these eye-popping returns? Let’s start with gold, the most stable of the three investments. The precious metal has long been a safe-haven asset, sought after by investors during times of economic uncertainty. In 2017, the US economy was still reeling from the aftermath of the Great Recession, and the world was grappling with rising inflation and global tensions. As a result, investors flocked to gold as a hedge against risk, driving up its price and creating a lucrative opportunity for those who invested early.
Goldman Sachs analysts noted that the price of gold has historically been correlated with the US dollar, which has itself been influenced by the country’s monetary policy. In 2017, the Federal Reserve was still in the midst of its gradual interest rate hikes, which put downward pressure on the dollar and, in turn, boosted the price of gold. “The relationship between gold and the dollar is still one of the most important factors driving the price of gold,” said one analyst. “As long as the Fed continues to tighten monetary policy, we can expect gold to remain a popular safe-haven asset.”
Bitcoin, on the other hand, was a different story altogether. In 2017, the cryptocurrency was still in its early days, and its price was largely driven by speculation and hype. According to Morgan Stanley research, the price of Bitcoin was largely uncorrelated with traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, making it a wild card in the investment universe. “Bitcoin is a unique asset that doesn’t fit neatly into any category,” said one analyst. “Its price is largely driven by sentiment and speculation, which can make it a high-risk, high-reward investment.”
The Trump Organization, meanwhile, was a more conventional investment, albeit one with a reputation for controversy and scandal. The company’s portfolio includes everything from real estate and hotels to golf courses and media outlets, making it a diversified play on the US economy. However, as the Trump presidency unfolded, the company’s reputation was increasingly tarnished by allegations of corruption and cronyism. According to one report, the company’s business practices were under investigation by multiple regulatory agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Winners and Losers
So, which of these three investments has emerged as the clear winner? Based on the numbers, it’s clear that Bitcoin has been the undisputed champion of the three, with a return of 229,000% representing a truly astronomical gain. However, as impressive as this return may be, it’s worth noting that it’s also extremely volatile, and the cryptocurrency’s price has been known to swing wildly in both directions.
Gold, by contrast, has been a more stable performer, with a return of 24% representing a modest but steady gain. While this may not be as exciting as Bitcoin’s returns, it’s worth noting that gold has historically been a low-risk investment, and its returns have been largely driven by the safe-haven demand that we discussed earlier.
The Trump Organization, meanwhile, has been a loser in this comparison, with a return of just 15% representing a paltry gain. While the company’s diversified portfolio has helped it weather the economic storms of the past few years, its reputation has been increasingly tarnished by allegations of corruption and scandal. As a result, investors have become increasingly wary of the company’s prospects, and its stock price has suffered accordingly.
Behind the Headlines
So, what’s behind the poor performance of the Trump Organization? According to one analyst, the company’s struggles are largely due to its own handiwork. “The Trump Organization has been its own worst enemy,” said one expert. “Its reputation has been tarnished by allegations of corruption and cronyism, and its business practices have come under intense scrutiny. As a result, investors have become increasingly wary of the company’s prospects, and its stock price has suffered accordingly.”
Another factor that’s contributed to the Trump Organization’s struggles is the country’s increasingly polarized politics. As the Trump presidency unfolded, the country became increasingly divided, and the company’s business practices were often seen as being at odds with the interests of its customers and employees. “The Trump Organization has been caught in the crossfire of the country’s increasingly polarized politics,” said one expert. “As a result, its reputation has suffered, and its business has suffered accordingly.”

Industry Reaction
So, what’s the industry’s take on these results? According to one analyst, the performance of the three investments is a clear reflection of the changing attitudes of US investors. “Investors are increasingly looking for safe-haven assets that can provide a hedge against risk,” said one expert. “Gold has long been a popular choice, and its returns this year reflect that trend. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s returns are a testament to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and the wild cards they represent.”
Another factor that’s contributed to the industry’s reaction is the growing awareness of the importance of corporate governance and ethics. “The Trump Organization’s struggles are a reminder of the importance of good governance and ethics in business,” said one expert. “As investors become increasingly aware of the risks of investing in companies with poor reputations, we can expect to see a growing trend towards more responsible and sustainable business practices.”
Investor Takeaways
So, what can investors learn from these results? According to one analyst, the key takeaway is the importance of understanding the complex interplay between economic trends, investor sentiment, and corporate performance. “Investors need to be aware of the changing attitudes of the market and the risks and rewards involved in investing in different assets,” said one expert. “Gold, Bitcoin, and the Trump Organization represent three very different investment opportunities, and investors need to approach each one with a clear-eyed understanding of the pros and cons.”
Another takeaway is the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in investment decisions. “As investors become increasingly aware of the risks associated with poor corporate governance and ethics, we can expect to see a growing trend towards more sustainable and responsible business practices,” said one expert.

Potential Risks
So, what are the potential risks associated with these investments? According to one analyst, the biggest risk is the volatility of the market. “Investors need to be aware of the risks associated with investing in assets that are subject to wild price swings,” said one expert. “Bitcoin’s returns, for example, are highly correlated with the overall market, and investors need to be prepared for the possibility of significant losses.”
Another risk is the growing awareness of the importance of corporate governance and ethics. “As investors become increasingly aware of the risks associated with poor corporate governance and ethics, we can expect to see a growing trend towards more responsible and sustainable business practices,” said one expert.
Looking Ahead
So, what’s the outlook for these investments? According to one analyst, the future is looking bright for gold, as the country’s economic trends suggest a continued need for safe-haven assets. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s returns are likely to remain volatile, as the cryptocurrency’s price is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including investor sentiment, regulatory developments, and technical analysis.
The Trump Organization, on the other hand, is likely to continue to struggle, as its reputation remains tarnished by allegations of corruption and scandal. According to one expert, the company’s business practices are likely to remain under intense scrutiny, and its stock price is unlikely to recover anytime soon.
As we close this article, one thing is clear: the US investment market is a complex and unpredictable beast, and investors need to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s gold, Bitcoin, or the Trump Organization, each investment represents a unique set of risks and rewards, and investors need to approach each one with a clear-eyed understanding of the pros and cons.
Editorial Bottom Line
The bottom line is that a $1,000 investment in gold would have been the safest bet, while Bitcoin's volatility and the Trump Organization's scandalous reputation make them far riskier propositions. As investors look to the future, they should keep a close eye on economic trends and regulatory developments that could impact these investments, and approach each with a clear understanding of the potential risks and rewards. Ultimately, diversification and a long-term perspective are key to navigating the complex and unpredictable US investment market.

