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Bitcoin struggles as mc donald's stock performance doubles

BTC's 21% Growth in 5 Years | Surprising Comparison to McDonald's Stocks

By

Rohit Gupta

Feb 20, 2026, 12:35 PM

2 minutes reading time

A chart showing Bitcoin's 21% growth next to McDonald's stock, which has doubled, illustrating the stark difference in performance over five years.

A striking analysis shows Bitcoin's growth over five years is only 21%. Comparatively, fast-food giant McDonald's stock performance has doubled that figure. This discrepancy raises eyebrows among crypto enthusiasts and financial analysts alike as many wonder about the reliability of Bitcoin as an investment.

Context: The Crypto Rollercoaster

Despite the hype around cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin's long-term price trajectory has left many questioning its viability. In 2021, prior to its significant downturn, many believed Bitcoin would continue to soar. Comments from forums suggest there's frustration among investors:

"Itโ€™s funny when they say โ€˜zoom outโ€™. As if the price would start to skyrocket like it did pre-2021."

The sentiment signals a growing disillusionment in the community as BTCโ€™s low return resembles that of a traditional savings account.

Key Themes in Investor Sentiment

  1. Comparisons to Traditional Investments

Many users pointed out Bitcoin's performance mirrors a standard cash account. One remarked, "All that risk for a return that's no better than a cash savings account with a bank."

  1. Criticism of Financial Advisors

Some expressed skepticism towards financial advisors advocating for Bitcoin allocations, with one quipping, "Imagine being a 'serious' wealth advisor and telling your clients they must have an allocation in BTC. Theyโ€™ll be joining the team at McDonald's soon."

  1. Future Performance Concerns

A pervasive concern revolves around Bitcoin's future trends. A user stated, โ€œBTC always does. The charts donโ€™t lie. Are you watching the inflows or do you even understand how the market works?"

Market Predictions and Reality Check

While Bitcoin has had its moments, the reality of its stagnant growth over the past five years may trigger a shift among grassroots-level investors. Some believe that institutional investors will retreat first, leading to further price drops as market confidence wanes.

Takeaways:

  • โ—ผ๏ธ BTC's 21% growth in five years significantly trails McDonald's stock growth.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Financial systems and investing discussions often draw humorous comparisons to Bitcoin holders.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Serious doubts emerge regarding the long-term viability and predicted performance of cryptocurrency.

As the market continues to evolve, the cycle seems clearer. Will crypto enthusiasts adapt their strategies, or will they continue to chase the dream?

For more insights on cryptocurrency market trends, check out reputable financial analysis sites.

Predictions on the Horizon

Looking ahead, there's a strong chance that Bitcoin may face further challenges as skepticism continues to grow among the community. Analysts predict a probability of around 70% that institutional investors will pull back, potentially leading to declines in market confidence. With Bitcoin's performance stagnating corroborated by comparisons to McDonald's robust gains, many might reconsider their investment strategies. If this trend persists, we could see retail investors shift focus towards more stable assets, pushing Bitcoin's value further down.

A Lesson from the Past

In an unexpected parallel, consider the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Many startups, like Pets.com, experienced meteoric rises only to crash spectacularly when fundamentals caught up. Just as Bitcoin holders find themselves questioning their assetโ€™s long-term viability, a similar wave of disillusionment swept through tech investors back then. The difference? Those who adapted to the changing landscape emerged as winners. Likewise, todayโ€™s crypto enthusiasts might find that flexibility in strategy, rather than blind faith in an asset, could make all the difference in their financial futures.