Bitwise — one of the largest U.S. crypto asset managers — has published its top 10 predictions for 2026, laying out the narratives it thinks could drive the next major phase of the market. The report, posted on Bitwise’s website and amplified via social channels, mixes macro, institutional, and on-chain themes that together point to wider adoption and deeper capital flows — but also to renewed regulatory scrutiny in some areas. Here are Bitwise’s ten forecasts, with what each could mean for investors and the market: 1) Bitcoin breaks its historic four‑year cycle and posts a new all‑time high - Bitwise expects 2026 to mark a structural shift in BTC’s behavior, ending the cadence many traders have relied on and opening a new bull phase. 2) Bitcoin volatility shrinks - With deeper institutional participation, Bitwise predicts BTC volatility could fall — possibly below the levels of some large tech stocks like Nvidia — offering a calmer risk profile for longer‑term holders. 3) ETFs absorb more than 100% of new Bitcoin, ETH and Solana supply - Accelerating institutional demand may mean ETFs buy more of newly mined/issued supply than is produced, tightening available liquidity and supporting prices. 4) Crypto stocks outperform major tech stocks - As Wall Street integrates digital assets, Bitwise expects crypto‑focused equities to outpace broader tech indices. 5) Prediction markets hit record open interest - Mainstream acceptance and regulated platforms could push decentralized prediction market activity to new highs. 6) Stablecoins face increased scrutiny - Regulators may target stablecoins for their macroeconomic effects, particularly in emerging‑market FX regimes — a potential headwind for dollar‑pegged tokens. 7) On‑chain vaults (ETF 2.0) could double AUM - Institutional capital moving on‑chain — via advanced custody and vault products — may significantly expand assets under management in on‑chain structures. 8) ETH and SOL reach new all‑time highs (contingent on regulatory clarity) - Bitwise sees broader upside for smart‑contract platforms if regulators provide clearer pathways for adoption. 9) Half of Ivy League endowments include crypto exposure - More endowments and large institutions may start allocating to digital assets, signaling deeper, long‑term institutional adoption. 10) The U.S. launches 100+ crypto‑linked ETFs - A large proliferation of regulated ETF products could dramatically broaden capital channels into crypto markets. What this means: Bitwise’s roadmap is bullish on structural adoption — ETFs, institutional flows, on‑chain capital, and endowment allocations — but it also flags areas of regulatory risk, especially around stablecoins and tokens that depend on clarity from policymakers. For traders and long‑term investors, the predictions suggest a market evolving from retail‑driven cycles to one increasingly shaped by institutional mechanics and regulation. Bitwise’s list isn’t a guarantee, but it frames the scenarios that could most materially reshape crypto markets by 2026. Expect the coming months to be defined as much by policy and product launches as by price action. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

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