Crypto Analysts Predict Volatile 2026 with No Crypto Winter, Bitcoin Set for New Highs
Analysts broadly expect no crypto winter in 2026, anticipating short-term volatility and Bitcoin likely to reach a new all-time high in the first half of the year. Bitcoin's most recent all-time high was about $126,000 in early October, although the price has since declined. Greg Magadini of Amberdata foresees a volatile 2026, with Bitcoin potentially dropping below $67,000 early in the year before rallying to a new high near $150,000–$200,000.
Zach Pandl of Grayscale attributes the bull case to two intra-industry trends: growing demand for alternative stores of value and regulatory moves accelerating crypto’s integration with the traditional economy. He notes that altcoins and Ethereum are more dependent on regulatory developments. The fate of the U.S. crypto market structure bill is pivotal; its passage could bolster altcoins and Ethereum, while failure might lead to a tougher year for them compared to Bitcoin.
The 2025 bull run benefited from favorable regulatory outcomes, making the 2026 outlook contingent on regulatory progress and market-structure legislation. This analysis is part of Decrypt’s Crypto Crystal Ball 2026 series evaluating whether 2026 will be a crypto winter and how regulation may shape markets.
