How did Bitcoin do as an investment in 2012?

World Currencies
First, lets check how all currencies did in 2012. Here is a brief summary of the top 10 currencies for the year. As you can see the emerging markets had the highest performing currency. 














http://soberlook.com/2012/12/the-2012-winner-for-best-performing.html

Bitcoin
However, there is one currency or commodity that is missing from this list...namely Bitcoin. Overall, Bitcoin was up remarkably in 2012. It opened the year at $7.00 USD / Bitcoin and currently stands at $ 13.54 USD / Bitcoin. This calculates Bitcoin return at 193.4% YTD.

http://bitcoincharts.com/charts/mtgoxUSD#rg360zigDailyztgCzm1g10zm2g25



Gold
If we compare how a similar commodity like gold performed in 2012, we see the following return on investment. Overall Gold began the year at $1560/oz and currently stands at $1663/oz. This calculates Gold return at 6.6% YTD.

http://www.monex.com/prods/gold_chart.html

Summary
So, does this mean that Bitcoin will continue to appreciate in value for 2013?
It's unclear at this time that will happen, however the future of digital currencies seems bright considering the pending problems with traditional fiat currencies like the US Dollar, who's economy is headed for the "fiscal cliff" with only 3 days remaining in 2012.

Bitcoin Central has received approval from the French banking firms Aqoba and Credit Mutuel to allow it to function as the first Bitcoin centered banking institution. This essentially allows Bitcoin Central all the rights and privileges as a standard banking institution. 

This presents a major milestone for Bitcoin as a legitimate currency and provides national protection from the French government regarding money held at the exchange.

Source Link - BBC News