top of page

Asia’s Wealthy Shift from US Dollar to Crypto, Gold, and China: UBS Report (2025)

  • Writer: Sammy Salmela
    Sammy Salmela
  • May 14
  • 3 min read

Asian investors shifting to crypto and gold in 2025

Date: 14 May 2025

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Source: Cointelegraph


Introduction

Asia's high net worth investors are rapidly diversifying away from the US dollar. According to UBS Group, a growing number are turning to gold, cryptocurrencies, and Chinese assets in search of resilience and opportunity. With rising global tensions and volatility, this pivot signals a broader realignment of capital.

This move isn't just about strategy it reflects a deeper shift in wealth preservation, confidence, and the future of money itself.


Why Are Asia’s Rich Abandoning the Dollar?

UBS's Amy Lo, speaking at Bloomberg’s New Voices event in Hong Kong, described the trend:

“Volatility is definitely here to stay… Gold is getting very popular.”

Several key factors are driving this shift:

  • Geopolitical risk and a shaky global outlook.

  • Reduced confidence in dollar-backed assets.

  • Interest in alternative stores of value, including Bitcoin and commodities.

  • Renewed interest in China, especially as its markets begin to rebound.


China Back in Focus

After years of limited investor enthusiasm, China is now regaining attention from Asia’s ultra-wealthy. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index has become one of 2024’s top-performing indices, boosting confidence in Chinese equities.Morgan Stanley’s Christina Au-Yeung confirmed the trend:

“We are seeing an emergence of really interesting themes coming back out in China.”

The US-China tariff truce, announced on May 11, has added fuel to this optimism. With tariff cuts on both sides (from 145% to 30% on US imports and 125% to 10% on Chinese goods), the economic outlook has become more collaborative.


The Rise of Crypto and Gold

Gold is a traditional safe haven, but Bitcoin is joining that club.Galaxy Digital’s analysts describe Bitcoin as a “mature digital store of value,” while BlackRock's Jay Jacobs points out that even governments are diversifying into digital assets.

Bitcoin's growing role:

  • ETF interest is surging.

  • Institutional and sovereign demand is rising.

  • Seen as a hedge against inflation and political instability.


What Portfolio Shifts Are Wealth Managers Recommending?

Morgan Stanley advises a more balanced and risk-aware allocation:

  • 40% Fixed income

  • 40% Equities

  • 15% Alternatives (crypto, gold, private equity)

  • 5% Cash or equivalents

This is a marked move away from the dollar heavy models of the past.


AI Sentiment Analysis

  • Sentiment Score: 0.84

  • Financial Sentiment: 2.15 (Very Positive)

  • Polarity Score: 0.103 (Positive)

  • Subjectivity Score: 0.39 (Fairly Objective)


Interpretation: The overall mood is strongly bullish on alternative investments and indicates declining confidence in US-centric financial systems, with Bitcoin and China as rising themes.


Read More


We’re getting very close to launching our new service designed to help you navigate both the crypto and stock markets with smarter, data driven insights.

Stay ahead: register today at hikarinova.com and be among the first to experience our launch!


Curious to see what’s coming?

Take a look at our free example trading signal here: signal.hikarinova.com  it's a great way to get a feel for our methods. (Naturally, our premium signals deliver even stronger results!)


Explore additional articles at hikarinova.com/blog and try our updated sentiment analysis tool for free at scorednews.com.​

 

Disclaimer

This article was generated using AI and reviewed for accuracy. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a professional before making investment decisions.

Comments

bottom of page