BTC is fairly analogous to gold. no intrinsic value, proof of work, gradual supply, but limited total amount. however BTC has several advantages: instant transfer, doesn't need expensive physical storage, decentralised, anonymous, and the blockchain provides an indisputable ledger.

i was the same as many people here - bitcoin seemed like a nonsense, but when you start looking at it as a replacement for gold, it's difficult to fault it. i really feel like it's inevitable that it replaces gold as a store of wealth in the long term.

comparing it to shares is not the way to look at it (although i don't think share prices is always based on tangible fundamentals)