{"id":14434,"date":"2025-07-27T08:04:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T06:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/?p=14434"},"modified":"2025-07-27T08:04:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T06:04:34","slug":"bitcoin-poised-for-growth-predictions-point-to-a-strong-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/27\/bitcoin-poised-for-growth-predictions-point-to-a-strong-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Bitcoin Poised for Growth: Predictions Point to a Strong 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

“`html
\n<\/p>\n

\n

The value of Bitcoin could experience notable growth in 2026, defying the conventional four-year market cycle, as per Bitwise\u2019s chief investment officer Matt Hougan.<\/p>\n

This forecast emerges as various analysts are split on whether Bitcoin (BTC<\/a>) will deviate from its past trends or adhere to the conventional halving cycle and reach its peak in the upcoming months.<\/p>\n

Hougan states Bitcoin could have a \u201cpromising few years\u201d<\/h2>\n

\u201cI predict that 2026 will be a positive year,\u201d Hougan remarked<\/a> in a video on X on Friday. \u201cI generally believe we are in for a promising few years,\u201d Hougan added<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hougan mentioned that the four-year halving cycle \u201cis no longer relevant\u201d for several reasons, including that the significance of Bitcoin halving diminishes \u201chalf as much\u201d every four years, and that the interest rate cycle is favorable for cryptocurrency. Since April, US President Donald Trump has been urging<\/a> Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, which could act as a positive catalyst for Bitcoin, as decreasing rates render traditional investments like bonds and fixed deposits less attractive to investors.<\/p>\n

Matt Hougan discussed with James Seyffart and Kyle Chass\u00e9 on Friday. Source: <\/em>Kyle Chass\u00e9<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hougan also noted that the likelihood of substantial price declines has diminished as the sector gains increased clarity on regulations. \u201cThe risk of failure is lessened, due to better regulations and the institutionalization of the industry,\u201d Hougan explained.<\/p>\n

He stated that given the ongoing regulatory developments and the nascent stage of institutional uptake, Bitcoin likely possesses greater upside potential in this cycle than past trends indicate:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe long-term pro-crypto influences will surpass the traditional ‘four-year cycle’ influences, should they exist, and that 2026 will indeed be a positive year.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hougan expressed that the most crucial \u201ccyclical-style risk\u201d for Bitcoin is the emergence of Bitcoin treasury firms. \u201cIt warrants observation and is significant,\u201d Hougan commented.<\/p>\n

\"Cryptocurrencies,
Bitcoin is priced at $118,169 at the time of publication, reflecting a 10.17% increase over the previous 30 days. Source: <\/em>Nansen<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Asset management firm VanEck recently voiced similar concerns, cautioning that corporations accumulating Bitcoin by issuing new stock or incurring debt are especially susceptible.<\/p>\n

VanEck indicated these companies could be overstretched if Bitcoin’s value drops sharply<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bitcoin more prone to a \u201csteady sustained rise\u201d<\/h2>\n

Nonetheless, Hougan anticipated that Bitcoin’s price surge will be gradual rather than rapid in the short term. \u201cI believe it\u2019s more a \u201csteady sustained rise\u201d than a super-cycle,\u201d he mentioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be mistaken, and I acknowledge there will be considerable volatility,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

This statement follows closely after CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju declared that the Bitcoin four-year cycle theory \u201cis no longer valid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong><\/em> Bitcoin bulls assert control as BTC price climbs to $118K<\/strong><\/em><\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMy forecasts were based on it \u2014 buy when big holders accumulate, sell when retail enters. However, that pattern no longer persists,\u201d Ju observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the last cycle, big holders sold to retail. This time, older whales will sell to newer long-term whales. Institutional acceptance is more significant than we previously believed,\u201d Ju added.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, not everyone agrees that the pattern has altered. Crypto analyst Rekt Capital recently warned that Bitcoin might only have a brief period<\/a> of price growth remaining in the cycle, particularly if it adheres to the same historical trajectory from 2020.<\/p>\n

Rekt explained that if the Bitcoin cycle mirrors the 2020 trend, the market will likely peak in October, which is 550 days post the Bitcoin halving in April 2024.<\/p>\n

Magazine: <\/strong><\/em>Robinhood\u2019s tokenized stocks have provoked a legal storm<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n